Fried Red Potatoes

It turns out it takes just six ingredients to make an absolutely delicious side dish, and one of those ingredients is the oil you’ll be cooking these pan-fried red potatoes in. A delightful accompaniment to a breakfast of eggs and bacon, and also welcome with burgers or hotdogs later in the day, these red potato home fries will be a favorite, even with picky eaters.

These diner-style skillet red potatoes only take about 25 minutes from start to finish, and they’re easy to make, even if you don’t consider yourself a master chef. Once you’ve tried the recipe, you can add your own spin on the spice and herb flavor profile, such as making things spicy or salting them up.

Ingredients for Fried Red Potatoes

• Canola oil: You don’t have to use canola oil specifically, but an oil with a neutral flavor profile is ideal here.
• Medium red potatoes: Make sure you precook the potatoes by parboiling them in salty water. Then cut them into 1/2-inch chunks.
• Dried parsley flakes: The use of dried ingredients, like the parsley flakes, means you’ll always have the necessary herbs and spices on hand.
• Garlic powder: You’ll use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, depending on how you feel about the flavor of garlic.
• Onion powder: Same story with the onion powder—you can use up to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Paprika: And, as it happens, the same is true with the paprika as well. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in this dish.

Directions

Step 1: Fry the potatoes

ERIC KLEINBERG FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook them for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add the seasonings

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Stir in the dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika, then cook and stir until the potatoes are browned and tender, about five minutes longer.

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Fried Red Potato Variations

• Use a different potato: Other common potatoes used for frying in a pan are Russet, fingerling and Yukon Gold.
• Spice things up: Add 1/2 teaspoon or so of cayenne pepper to the mix to give these potatoes some heat. Or stick with black pepper if you don’t want that much spice.
• Add bell peppers and onions: Adding chopped peppers and onions when you put the potatoes in the pan will yield a wonderfully savory and flavorful taste.

How to Store Fried Red Potatoes

You can store leftover skillet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. They’re best when reheated in the pan with oil and a splash of broth.

Fried Red Potato Tips

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Should you boil the potatoes before frying them?

Yes, you should boil these potatoes before frying them. You can boil cut potatoes or microwave whole potatoes just until they’re slightly tender. They’ll then finish cooking in the skillet.

How do you keep fried potatoes crispy?

To get fried potatoes crispy, make sure you’re adding them to a hot skillet with hot oil. That way, they immediately start browning and aren’t soaking up the oil and getting mushy. Also, don’t cover the potatoes while they’re cooking. That will cause steam to build up in the skillet, and the potatoes will become soggy.

Should you salt potatoes before frying?

You should salt potatoes once they’re in the skillet and cooking. If you’re boiling your potatoes before frying them, add salt to the water so the potatoes absorb the flavor.