Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions

There’s something about the combination of crispy potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions that just works. This Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions dish is one of those recipes that’s so simple yet so full of flavor. It’s a side dish that’s perfect for just about any meal, from grilled meats to comforting pasta dishes. The crispy golden potatoes combined with the savory onions create a bite of heaven that everyone will love.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required—just a few everyday staples, some seasoning, and the magic of roasting in the oven. And the best part? The potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, while the onions add a sweet, subtle richness to every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a go-to for every meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges

• 1 large onion, sliced into rings

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

These are all common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no need for exotic spices or complicated steps. The key to getting it just right is using the perfect balance of seasonings and making sure you roast everything to crispy, golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to get the potatoes crispy without overcooking them. If you don’t have an oven thermometer, be sure to let the oven heat for at least 10 minutes before you put your potatoes and onions in.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Onions

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into wedges. You want to aim for pieces that are uniform in size so they cook evenly. Then, slice the onion into rings. You can make the rings as thin or thick as you prefer, but I recommend going for medium thickness to allow them to cook through without burning.

Once your potatoes and onions are prepped, throw them into a large mixing bowl. This is where the fun begins!

Step 3: Season the Potatoes and Onions

Now, it’s time to add some flavor. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and onions, making sure each piece gets a nice coating. Olive oil not only adds flavor, but it helps the potatoes crisp up nicely in the oven. Next, sprinkle over the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, but I find this balance to be perfect—garlic powder brings in a savory depth, while paprika adds just the right hint of smokiness.

Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together. The goal here is to make sure that every piece of potato and onion is evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Once everything is well-seasoned, spread the potatoes and onions in a single layer on a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup, but you can also use a lightly greased baking sheet if you prefer. The key here is to make sure the potatoes are not overcrowded. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up, and you don’t want that.

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the potatoes and onions roast for 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to flip the potatoes halfway through so they cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crispiness on both sides.

The onions will caramelize beautifully during this time, adding a sweet, savory layer to the dish. When the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re ready to come out. The onions should be lightly browned and slightly softened.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

What makes this dish stand out is how simple it is to make, yet it delivers so much flavor. Roasting the potatoes and onions in the oven allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet flavor, while the potatoes crisp up perfectly. The paprika and garlic powder are subtle enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering it, making this a versatile side dish that pairs well with just about anything.

Plus, the texture is on point. The potatoes come out crispy, with just the right amount of tenderness on the inside. The onions soften but still retain a bit of bite, adding depth to the dish. Whether you’re serving it with a steak, grilled chicken, or even a salad, this recipe complements a wide variety of meals.

How to Perfectly Bake Your Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions

By now, you’ve got a good handle on the basics, but let’s dive deeper into the next steps and tips to ensure your Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions come out as perfect as possible. There are a few extra tricks and variations you can try to tweak this recipe to your taste or to fit specific meal plans. Plus, we’ll cover a couple of key tips for achieving that ideal texture and flavor balance.

Step 6: Flip the Potatoes and Onions Halfway Through Cooking

As mentioned earlier, flipping the potatoes halfway through the baking process is an important step. It ensures they cook evenly and that the crispy texture forms on both sides. If you skip this step, the side facing down might become soggy or undercooked, while the other side gets too crispy.

I recommend setting a timer for 15-20 minutes after putting the potatoes in the oven, then giving them a good toss or flipping them using a spatula. Try to turn the onions as well, though they may be more delicate, so handle them gently.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

The total roasting time will vary slightly depending on the size of your potato wedges and the thickness of the onion rings. After 30 minutes, start checking the potatoes to see if they’re golden and crispy on the outside. A fork should easily go through the center of a potato wedge if it’s done, and the edges should have a nice crunch.

If you find that they’re not quite as crispy as you’d like after 40 minutes, feel free to leave them in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes and onions are roasted to perfection, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. If you want to add a touch of freshness, garnish with some fresh parsley. It not only looks lovely, but the slight bitterness of the parsley balances out the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the potatoes.

Serve your oven fried potatoes and onions hot, right from the baking sheet or in a serving bowl. These are perfect on their own as a snack or side, but they also pair beautifully with almost anything you’re cooking. Think grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or even as a side dish to a hearty salad.

Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes

While the recipe is simple, here are some tips to make your oven fried potatoes and onions even better:

• Parboil the Potatoes First: For extra crispy potatoes, you can parboil the potato wedges for about 5-7 minutes before tossing them in oil and seasoning. Parboiling starts the cooking process and removes some of the starch, helping them crisp up even more in the oven.

• Use a High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is the main fat in this recipe, using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavor. It gives the potatoes and onions a richer, more aromatic taste.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When you spread the potatoes and onions on the baking sheet, make sure there’s space between them. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roasting, and you won’t get the crispy texture we’re aiming for.

• Add a Little Cornstarch: If you want your potatoes to be even more crispy, lightly dust them with cornstarch before adding the oil and seasoning. This trick is especially helpful if you’re looking for an ultra-crunchy texture.

• Try Different Seasonings: While garlic powder and paprika are delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment. Add a dash of Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of rosemary to customize the flavor to your liking.

Make Ahead Option

If you’re preparing for a big dinner or need to get things ready ahead of time, you can prep the potatoes and onions earlier in the day. Cut and season the potatoes and onions, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just let them come to room temperature before baking, or add an extra 5-10 minutes to the roasting time if you’re putting them in the oven straight from the fridge.

This makes the dish ideal for busy days when you need a side that’s easy to prepare but still impressive.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which may be unlikely, as this dish is pretty addictive), here’s how you can store and reheat them:

• Storage: Let the potatoes and onions cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To keep the potatoes crispy when reheating, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer if you have one, which will help them stay crispy.

While the onions may lose some of their crispy texture after being refrigerated, they’ll still be flavorful and delicious, especially if you’re enjoying them with another meal.

Why This Dish Is So Special

What I love most about Oven Fried Potatoes & Onions is that it’s such a versatile dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The balance of crispy, tender potatoes and sweet, savory onions is just unbeatable, and the best part is that you don’t need a deep fryer or tons of prep time to make it happen.

Whether you’re having a family dinner, prepping for a barbecue, or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. You can even switch things up and add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.