These Quick and Easy Home Fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time. Made with simple russet potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper, this easy breakfast side dish comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re serving them alongside eggs and toast or pairing them with dinner, these skillet home fries are a family favorite. Prefer crispy hash browns instead? Simply shred the potatoes instead of cubing and follow the same cooking method. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and that irresistible golden crunch.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 3 medium russet potatoes, cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Lid for skillet
- Colander
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes
Cube potatoes into small, even pieces (about ½-inch cubes for best crispiness).
Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
Drain well and pat dry with a towel.
✨ Removing starch helps achieve extra crispiness.
2️⃣ Start Cooking
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the cubed potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
Stir to coat evenly.
Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
3️⃣ Crisp to Perfection 🥔
Remove the lid.
Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, turning frequently so all sides brown evenly.
Potatoes should be golden brown and crisp on the outside while fork-tender inside.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Pro Tips
- Extra Crispy: Let potatoes sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
- Add Flavor: Stir in diced onions or bell peppers during the first 5 minutes.
- Hash Brown Version: Use shredded potatoes instead of cubed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 199 | 3g | 28g | 9g | 4g | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Quick and Easy Home Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add potatoes to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are crisp and golden brown.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Quick and Easy Home Fries prove that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, they’re the ultimate comfort side dish for breakfast or dinner. With just one skillet and 25 minutes, you’ll have a classic potato dish that everyone loves.