Simple Vegan Potato Pancakes - a great breakfast, side, appetizer!

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes (about 1 pound)
• 1/2 small white or yellow onion - finely minced (optional, see notes*)
• vegetable oil (for frying, see notes**)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground flaxseed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper