Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy

Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the perfect potato: crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside. Enter the Hasselback potato—a dish as visually impressive as it is delicious. Named after the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where it was first served, this iconic side dish involves slicing potatoes in thin, even slits that allow them to crisp up wonderfully during cooking while holding onto seasoning and flavors like a sponge.

While traditionally baked in the oven, Hasselback potatoes are a match made in heaven for the air fryer. The circulating hot air of an air fryer crisps up every delicate slice to golden-brown perfection, significantly cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing taste or texture. If you’ve never tried Hasselback potatoes in your air fryer, you’re in for a serious treat.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: from choosing the best potatoes and mastering the slicing technique to customizing flavors and achieving the ideal crispy texture. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned kitchen pro, this guide will walk you through each step of making these irresistible, fan-favorite spuds.

Let’s dive into the art and science behind this crowd-pleasing side dish!

What Are Hasselback Potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes are whole potatoes sliced in thin, even intervals—but not all the way through—so that the potato remains intact. As they bake or air fry, the slices fan out, becoming crispy on the edges and tender inside. The genius of the dish lies in the combination of crispy edges and a soft interior. Plus, the design allows for flavors—like butter, garlic, herbs, or cheese—to seep into every crevice.

They look fancy enough for a dinner party but are simple enough for a weekday meal. Best of all, they’re highly customizable.

Why Make Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, and Hasselback potatoes are one of the many dishes that benefit from its unique cooking environment.

Benefits of Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes:

Quicker cooking time: Traditional oven-baked Hasselback potatoes can take up to an hour. In the air fryer, they cook in about 30–40 minutes.
Crispier texture: The hot circulating air hits all those thin slices, creating extra crispy edges.
Energy efficient: No need to heat up your oven—ideal for warm weather or small kitchens.
Perfect for small batches: Make just what you need without heating the entire kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

To make classic Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, you only need a few basic ingredients. But feel free to experiment with additional toppings and spices.

Basic Ingredients:

4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon bits
Sour cream
Chives
Parmesan
Crumbled feta
Smoked paprika
Pesto drizzle

Step-by-Step Recipe for Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Step 1: Choose the Right Potato

Select medium-sized, evenly shaped potatoes. Yukon Gold offers a buttery flavor and creamy texture, while Russets give that classic crisp finish. Scrub the skins well—you’ll be keeping them on.

Step 2: Make Hasselback Cuts

This is the most crucial part of the recipe and requires a steady hand.

How to Slice Hasselback Potatoes:

Place the potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. This acts as a safety barrier, preventing your knife from slicing all the way through.
Use a sharp knife to cut slits about ⅛ inch apart along the width of the potato.
Make sure you don’t cut all the way through—the base of the potato should stay intact.
Repeat with all your potatoes.

Step 3: Soak (Optional but Recommended)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 10–15 minutes after slicing helps remove excess starch. This promotes extra crispiness during air frying.

After soaking, pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and gives the potatoes a head start on crisping up.

Step 5: Season the Potatoes

Mix together the olive oil or melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like (paprika, rosemary, etc.).

Brush or drizzle the mixture generously over and between the slices.
Gently spread the slices apart to let the seasoning seep into the slits.

Step 6: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching each other for even airflow.

Cooking Time:

Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 30–40 minutes, depending on size.
Halfway through cooking (around 15–20 minutes), brush again with oil or butter and rotate the potatoes.

They’re done when:

The outside is golden and crispy.
The inside is soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
The slices are fanned out and crisp.

Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)

After cooking, sprinkle on any desired toppings like shredded cheese (which can melt quickly from residual heat), crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Hasselback potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with:

Grilled meats (steak, chicken, pork chops)
Air fryer salmon or fish fillets
Vegetarian meals like roasted veggies and dips
Holiday spreads as an elegant alternative to roasted potatoes

They’re great on their own, too, served with a dollop of sour cream or aioli.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get creative with your flavors!

1. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

Add slices of cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda between the slits before the last 5 minutes of cooking.

2. Garlic Herb

Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley into your butter/oil mixture.

3. Loaded Baked Potato Style

Top with sour cream, bacon bits, chives, and shredded cheese.

4. Mediterranean-Inspired

Add feta, olives, sundried tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil post-cooking.

5. Spicy Kick

Sprinkle with cayenne or red pepper flakes, and serve with sriracha mayo.

Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes

Use medium potatoes so they cook evenly and fit well in your air fryer basket.
Don’t skip brushing halfway through—it helps achieve crispness and rich flavor.
Make them ahead: Slice and soak in water, then dry and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 5–8 minutes to bring back crispiness.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes work beautifully, though they cook slightly faster and are more delicate, so be gentle when slicing.

Do I have to soak them in water?

No, but it improves the texture. Soaking draws out starch, helping the potatoes become extra crispy.

Can I make these in a Ninja, Cosori, or Philips air fryer?

Absolutely. Any brand of air fryer will work as long as the potatoes fit well and the air can circulate freely.

Can I freeze Hasselback potatoes?

Cooked Hasselback potatoes can be frozen, but the texture might soften. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp them back up.

Nutrition Information (Per Potato, Approximate)

Calories: 210
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 300mg (varies by seasoning)

For healthier options, use less oil or substitute with olive oil spray.

Conclusion

Hasselback potatoes are the kind of side dish that never fails to impress—both visually and flavor-wise. And when you make them in an air fryer, they’re quicker, crispier, and even more irresistible.

This recipe is a testament to how the simplest ingredients—potatoes, oil, and spices—can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right technique. The air fryer takes the traditional oven-baked Hasselback potato to new heights, making it crispier and more accessible for everyday cooking.

Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, feeding a hungry family, or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are a reliable and delicious choice. You’ll fall in love with their golden crust, tender core, and customizable nature.

Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite potato dish. Crispy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—Hasselback potatoes made in the air fryer are a modern twist on a classic comfort food.