A Family Favorite Since Mom’s Kitchen
If you’ve never had Microwave Fried Potatoes, you’re probably wondering if they’re really as good as they sound.
Trust me…they are.
This recipe came from my mom, who always said she learned it from my Aunt Kathy. The first time she told me she “fried” potatoes in the microwave, I wasn’t convinced. I figured there was no way they could compare to skillet fried potatoes.
Then one busy night I needed a quick side dish and remembered her recipe.
I’ve been making them ever since.
They’re buttery, tender, packed with flavor, and while they won’t have the crispy edges of pan-fried potatoes, they’re lighter, easier, and require almost no hands-on cooking.
Around our house, TJ loves these with eggs and bacon on the weekends, but we also serve them with pork chops, grilled chicken, steak, or just about any comfort food dinner.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
A comforting side dish made with simple ingredients.
Family recipe passed down from my mom
Uses just a handful of simple ingredients
Ready in about 30 minutes
Perfect for breakfast or dinner
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds red potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- ½ stick butter
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Microwave Fried Potatoes
Step 1
Wash and thinly slice the potatoes and onion.
Using a large microwave-safe dish, begin layering the potatoes.
Add a few onion slices, several pats of butter, a tablespoon of water, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Continue layering the potatoes, onions, butter, salt, and pepper until the dish is full.
Step 3
Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the plastic wrap (watch for steam), stir the potatoes, recover, and microwave for another 5 minutes.
Continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the potatoes are fork tender. Total cooking time is usually around 15 minutes, depending on your microwave.
Serving Suggestions
These potatoes are incredibly versatile.
Try serving these Microwave Fried Potatoes with:
- Eggs & Bacon
- Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken
- Steak
- Meatloaf
- Fresh Vegetables
They’re also delicious reheated the next morning for breakfast.
Amy’s Tips
- Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible for even cooking.
- Red potatoes hold their shape best.
- Don’t skip the butter—it helps create that rich “fried potato” flavor.
- Cooking times will vary depending on your microwave, so check for tenderness after about 25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes hold together a little better, but russets work well too.
Do I have to use plastic wrap?
You’ll need to tightly cover the dish to trap the steam. A microwave-safe lid also works well.
Can these be made ahead?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave.
Can I make these without onions?
Yes! Simply leave them out if you prefer. The potatoes will still be buttery and delicious.
Easy Microwave Fried Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds red potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- ½ stick butter
- 2 –3 tablespoons water
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- Thinly slice the potatoes and onion.
- Layer the potatoes in a large microwave-safe dish. Add a few onion slices, pats of butter, about a tablespoon of water, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2
- Repeat the layers until all of the potatoes, onions, butter, and seasonings have been used.
- Step 3
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cover (watch for steam), stir the potatoes, recover, and microwave another 5 minutes.
- Continue cooking in 5-minute increments until the potatoes are fork tender. Total cooking time is usually about 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out!
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me what you served with your Microwave Fried Potatoes.?
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