Quick and easy! With just 10 minutes of prep and less than 20 minutes of cooking, air fryer Hasselback potatoes become irresistibly crispy and tender. The garlic butter—and optional cheesy bacon mixture—takes them over the top!
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Why You Will Love Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Crispy, buttery, and full of flavor—Hasselback potatoes air fryer (also known as accordion potatoes) are your new favorite side dish! Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a winner. The thinly sliced potatoes get crispy in the air fryer and stay soft inside. But the magic is the garlic butter. It seeps into every nook and cranny, giving these potatoes a rich, can’t-resist flavor. And if you’re feeling indulgent, throw on some cheese and bacon—trust me, it’s worth it!
Don’t worry if slicing Hasselback potatoes seems tricky—I have a foolproof trick using an inexpensive tool to make it easy. I’ll walk you through the steps, and the Hasselback potatoes air fryer combo will take care of the rest, delivering crispy, golden edges that have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether a casual dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe will make you look like a kitchen rockstar.
I love using my air fryer! It’s especially great with potatoes because you speedily get crispy outsides and soft, fluffy insides. Try my Air Fryer Steak Fries—crispy perfection every time—or step up your potato game with Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. Both recipes are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Ready to dive into potato greatness? Let’s get cooking!
No air fryer? No problem, I provide instructions for how to oven-bake Hasselback potatoes too.
Why are they called Hasselback potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes are named after 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.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes Ingredients
- Potatoes—I used Yukon gold potatoes because they are more buttery, but you can use Russet, red, 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 paprika, kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Butter – Mix butter with fresh herbs and garlic for the ultimate buttery potato!
- Fresh herbs – Use fresh herbs, chopped finely, for the best flavor: parsley, thyme, and rosemary. If preferred, substitute 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 – For a pop of color, Garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Then, add a dollop of sour cream for the perfect potato topping!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
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
- Turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer with this air fryer lid — one less appliance!
- Cosori Air Fryer is the next up, a dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy-to-operate air fryer.
- My favorite Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oven-Baked Yukon Gold Hasselback Potatoes
I understand not everyone has invested in an air fryer yet. So here are the simple instructions for baking 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.
What to serve with Hasselback Potatoes Air Fryer
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.
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 Steak, Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs, or sweet and savory Maple Balsamic Chicken Breasts – Yum!
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
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Crispy Diced Potatoes Hash Browns Recipe with Bacon
- Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Potato Casserole
- Instant Pot Rustic Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties (Frozen or Thawed)
I hope you loved this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes—If you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
- 4 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes washed, may also use Russets, Red or Sweet Potatoes
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ 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
- ¼ cup Bacon cooked and chopped or sub with bacon bits
- ½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated or shredded, or your favorite cheese
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika garnish
- 1-2 Green Onions chopped or chives
- ½ 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.4 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 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.½ cup Butter, 1 teaspoon Parsley, 1 teaspoon Thyme, 1 teaspoon Rosemary, 2 cloves 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.¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ⅛ teaspoon Black 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.¼ cup Bacon, ½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1-2 Green Onions, ½ cup Sour Cream
Notes
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Jess
LOVE LOVE LOVE that this is made in the Air Fryer. I am always looking for delicious new recipes to make my life easier and tastier!
You’ll love it.
Liz
Ok this was like the best way to eat a potato that I’ve ever tried! YUM! My husband loved it too!
Yippee!! Thanks, Liz!!
chelsea
This is definitely my new go-to recipe for air fryer potatoes. I loooved that they stayed so crispy outside but were still soft inside.
Thanks so much, Chelsea!
Ali
These potatoes turned out extra crispy in the air fryer and were such a tasty side dish — will be my go-to potato recipe from now on!
Love it, thanks!
Justine
I am absolutely in love with these potatoes. They were so easy to make and tasted amazing!
Yay! Love it!
Tasia
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. 🙂
Yessss!! Thank you, Tasia!!