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A skillet full of crispy, golden brown breakfast potatoes with onions and peppers, ready to serve.
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Easy Breakfast Potatoes

Make the BEST Easy Breakfast Potatoes! This simple skillet recipe yields crispy, golden potatoes with a fluffy inside in just 20 minutes. The perfect savory side for any breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brunch potatoes, crispy breakfast potatoes, easy breakfast potatoes, homemade home fries, skillet potatoes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 180kcal
Author: Angela

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (cast iron preferred)
  • Lid for Skillet Essential for the steaming step.
  • Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
  • Spatula or Tongs For turning potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, diced
  • 2 tbsp avocado or canola oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes. For crispier potatoes, soak in cold water for 10 min, then drain and pat completely dry.
  • Heat oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add potatoes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to steam and begin cooking the inside.
  • Remove lid. Cook uncovered for 10-15 more minutes, stirring only every 3-4 minutes, until potatoes are golden brown, crispy, and fork-tender.
  • Remove from heat. Toss with fresh parsley, taste, and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips: For maximum crispiness, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat them completely dry before cooking—this removes excess surface starch. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for the best, even heat distribution. The key to a golden crust is letting the potatoes cook undisturbed for several minutes at a time; don't stir them constantly. For incredible flavor, cook diced onion and bell pepper in the oil for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. If your potatoes are sticking, it means they aren't ready to flip; wait until they naturally release from the pan. Season generously with salt at the end to make all the flavors pop.