Hasselback potatoes filled with butter and savory herbs are an excellent quick side option for holidays, potlucks and dinner parties. Add bacon to these hasselback potatoes if you want, or keep them vegetarian.
Side dishes have been such an important part of my life, both with my little family of 4 and with my husband and I’s extended families. We both come from large families and it’s always great to gather over a meal.
And what’s a big family potluck without some sort of fabulous roasted potato dish? I’ve got you covered with these easy and delicious hasselback potatoes. They’re perfect for holidays, dinner parties, you name it!
Ingredients in Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer
The ingredient list remains simple, though each item plays an important role in creating the crispy texture and savory flavor that makes hasselback potatoes so satisfying.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer
This recipe requires a little careful slicing, though the process remains simple and rewarding. The air fryer takes care of the cooking while the potato layers slowly turn golden and crisp.
1. Wash and prepare the potatoes
Start by rinsing the potatoes under cool water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skins gently using a vegetable brush if needed. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Leaving the skin on helps the potatoes hold their shape while cooking and also adds extra texture.
2. Slice the hasselback pattern
Place a potato on a cutting board and position two wooden chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons on each side. Carefully slice thin cuts across the potato, stopping when the knife reaches the chopsticks. This trick prevents cutting all the way through and keeps the potato intact.
3. Prepare the seasoning mixture
In a small bowl combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a flavorful mixture that will coat the potatoes.
4. Season the potatoes
Using a brush or spoon, coat each potato with the butter and oil mixture. Try to gently spread some of the seasoning between the slices so the flavor reaches deeper into the layers.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Turn on the air fryer and heat it to around 375°F. Preheating helps the potatoes begin crisping immediately once they enter the basket.
6. Place potatoes in the basket
Arrange the potatoes inside the air fryer basket with a little space between them. Proper airflow helps the edges crisp evenly.
7. Cook the potatoes
Air fry the potatoes for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush a little more butter mixture over the potatoes. This step keeps them moist inside while encouraging crisp edges.
8. Add optional toppings
During the final few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes if desired. The cheese melts into the layers and adds extra flavor.
9. Rest before serving
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to rest briefly. The slices will open slightly as they cool, revealing the crispy layers inside.
How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer
Hasselback potatoes shine beautifully as a side dish. Their crispy edges and soft centers pair well with many meals, especially roasted meats, grilled chicken, or hearty vegetables.
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds color and freshness. The green herbs contrast nicely with the golden potato layers.
Many people also enjoy adding toppings. A spoonful of sour cream, melted cheese, or crispy bacon bits can turn the potatoes into a more indulgent side.
These potatoes also work well during casual gatherings. Place them on a large platter and let everyone add their own toppings. The fan shaped layers make them look impressive even though they require only basic ingredients.
Recipe Tips
- Placing chopsticks or wooden spoons beside the potato prevents cutting all the way through. This simple trick helps keep the hasselback shape intact.
- Thin and evenly spaced slices allow heat to circulate through the potato layers and create crisp edges.
- Adding extra butter halfway through helps the slices separate slightly and improves flavor.
- Leave space between potatoes so hot air circulates freely. This helps achieve an even crispy texture.
- Potatoes that are close in size cook more evenly and finish at the same time.
Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutesIngredients
4 russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
¼ cup grated cheese (optional)
Directions
- Wash and prepare the potatoes:
Start by rinsing the potatoes under cool water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skins gently using a vegetable brush if needed. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Leaving the skin on helps the potatoes hold their shape while cooking and also adds extra texture. - Slice the hasselback pattern:
Place a potato on a cutting board and position two wooden chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons on each side. Carefully slice thin cuts across the potato, stopping when the knife reaches the chopsticks. This trick prevents cutting all the way through and keeps the potato intact. - Prepare the seasoning mixture:
In a small bowl combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a flavorful mixture that will coat the potatoes. - Season the potatoes:
Using a brush or spoon, coat each potato with the butter and oil mixture. Try to gently spread some of the seasoning between the slices so the flavor reaches deeper into the layers. - Preheat the air fryer:
Turn on the air fryer and heat it to around 375°F. Preheating helps the potatoes begin crisping immediately once they enter the basket. - Place potatoes in the basket:
Arrange the potatoes inside the air fryer basket with a little space between them. Proper airflow helps the edges crisp evenly. - Cook the potatoes:
Air fry the potatoes for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, brush a little more butter mixture over the potatoes. This step keeps them moist inside while encouraging crisp edges. - Add optional toppings:
During the final few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes if desired. The cheese melts into the layers and adds extra flavor. - Rest before serving:
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and allow them to rest briefly. The slices will open slightly as they cool, revealing the crispy layers inside.
