These quick and easy American Fries are a classic breakfast side dish made with simple, real ingredients. Tender cubed potatoes, sweet yellow onion, butter, salt, and pepper come together in one skillet for golden, flavorful breakfast potatoes that are perfect for a Sunday morning meal, weekend brunch, or make-ahead breakfast prep.
The Best American Fries
American fries are the kind of breakfast potatoes that never go out of style. They are simple, hearty, and satisfying, with crisp golden edges and soft, tender centers. This easy American fries recipe is made on the stovetop in a large skillet, making it a great option when you want a warm breakfast side without turning on the oven.
This recipe is especially nice for slow weekend mornings, but it also works well for meal prep. You can cook a batch ahead of time, store the leftovers in the refrigerator, and reheat them during the week. Serve them with ketchup, hot sauce, fried eggs, or any of your favorite breakfast mains. The ingredients are basic, but the result is full of comforting flavor.
If you love classic breakfast potatoes, this pan-fried potato recipe is one you will want to keep in your regular rotation. It is easy to adjust, simple to season, and delicious with just about any breakfast or brunch menu.
What You Will Need
- raw potatoes – russet potatoes work well because they cook up tender with lightly crisp edges. Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes can also be used.
- sweet yellow onion – a mild onion adds savory flavor and a little sweetness to the skillet potatoes.
- butter – melted butter adds richness and helps keep the potatoes from sticking. Ghee or olive oil may be used instead.
- salt and pepper – simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the potatoes and onion.
- serving suggestion: ketchup – serve with your favorite ketchup, hot sauce, or both.
How To Make American Fries
Start by gathering all of your ingredients. Wash the potatoes well, then cut them into small, evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate. Dice the sweet yellow onion and keep it nearby, since part of the onion is added at the beginning and the rest is added later for extra flavor and texture.
Place a large cast iron skillet or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan so the bottom is coated. Add half of the chopped onion and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and release its flavor.
Add the cubed potatoes to the hot skillet and stir them with a wooden spoon so they are coated in the butter and onions. Spread the potatoes into an even layer as much as possible. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the potatoes begin to soften and develop golden brown edges. If the pan starts to look dry or the potatoes begin to stick, add a little more butter or ghee as needed.
Add the remaining onion, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and browned to your liking. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Serve the American fries directly from the skillet while they are hot, or transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels if you want to remove a little excess butter. They are delicious with ketchup, hot sauce, and over easy eggs.
Recipe FAQ
American potatoes, American fries, and home fries usually refer to potatoes that are cut into cubes and sautéed in a skillet with onion, salt, and pepper. They are commonly served as a breakfast side dish with ketchup.
Yes. You can add diced bell peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, creole seasoning, red pepper flakes, cooked sausage, or bacon bits. Keep the base recipe the same and add extra ingredients according to your taste.
Reheat them in a nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet with a small amount of butter or ghee until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you prefer a faster option.
If you make this American fries recipe and enjoy it, consider leaving a rating and review. It is also helpful to share any substitutions or changes you made so other readers can learn from your experience.
Other Potato Recipes You Might Like
- Easy Oven Baked Potato
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Potato Wedges
- Smoked Potatoes
- Easy Sweet Potato Sticks
American Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, or ghee
- 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped
- 3 russet potatoes, washed and cubed
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Serving Suggestion:
- ketchup
- hot sauce
Instructions
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Sauté: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter or ghee and let it melt, swirling to coat the pan. Add half of the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
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Cook Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat them in the butter and onion. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovering often to stir. Add a little more butter or ghee if needed to keep the potatoes from drying out or sticking.
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Season: Add the remaining onion, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes. Test the potatoes for tenderness and taste, then add more salt and pepper if desired.
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Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and golden brown, serve immediately with ketchup, hot sauce, and over easy eggs if desired.
Notes
- Paleo/Whole30: Use ghee instead of butter and serve with compliant ketchup if needed.
- Storage: Store leftover American fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Originally published February 9, 2018. Recipe was retested and photos updated.