If you’re searching for a comforting side dish that’s both simple and delicious, look no further than pan fried potatoes. This golden, crispy dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The beauty of pan fried potatoes lies in their versatility and the ease with which you can whip them up in your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a savory and satisfying dish that pairs well with almost anything. Let’s dive into the reasons you’ll love these crispy delights, how to make them, and tips for success.

Reasons to Love Pan Fried Potatoes

There are countless reasons to adore pan fried potatoes. Here are just a few:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, these potatoes come together in a flash.
Flavorful: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary infuses these potatoes with a delightful aroma.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make this dish your own.
Crispy Texture: The pan frying technique ensures that each cube gets a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
Perfectly Versatile: Serve them alongside eggs for breakfast, as a side with grilled meats, or toss them into salads for added texture.

Ingredient List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best pan fried potatoes. Here’s what you will need:

4 russet potatoes, cubed: This variety is perfect for frying, giving you that desired fluffiness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help achieve that golden crispiness.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness.
1 spring of rosemary, chopped: Fresh rosemary enhances the aroma and taste.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of spice.

Appliances & Accessories

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following appliances and accessories on hand:

Large skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking.
Spatula: To gently flip the potatoes without breaking them.
Knife and cutting board: For cubing the potatoes.
Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the right amount of seasonings.
Plate or serving dish: For serving your delicious pan fried potatoes.

Pan Fried Potatoes — Do This Next

Now that you have your ingredients and accessories ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your pan fried potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into even cubes, about 1-inch in size, to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place your large skillet over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes until it shimmers.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes

Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. If necessary, cook in batches.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper over the potatoes. Toss them gently to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Let the potatoes cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring. This will help develop a nice golden crust. After that, use your spatula to flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.

Step 6: Add Rosemary

In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the potatoes. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for a minute.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a serving dish. Enjoy them hot as a delightful side dish or snack!

Texture-Safe Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these texture-safe substitutions:

Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
Sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can replace rosemary for a different flavor profile.

What Could Go Wrong

Even the best of us make mistakes in the kitchen. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid while making pan fried potatoes:

Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming rather than frying, resulting in soggy potatoes.
Not allowing the oil to heat properly before adding the potatoes can prevent them from getting crispy.
Using potatoes that are too small or unevenly cut may lead to some pieces being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
Skipping the seasoning can result in bland potatoes—make sure to season generously!

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you find yourself with leftover pan fried potatoes, here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them:

Store: Keep leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until warmed through and crispy again, or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Let’s Eat

Now that you know how to make the perfect pan fried potatoes, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they sizzle away. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these pan fried potatoes are sure to become a staple in your home. So grab a plate, dig in, and savor every crispy, golden bite!

Pan Fried Potatoes

These pan fried potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make! Perfect for any meal of the day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 pieces russet potatoes cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 spring rosemary chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Equipment

Large skillet
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Plate or serving dish

Method

Instructions

Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into even cubes, about 1-inch in size, to ensure they cook evenly.
Place your large skillet over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes until it shimmers.
Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. If necessary, cook in batches.
Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper over the potatoes. Toss them gently to ensure even coating.
Let the potatoes cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring. This will help develop a nice golden crust. After that, use your spatula to flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the potatoes. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for a minute.
Once the potatoes are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a serving dish. Enjoy them hot as a delightful side dish or snack!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze cooled potatoes in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheat in a skillet with olive oil for best results.

Pan Fried Potatoes

Reasons to Love Pan Fried Potatoes

Ingredient List

Appliances & Accessories