Ever since Dave and I tied the knot {almost 6 years ago} I’ve struggled with making REALLY good fried potatoes. I even resorted to using frozen potatoes in times of desperation.
I can still remember the first time I attempted to make fried potatoes… I set off the smoke alarm 🙂
Well, after almost 6 years of trial and error, I’ve finally figured out how to make really good fried potatoes.
Here’s how I do it…
Peel, wash, AND dry:
The first thing I do is peel and wash my potatoes… and then I dry them with a clean towel until there is no water left {this is important}. Sometimes I even let them sit out on the counter for a few minutes after I dry them, just to make sure they are really, really dry.
Oh, and I should mention that I use Russet potatoes — simply because they are inexpensive and big!
Dice, don’t slice:
I used to slice my potatoes, but the thin slices would always stick together and they took up so much space in my pan that I had to do several batches in order to make enough for one meal.
Now, instead of slicing them, I “dice” them. Well, I actually don’t dice them {that would be a little too small} — but I do chop them into small chunks, which makes them so much easier to handle and I can fit a lot more in my pan.
Nuke them in the microwave:
One of my biggest issues was that the outside of the potatoes would always get nice and crispy before the insides were soft — and by the time the insides got soft, the outsides would be on the verge of burning {hence the smoke alarm!}
So now, I toss the chopped potatoes in a bowl and microwave them for 2 or 3 minutes before frying them… that way, the potatoes are a little more tender and it doesn’t take the insides as long to soften up.
Use plenty of HOT oil:
I honestly don’t think it makes a difference what type of oil you use — I often just use plain vegetable oil or whatever other oil I have on hand. The important factor is that the oil has to be hot when you put the potatoes in the pan.
You also want to use enough oil. Fried potatoes aren’t healthy anyway — so just add a little bit more oil. I promise, this will help!
Season… liberally:
Fried potatoes taste delicious with just a little salt and pepper, but I often like to add a few other seasonings as well. Depending on what we’re eating, I’ll add garlic, rosemary, chives, or even paprika. I always add the seasoning after the potatoes are fully coated with oil and I don’t think I’ve had a bad combination yet — so just get adventerous!
Oh, and seriously, don’t skimp on the salt… fried potatoes need a healthy coating of salt!
Don’t stir too much:
I cook my potatoes on medium-high heat and I let them fry for a few minutes before I stir them. After I stir them once, I let them sit for another few minutes and stir again.
After they are cooked through and tender, I remove the lid, turn the heat down a little bit more, and let the outsides really brown up.
Drain:
After my potatoes are fully fried, I dump them onto a large platter lined with several sheets of papertowel so the excess oil can drain off.
This is not to make them healthier {they aren’t healthy… believe me!}. It’s simply so they aren’t “slippery”. I don’t like “slippery” fried potatoes. I want my fried potatoes to be crispy, not greasy — so a quick pat with some paper towels does the trick.
Serve and enjoy:
I always serve my fried potatoes with a side of ketchup…. and maybe a little more salt:)
These tips have helped me significantly improve my fried-potato-making skills — a skill for which Dave is eternally grateful!
Susan says
I like to boil mine in skin and let them get cool or chill them then peel and cut up. No worries about not being done.
Sheryl says
I use lard to fry potatoes. Just like my grandma. Plus,I use cast iron pan. I made them while camping, using a seasoned cast iron pan and never went back to other pans. After potatoes are slightly browned I add chopped onions,garlic and green peppers. My guys come running.
Janet Watson says
When I fry potatoes and onion, I use left over boiled potatoes. They come out good everytime, and taste very good. You should ty this. I have beans with mine. Yum yum. Thanks for letting me comment. Janet Waton.
Andrea says
great tip Janet! I also use leftover boiled or baked potatoes at times and they work wonderful too!
Nancy Whitely says
I have made them with vegetable oil before and no skin and they burnt and the potatoes tasted weird to me then I tried the Olive Oil on it another time same way and they were good and cooked just right. I cooked them on Medium heat and like u I do experiment too. I have used soul food seasoning, Mrs Dash, garlic powder and black pepper and omit the salt cuz the soul food seasoning had the salt in it. It is a great combination.
Madelyn says
This was so helpful, thank you so much!
The only tips I’ve heard is to not stir too much, which IS helpful, but this is much more so! 🙂
I also love how you emphasize that these are not healthy, lol! And I mean it IS still a plant, that was cheap and came in minimal packaging… I’d say it’s still healthier than a lot of processed foods out there, that are equally packed with sodium! But hey, let’s be real: fried potatoes just aren’t healthy but we still love them!
Thanks Andrea <3
Andrea says
yay — you’re very welcome!
Fried potatoes are a staple at our house — simple, frugal, and the kids LOVE them.
They still have nutritional value and, as you mentioned, they are still better than processed foods packed with sodium!
Glad you found my tutorial to be helpful!
Lori says
I boil a large pot of scrubbed, unpeeled potatoes until they are cooked but still very firm, then drain and dry them. I store the potatoes in the fridge to use over the next several days as fried potatoes, in potato salads, mashed potato, sliced into batter and fried, as thin slices with other foods in sandwiches, and to cut into soups. I save the water and freeze to use it as part of a soup or stew base so that any minerals are not lost but benefit us – as I do with all water in which I have cooked vegetables).
When I want fried potatoes, potato chips, or roasted potato, I cut the needed quantity to the size and shape required, shake them in a paper bag containing plain flour, my homemade herb-salt, pepper, some turmeric powder, and whatever other fresh, chopped herbs,flavourings, or whatever other additions I might decide to use at the time. Normally I have left the skin on the potatoes, only removing it before shaking on the coating if the skin is extra thick or ugly looking. I use dripping (the fat which has come from cooking meat) in my fry pan, getting it hot before adding the potato shapes for shallow frying/roasting. The flour dusting usually prevents the potatoes from sticking to the pan and adds crispy texture and flavour.
Andrea says
wow — this is very detailed. Thanks for sharing!
Donna says
Worked out beautifully and I even used yellow potatoes.
I also seasoned with Old Bay salt pepper fresh garlic chopp ed onions garlic powder onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes
DEEELICIOUS
Andrea says
yummy!!
tanesha says
Great loved them thanks so much the whole family eat them all
Mauro says
Just had to comment. This way iv had nice fried potatoes every time.
Use low starch potatoes (not meant for porridge).
Cube them, then rinse off excess starch.
Add new water salt and vinegar. Yes vinegar.
Rinsing removes starches that would burn fast, salt draws out extra water (allows oil to penetrate into the potato and crisp it) and vinegar delays the time it takes for the outer layer to brown and helps avoid excess softening (turning into mush/sticks together).
Cook on med low under lid (hot steam cooking the insides), followed by browning without lid.
Phil Trine says
You might want to try drying the potatoes off with your salad spinner. That works well for me.
Tim K says
I did this…WONDERFUL!! I must admit I sprinkled with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder then added red onion slices and fresh Rosemary and Thyme.
But the nuking at the start was magical.