Pan-Fried Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these simple pan-fried potatoes are the perfect side dish for breakfast or dinner. Seasoned with garlic and paprika, they're a family favorite ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Par-Boil Potatoes
- b.Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra fiber and texture. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- c.Place the potato cubes in a large pot. Add 8 cups of cold water and 1 tablespoon of salt, ensuring the potatoes are covered by at least an inch of water.
- d.Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
- e.Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. A fork should pierce them with slight resistance; do not let them become mushy.
- f.Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 3-5 minutes to steam dry. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry for a Golden Crust
- b.Heat the olive oil and butter in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is fully melted and the foam subsides.
- c.Carefully add the dry, par-boiled potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- d.Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. This allows a deep golden-brown crust to form on the bottom.
- e.Use a spatula to flip the potatoes. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are crispy and golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper evenly over the potatoes.
- c.Gently toss for about 1 minute to coat the potatoes in the spices and allow them to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic powder.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip the par-boiling step; it's the key to a fluffy interior and helps the potatoes cook evenly.
- 2Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the hot oil. Wet potatoes will steam instead of fry and can cause the oil to splatter.
- 3Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding. Giving the potatoes space ensures they fry and get crispy rather than steam.
- 4A cast-iron skillet provides the best heat retention and distribution, resulting in an excellent crust.
- 5Add the spices at the very end of cooking to prevent them from burning and becoming bitter.
- 6For extra flavor, add sliced onions or bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes before adding the potatoes.
- 7Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herby Potatoes
Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the skillet along with the butter and oil to infuse them with herbal flavor.
Spicy PotatoesSpicy Potatoes
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices for a spicy kick.
Loaded Skillet PotatoesLoaded Skillet Potatoes
After seasoning, top the potatoes with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon bits. Cover the skillet for a minute to melt the cheese, then serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Cheesy Garlic PotatoesCheesy Garlic Potatoes
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese is melted and fragrant.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Potassium
Potatoes are rich in potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.
Provides Vitamin C
A serving of potatoes offers a significant amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
The complex carbohydrates in potatoes provide a steady source of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling side dish.
Good Source of Fiber
When cooked with the skin on, potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of about 1 cup contains approximately 250-300 calories, primarily from the carbohydrates in the potatoes and the fats used for frying.