Start by washing and drying your russet potatoes. Slice them into ¼ inch rounds. If you’re using Yukon Gold potatoes, this step is the same. Slice your onion thinly to yield about 1 cup.
In a large skillet, pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sliced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon, flip the potatoes to fry the other side. After flipping, add the sliced onions to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
Sprinkle the fried potatoes and onions with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to ensure even seasoning.
Fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the onions are caramelized.
Once cooked, use the slotted spoon to remove the fried potatoes and onions from the skillet. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired.