Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are the perfect mix of crispiness and tenderness. Each potato is thinly sliced, brushed with butter or oil, and roasted in the air fryer until golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft and creamy inside. This Swedish-inspired dish takes a simple potato and transforms it into an impressive side that looks elegant and tastes even better.

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Unlike regular baked potatoes, Hasselback potatoes cook faster and develop multiple crisp layers thanks to their accordion-like cuts. When cooked in an air fryer, they gain that ideal contrast crispy edges and a buttery center without needing much oil. People love them because they combine the comfort of baked potatoes with a restaurant-quality presentation. Whether you serve them with herb butter, sour cream, or cheese, air fryer Hasselback potatoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holidays. You’ll appreciate how the air fryer gives them a consistent crispness that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven. The thin slices allow butter and herbs to seep through each layer, giving the potato deep, aromatic flavor.

You’ll also love this recipe because it’s flexible. You can flavor the potatoes with garlic herb butter, cheese, or even smoky spices depending on your mood. The technique may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of slicing. Plus, it uses minimal oil, making it a lighter option than deep-fried potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, these air fryer Hasselback potatoes make a side dish that feels special without extra effort.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, washed and scrubbed
3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

For Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

Substitution Notes

You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Olive oil can replace butter for a dairy-free version.
Dried herbs can be swapped with fresh ones; just double the amount for stronger flavor.
Use ghee instead of butter for a nutty aroma and crispier finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Place each potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Using a sharp knife, slice thin slits across the potato, about ⅛ inch apart, stopping just before cutting all the way through. The spoons will prevent the knife from going too deep. This technique creates the signature accordion shape that helps the potato crisp evenly.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a small bowl, mix melted butter (or olive oil), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Brush this mixture over the top and between the slices of each potato, ensuring some of the butter seeps into the gaps. This step is key for even flavor distribution and crispy layers.

Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with a small amount of oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each for air circulation.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Crisp

Cook the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, depending on size. After 15 minutes, brush them again with a bit more butter or oil to enhance browning. Continue cooking until the edges turn crisp and golden and the centers are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once cooked, remove the potatoes carefully and brush one final layer of melted butter or garlic oil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, buttery perfection.

How to Serve

Air fryer Hasselback potatoes pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, steak, or grilled fish for a satisfying meal. They also make a great side for vegetarian plates like sautéed greens or air fryer vegetables recipes.

For presentation, place each potato on a white plate and drizzle with garlic herb butter. Sprinkle fresh herbs and a little cheese on top for a restaurant-style finish. They also look stunning when arranged on a platter for family-style serving. Add a small bowl of sour cream or chive dip on the side for a creamy complement.

Additional Tips

Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Slice slowly and carefully uniform cuts ensure the potatoes cook consistently.
If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches instead of overcrowding.
Halfway through cooking, brush the potatoes again with butter to keep them moist and flavorful.
Use the air fryer reheat function for perfectly crisp leftovers.
If using large potatoes, increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Herb Butter Hasselback Potatoes:
Toss the butter with minced garlic, parsley, and thyme before brushing it on the potatoes. This version is fragrant and pairs beautifully with roast meats.
Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes:
Sprinkle grated cheddar or mozzarella between the potato slices during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The cheese melts into the layers, creating a gooey, savory version that’s hard to resist.
Bacon and Chive Hasselback Potatoes:
Add small bacon bits or crumbles in between the slices near the end of cooking. Top with chopped chives and sour cream for a loaded baked potato twist.
Herb-Roasted Hasselback Potatoes:
Use a mix of rosemary, thyme, and garlic butter for a classic herb-roasted version. This one tastes especially good with grilled lamb or chicken.
Spicy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes:
Add a pinch of chili powder, paprika, or cayenne to the butter mix for a bolder flavor. Great for pairing with smoky meats or barbecue dishes.

Each variation brings out a unique character of the Hasselback potato, making it easy to adapt for any occasion or craving.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crisp again.
Freezing: Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating from Frozen: Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 10-12 minutes, brushing lightly with butter halfway through to refresh the texture.
Do not microwave as it softens the crispy exterior.

Nutritional Information (Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 260
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 220mg

Final Words

Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are a true example of how simple ingredients can create something elegant and memorable. The technique might look intricate, but once you try it, you’ll see how easy and satisfying it is. The crisp, golden layers combined with the soft, buttery center make them a standout side dish for any occasion.

What makes this recipe so special is the air fryer’s ability to bring out texture and flavor without excess oil. You get all the crispiness of roasted potatoes in half the time. Whether seasoned with garlic herb butter or topped with cheese, they turn out beautifully every single time.

Once you master the slicing and seasoning, this will become your go-to method for potatoes. Serve them at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or casual meals they’ll always impress. Cooking air fryer Hasselback potatoes at home gives you control over every layer of flavor, turning a humble potato into something extraordinary.

FAQ’s

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they have the right balance of starch and moisture for crisp edges and a fluffy interior.

Place the potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons while slicing. They act as a guide to stop the knife before reaching the bottom.

Yes, you can slice and season them earlier in the day, then air fry when ready to serve.

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer and brush with enough butter or oil during cooking. Air circulation is key to crisping.

Absolutely. Sweet potatoes turn out beautifully in the air fryer and pair perfectly with cinnamon or chili seasoning.

They taste great with garlic aioli, sour cream, ranch, or a drizzle of melted cheese sauce.