| | | |

Crispy Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.

Today I’ll show you how to quickly make the perfect garlic butter Hasselback potatoes in the Air Fryer! Crisp and golden brown outside, soft and tender on the inside splashed with fresh herb butter and simple seasonings.

This hasselback potato recipe is also called accordion potatoes because of their thin slices. Something you would find in a fancy restaurant, but I’ll show you how to make them at home easily!

No air fryer? No problem, I provide instructions for how to oven-bake Hasselback potatoes too.

Air Fryer Hasselback potato with garlic herb butter.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, feel free to click “Jump to Recipe” right under the title of this post, and you’ll head straight there!

Why are they called Hasselback potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes got their name from the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden. The dish is believed to have originated there in the 1950s.

The restaurant, known for its innovative and creative dishes, first introduced this unique method of preparing potatoes by slicing them thinly but not cutting all the way through, allowing the slices to fan out during baking.

The name “Hasselback” comes from the restaurant’s name and has since become associated with this popular and visually appealing way of preparing potatoes. The technique has gained popularity worldwide and remains a beloved and delicious way to enjoy potatoes.

Why You Will Love this Recipe

  • Quick – 10 minutes of prep and less than 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have irresistibly cheesy bacon garlic butter potatoes with a crispy outside and tender inside. 
  • Favorite Toppings – A simple garlic butter mixture, grated cheese, and crisp bacon to give the potato incredible flavor; add your favorite toppings
  • Serve Anytime – The best part of this easy recipe is how it can be served for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner.
Hasselback potatoes with herbs and butter on a plate.

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes 

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

Potatoes | I used Yukon gold potatoes as they are more buttery, but use Russet, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Peeling is a personal choice, I leave mine unpeeled.

Spices | Season the Hasselback potatoes to taste with a bit of smoked paprikakosher salt and ground black pepper.

Butter | Mix butter with fresh herbs and garlic for the ultimate buttery potato!

Fresh herbs | Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; chopped finely – parsley, thyme, and rosemary. If preferred, substitute with dried herbs.

Garlic | Fresh minced garlic gives the most flavor! If necessary, use garlic powder.

Cheese | Sprinkle the tops with freshly grated or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Bacon | Finally, add cooked and chopped bacon pieces, or make it a little easier with pre-packaged bacon bits.

Garnish | Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color. Then add a dollop of sour cream for the perfect potato topping!

Labeled ingredients for air fryer Hasselback potatoes.

How to Make Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Step 1 | Preheat and prep

Wash the potatoes, pat dry. Next, slice the potatoes crosswise into thin pieces, leaving about half an inch as a base at the bottom of the potato (see how to below). Set the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.

While the potatoes soak, make your herb butter and preheat the air fryer to 380° F  (193° C). 

Pat potatoes dry with paper towels, and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.

How to Cut Hasselback Potatoes

  • To make perfect slices, use a hasselback cutter or place same size wooden spoons or chopsticks on each side of the potato on a cutting board to prevent cutting through the base of the potato.
  • Cut ⅛-¼ inch slices as evenly as possible.

Step 2 | Combine herb butter and cook

To a small bowl, add melted butter, finely chopped fresh herbs, and garlic and combine.

Using a pastry brush, brush the tops and between the slices of the potatoes with the mixture, reserving about half for later. 

Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes. Brush on the rest of the butter mixture and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until they reach crispy perfection.

NOTE: Larger potatoes, or Russet potatoes, may require longer cooking time. Slice these potatoes on the thinner side (but no less than ⅛ inch thick) and increase time until done to your liking.

Step 3 | Add toppings and serve

Finally, remove the golden potatoes from the basket, and sprinkle the them with bacon, cheese, paprika, sliced green onion, and sour cream. Then, dig in!

Fresh Tips

  • There’s no need to peel the potatoes. If preferred, you may peel them after washing, but the skins are yummy!
  • For best results, place potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding will cause them to cook unevenly and incorrectly.

If you haven’t added an air fryer to your kitchen collection yet, it’s time to go for it! These convenient appliances cook almost anything, using less oil than other methods, even something like Fried Ice Cream!

Check out more of my air fryer recipes, like Lemon Butter Halibut, cheesy and crispy French Fries, and easy air fryer Steak Tips.

My Favorite Air Fryers

Variations & Substitutions

Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

Drizzle with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing and top with fresh crisp bacon bits.

Healthier Hasselback Potatoes

Make the potatoes with olive oil instead of butter and omit the bacon and cheese if preferred. Add salt, pepper, and more of your favorite seasonings for more flavor.

Creative Hasselback Potato Toppings as a Main Course

  • Loaded Hasselback potatoes | Try adding your favorite toppings; like diced tomatoes, white queso, salsa or spicy peppers!
  • Smothered Hasselback Potato | Smother with chili, pot roast or sloppy joe mixture — or try this crack chicken.
  • Pizza Hasselbacks | Stuff slices of pepperoni between the potato slices and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.

Easy Toppings for Hasselback Potatoes

  • Enjoy drizzled with barbecue sauce, blue cheese dressing, this Yum-Yum Sauce or pesto would be amazing too!
  • Cheesy Hasselbacks | Sprinkle with fresh shaved or grated parmesan, stuff with Boursin cheese, or make them au gratin Hasselbacks and use gruyere cheese.

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Make a super delicious side dish and use mini potatoes; cook time will be less, but these will be delicious, similar to a smashed potato. 

Hasselback potato in plate topped with a little shredded cheese, parsley and bacon bits.

Tips for Two

This potato recipe is perfect for serving two! Just cut the recipe in half using the button on the recipe card below, and you’re good to go!

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers – If you need to store your leftover Hasselback potatoes, allow them to cool completely, then seal them in an airtight container or baggie to keep in the fridge for three days.

How to Reheat Leftover Hasselback Potatoes

Return them to a 380° F preheated air fryer for 5-6 minutes or until heated through. They can also be easily reheated in the microwave and wrapped in a moist paper towel to prevent the dish from drying.

Can I freeze baked potatoes?

Yes! Wrap completely cooled potatoes well in foil, and store in a freezer baggie or an airtight container. Freeze 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or keep wrapped in foil and reheat 350°F in air fryer for 20-30 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes of air frying. Note: The texture of the potato will change when frozen.

Hassleback potato sliced in half, soft and tender.

Fresh Tips

  • Remember that all air fryers cook at varied temperatures and times, so feel free to add or subtract the time or temperature for better results. 
  • Depending on the type of potato and if you choose larger potatoes they will take a little longer to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you soak potatoes in cold water before cooking in an air fryer?

Placing the potatoes in a cold water bath before drying them and cooking in the air fryer helps to remove some of the starch to make for crisper results. 

Is air-frying potatoes better than baking?

Air frying potatoes is an excellent way to achieve evenly cooked and tender inside and a crisp, buttery outside. Due to the hot air circulating the potatoes, cooking is quicker and more even compared to microwaving or roasting potatoes in the oven.

Why are my air-fried potatoes soggy?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket is typically the cause of soggy air-fried potatoes. Be sure to give the hot air some room to circulate each potato by placing them in a single even layer with space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.

Can you make Hasselback potatoes in advance?

Yes! Cook them, cooling them completely wrap in plastic wrap or storing in baggie, when ready to serve. Cook in preheated 380° F air fryer for 5-8 minutes until heated through and crisped back up. If needed, brush with a little butter or spray oil.

Hasselback potatoes in front of air fryer.

Oven-Baked Yukon Gold Hasselback Potatoes

I understand not everyone has invested in an air fryer – yet! So here are the simple instructions to bake in the oven. 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220 ° C) and line a baking sheet with foil, spray with cooking spray or rub with oil.

Proceed with the recipe, baking potatoes in the oven for 50-65 minutes until crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. 

Loaded Hasselback air fried potato.

Best Veggie Sides for Easy Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

Make the ultimate meal by serving these easy and delicious Hasselback potatoes with a main dish and a side of veggies, like creamy and classic Green Been Casserole, flavorful Honey Balsamic Glaze Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or these favorites below.

Benihana hibachi vegetables in a bowl with a spoon in the background.

Perfect Hibachi Vegetables Recipe (Benihana Copycat)

Experience the flavors of your favorite Hibachi restaurant with Benihana Hibachi Vegetables recipe. Loaded with tender zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it's a quick and delicious dish to make on your flat top griddle or stovetop.

Hand squeezing lemon on fresh air fryer roasted asparagus.

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

This Air fryer asparagus recipe is a healthier and easier way to prepare garden fresh asparagus. A fresh and healthy veggie side dish with simple seasonings for amazing flavor and beautiful presentation.

Roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli on tray with spatula.

Crispy Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

Beautifully seasoned and oven roasted to perfection, these healthy crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for weeknight meals. The prep is quick, and it only takes about 30 minutes for the veggies to roast.

Best Main Dishes to Serve with Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Potatoes are a perfect side dish for all kinds of main dishes, especially when it’s a well-seasoned and perfectly cooked meat, like Olive Garden SteakCrispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs, or sweet and savory Maple Balsamic Chicken Breasts – Yum!

Boneless air fryer turkey breast on platter, sliced.

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-in or Boneless)

For crispy skin and tender juicy white meat cooked quickly and with very little mess, you will love this recipe for Boneless Turkey Breast in Air Fryer. It is perfectly seasoned with a homemade blend of herbs and spices that is delightfully tasty. A great option for small holiday meals.

Ground Beef and Zucchini casserole in skillet with portion removed.

Easy Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

This easy Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is full of nutritious veggies and packed with incredible flavor– the perfect low carb casserole! A one skillet meal, that kids love! Giddy-up!

Crockpot London Broil Recipe sliced london broil on a plate of egg noodles smothered in rich gravy with carrots and potatoes.

Crockpot London Broil

There’s nothing like a rich, hearty steak dish on these cold winter days. Capture the festive flavors of the season with this slow cooker London Broil recipe that is absolutely overflowing with savory goodness. Crockpot London broil is part steak, part fall apart slow cooked pot roast.

Top Tips

  • Make sure you slice the potatoes ⅛ – ¼ inch slices for best results and the prettiest presentation. 
  • Check for doneness, carefully stick a sharp knife into the thickest slice, if it goes in easily, they are done; if there is resistance, let them go a bit longer.

More Easy Potato Recipes

Loaded Hasselback potato, how to slice and brushing with garlic herb butter.

I hope you loved this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes—If you did, would you share your creation on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

Garlic butter and herb Hasselback potato on plate topped with cheese, bacon bits and herbs.

Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer

Author: Kathleen Pope
5 from 7 votes
Today I'll show you how to quickly make the perfect garlic butter Hasselback potatoes in the Air Fryer! Crisp and golden brown outside, soft and tender on the inside splashed with fresh herb butter and simple seasonings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course 30 Minute Meals, Holiday Side Dish, Side Dishes and Condiments
Cuisine American, Swedish
Servings 4 servings
Calories 337 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes, washed, may use Russets, Red or Sweet Potatoes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Parsley, finely chopped, sub with ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme, finely chopped, sub with ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Rosemary, finely chopped, sub with ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced, sub with 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder

Optional Garnishes & Toppings

  • 1/4 cup Bacon, cooked and chopped or sub with bacon bits
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated or shredded, or your favorite cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, garnish
  • 1-2 Green Onions, chopped or chives
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream , optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash and scrub the potatoes, pat dry.
  • Slice the Potatoes thinly, crosswise, leaving a base at the bottom to hold them together. Use a Hasselback potato slicer for this, or place a wooden spoon or chopstick on either side of the potato and slice down to that stop point.
    Submerge the sliced potatoes in an ice water bath for 30 minutes to remove starch, then dry them well with paper towels.
  • While the potatoes are soaking, preheat air fryer to 380° F  (193° C).
  • In a small bowl combine the melted butter, parsley, thyme, rosemary and garlic.
  • Placing the potatoes on the bottom of your air fryer basket, not crowding them (do in batches if needed). Brush half the amount of herbed butter on the potatoes and between the slices (careful not to break apart) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Close the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then open and apply the remaining butter mixture. Close and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, until tender.
  • Optional, top with Bacon, Cheese, Paprika, Green Onion, and Sour Cream if desired.

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

For Variations, Substitutions, Frequently Asked Questions and More Tips, refer back to the recipe post. 
  • All air fryers cook at slightly different temperatures and rates; test with your particular brand, adjusting to desired doneness. 
  • There’s no need to peel the potatoes. If preferred, you may peel them after washing, but the skins are yummy!
  • For best results, place potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding will cause them to cook unevenly and incorrectly.
Storage Tips
  • Refrigerate Leftovers – Allow them to cool completely, then seal them in an airtight container or baggie to keep in the fridge for three days.
  • Reheat: Return them to a 380° F preheated air fryer for 5-6 minutes or until heated through. They can also be easily reheated in the microwave and wrapped in a moist paper towel to prevent the dish from drying.
  • Freeze | Wrap completely cooled potatoes well in foil, and store in a freezer baggie or an airtight container. Freeze 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or keep wrapped in foil and reheat 350°F in air fryer for 20-30 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes of air frying. Note: The texture of the potato will change when frozen.
 
Oven Baked Hasselback Garlic Potato Instructions | Preheat the oven to 425°F (220 ° C) and line a baking sheet with foil, spray with cooking spray or rub with oil. Proceed with the recipe, baking potatoes in the oven for 50-65 minutes until crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving Calories: 337 kcal Carbohydrates: 30 g Protein: 4 g Fat: 23 g Saturated Fat: 15 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g Trans Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 61 mg Sodium: 338 mg Potassium: 733 mg Fiber: 4 g Sugar: 1 g Vitamin A: 740 IU Vitamin C: 35 mg Calcium: 33 mg Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These hasselback potatoes need to make an appearance at a Sunday dinner! I love that they are made in the air fryer, which means I can even make them in the heat of the summer. 🙂