Olivia Carter
Fried potatoes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. If you want to take your fried potato game to the next level, try making them in a cast iron skillet. The cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes every time.
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best), oil or fat for frying (such as vegetable oil or bacon grease), salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with additions like garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs.
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Then, cut them into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a uniform texture. If you like crispy edges, you can leave the skin on and simply give the potatoes a good scrub instead.
Next, heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil or fat to cover the bottom of the skillet, about 2-3 tablespoons. Let the oil heat up for a minute or two, then add the potatoes in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will prevent the potatoes from getting crispy. Cook the potatoes for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown on the bottom.
Easy Recipe for Fried Potatoes
If you’re looking for a delicious and simple way to prepare fried potatoes, this easy recipe is the one for you. With just a few basic ingredients and a trusty cast iron skillet, you can whip up a batch of crispy and flavorful fried potatoes in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly and then cut them into thin, even slices.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet in an even layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on one side.
- Using a spatula, flip the potatoes over and cook them for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are crispy on the other side as well.
- Once the potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the fried potatoes hot and enjoy them as a side dish or a delicious snack!
With this easy recipe, you can enjoy homemade fried potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these fried potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prepare the Potatoes
Before you can start making fried potatoes, it’s important to properly prepare the potatoes. This includes washing, peeling, and cutting them into the desired shape.
Washing the Potatoes
Begin by washing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a scrub brush if needed to thoroughly clean the potatoes. Once washed, pat them dry with a clean towel.
Peeling the Potatoes
If you prefer your fried potatoes to be peeled, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin. Start at one end and peel in a downwards motion, ensuring that all the skin is removed. You can also leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
Cutting the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are clean and peeled (if desired), cut them into your preferred shape. This can be in the form of slices, cubes, or strips, depending on your personal preference. It’s important to ensure that all the potatoes are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
| Shape | Size | Recommended Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slices | 1/4 inch thick | 5-7 minutes per side |
| Cubes | 1/2 inch thick | 6-8 minutes per side |
| Strips | 1/4 inch thick | 4-6 minutes per side |
Fry the Potatoes in a Cast Iron Skillet
Once you have properly prepped and seasoned your cast iron skillet, you’re ready to start frying the potatoes. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy and delicious fried potatoes.
1. Heat up the skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot.
2. Add oil or fat: Add a generous amount of oil or fat to the hot skillet. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even bacon grease. Make sure the entire surface of the skillet is coated.
3. Add the potatoes: Carefully place the sliced or diced potatoes into the hot skillet. Make sure they are spread out in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
4. Season the potatoes: Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor.
5. Cook the potatoes: Allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they start to develop a golden brown crust on the bottom. Resist the urge to stir or flip them too soon as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
6. Flip and stir: Once the potatoes have developed a crispy crust on the bottom, use a spatula to flip and stir them. This will help ensure that they cook evenly on all sides.
7. Continue cooking: Cook the potatoes for an additional few minutes, flipping and stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
8. Drain and serve: Remove the cooked potatoes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
Now that you know how to fry potatoes in a cast iron skillet, you can enjoy this classic dish whenever you want. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own unique twist on fried potatoes!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 large potatoes, sliced or diced | 1. Heat up the skillet |
| 2-3 tablespoons oil or fat | 2. Add oil or fat |
| Salt and pepper to taste | 3. Add the potatoes |
| Optional: herbs or seasonings | 4. Season the potatoes |
| 5. Cook the potatoes | |
| 6. Flip and stir | |
| 7. Continue cooking | |
| 8. Drain and serve |
Serve and Enjoy
Once your fried potatoes are cooked to perfection in the cast iron skillet, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal:
1. Plating
Transfer the fried potatoes from the skillet to a serving platter or individual plates. Use a spatula to carefully scoop up the potatoes, taking care not to break them apart too much.
2. Seasoning
Before serving, season the fried potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some additional herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary, for extra flavor.
Note: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on top.
3. Garnish
For a finishing touch, garnish the fried potatoes with fresh parsley or chopped chives. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your dish.
Tip: You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese on top for extra flavor.
Now that your fried potatoes are beautifully plated and seasoned, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the crispy, golden goodness!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for fried potatoes in a cast iron skillet?
To make fried potatoes in a cast iron skillet, you will need potatoes, oil or butter for frying, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or herbs you prefer.
Can I use any type of potato for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of potato for fried potatoes in a cast iron skillet. However, some potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds, work particularly well because they have a crispy texture when fried.
Should I peel the potatoes before frying?
Whether or not you peel the potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skins on can add extra flavor and texture to the dish, but if you prefer peeled potatoes, you can peel them before frying.
What is the best way to achieve a crispy texture when frying potatoes?
To achieve a crispy texture when frying potatoes in a cast iron skillet, make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes and pat them dry before frying. Additionally, cook the potatoes on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that they get crispy.
