Why You’ll Love this Crispy Air Fried Hasselback Potato
I’m completely head over heels for this crispy air fried Hasselback potato recipe, and trust me, you’ll be too.
What’s not to love about a potato that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside? The accordion-like cuts create perfect little pockets for capturing that olive oil goodness, while making space for bacon bits and cheese to nestle in.
The air fryer works its magic here, giving you that delightful crunch without drowning your spuds in oil.
Plus, they look so fancy on a plate—who wouldn’t be impressed by your culinary skills? Seriously, restaurant-quality potatoes at home.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Air Fried Hasselback Potato?
The beauty of this Hasselback potato recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. I’m all about those recipes that don’t require a special trip to some fancy grocery store, yet still manage to look and taste like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen.
These crispy, accordion-style potatoes need just a handful of items you probably already have lurking in your pantry or fridge.
- Potatoes (can be left unpeeled or peeled according to preference)
- Olive oil (as needed for brushing)
- Bacon bits (for topping)
- Shredded cheese (any melty variety works well)
- Chopped onion (adds a lovely aromatic flavor)
When selecting potatoes, I recommend going for Russets or Yukon Golds—they have the perfect starch content for that crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture we’re after.
And while the recipe calls for basic shredded cheese, feel free to get creative here. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, while a smoked gouda might bring an interesting depth of flavor.
The olive oil doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just make sure it’s one you like the taste of, as it will definitely contribute to the final flavor profile.
Want to make this dish even more decadent? A little dollop of sour cream served alongside never hurt anyone, did it?
How to Make this Crispy Air Fried Hasselback Potato
Let’s plunge into creating these impressive yet simple Hasselback potatoes. First, decide whether you want to peel your potatoes or leave the skins on—I’m usually a skin-on kind of cook since that’s where many nutrients hide, but it’s completely up to you. If you’re working with larger potatoes, go ahead and cut them in half to make them more manageable.
Now for the signature Hasselback technique: carefully cut slits along each potato about 5mm apart, making sure to stop about 6mm from the base. This is what gives these spuds their fancy accordion look without letting them fall apart. Think of it as giving your potato a nice little haircut!
Next comes the cooking process, which is wonderfully hands-off thanks to the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 355 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 Celsius for my metric friends) and place your sliced potatoes in the basket. Using a convection smart air fryer will ensure even heat distribution and perfect crispiness every time. Let them cook for the first 15-20 minutes, which starts the cooking process and begins to separate those beautiful slices.
After this initial cooking period, it’s time to add some flavor. Gently brush olive oil between those delicate slits—don’t rush this part, as getting oil into those crevices is what helps create that mouthwatering crispy texture we’re after.
Return the oiled potatoes to the air fryer for another 15-20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through with a crispy exterior and tender inside. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily slide a fork into the base.
During the last few minutes of cooking, you might want to sprinkle some bacon bits, shredded cheese, and chopped onion over the top, allowing these toppings to get warm and melty. The heat opens up those accordion folds even more, creating perfect little pockets for the toppings to nestle into.
Honestly, is there anything more satisfying than watching cheese melt into all those nooks and crannies? I think not.
Crispy Air Fried Hasselback Potato Substitutions and Variations
While mastering the classic Hasselback potato is fantastic, exploring different variations and substitutions can turn this simple side dish into something truly spectacular.
I love swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist, or tiny baby potatoes for an adorable appetizer version.
Can’t do dairy? Try nutritional yeast instead of cheese for that savory flavor.
Vegetarians might prefer tempeh bits or mushroom “bacon” over traditional bacon bits.
For herbs, rosemary and thyme are divine with potatoes, while garlic butter brushed between the slits creates pockets of flavor.
And why not try a drizzle of truffle oil? Simply heavenly.
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fried Hasselback Potato
Since these gorgeous, fan-like Hasselback potatoes make such a statement on the plate, deciding what to serve alongside them requires thoughtful consideration.
I love pairing them with a simple protein like grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or a juicy steak. The crispy, accordion-like texture contrasts beautifully with tender meats.
For a complete meal, add a bright, acidic side like a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Want to keep it classic? Nothing beats a dollop of sour cream, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Seriously, who needs more than that?
Final Thoughts
After making these air fried Hasselback potatoes, I’m convinced they’re the perfect combination of fancy presentation and comforting flavor.
The crispy edges with that tender interior just can’t be beaten, and your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can dress them up with gourmet toppings for a dinner party or keep them simple for a weeknight meal.
The air fryer gives them that perfect texture without the hassle of deep frying or lengthy oven times.
Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
