Crispy Skillet Cowboy potatoes (also called home fries, fried breakfast potatoes, or country potatoes) are such a simple side dish to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Just a few basic ingredients for the best breakfast side ever with tender centers and crispy outsides.
Cast Iron Skillet and lid (or use foil if you do not have a lid)
Metal Spatula
Ingredients
Easy Skillet Country Potatoes
4-6Mediumrusset potatoesor 3-4 large
2tablespoonsvegetable oil(Sunflower, Canola can sub)
1teaspoongarlic powderor minced fresh garlic is fine to taste
1teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
fresh parsleychopped (optional for serving)
Instructions
Perfectly Crisped Country Potatoes for Beginners
Prep the Potatoes: Gently wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any lingering grit.
Slice potatoes into 1/2" diced pieces and place into a skillet.
Season Generously: Drizzle potatoes with cooking oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give them a good mix, ensuring each piece is evenly coasted.
Let Sizzle and Fry: Cover skillet and heat oiled potatoes on medium heat, flipping about every 5-6 minutes to get a good crunch outer layer. A metal spatula works well for fried potatoes and helps remove crispy skins easily from the skillet without separating them from the potato. Flipping too soon will cause excess sticking and minimal browning. Patience is key!
Country potatoes take about 20 minutes (until potatoes are fork tender) flipping at the 5-6 minute mark 2-3 times.
Video
Notes
Depending on the size and type of potatoes, you may only need 3-4. There are some super large Russets out there!
Potatoes will stick when you fry them, but how we handle it is like cooking hash browns. Let them get cooked on one side before constantly flipping. You need a metal spatula to really peel them from the pan and allow the fried to stay ON the potato.
To add veggies to potatoes, skillet fry in a separate pan so they do not burn while Russet potatoes are softening up, and combine them before serving.