Hasselback Potatoes: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can make hasselback potatoes in an air fryer! This cooking method gives you the ultimate crispy and tender potatoes that are so good, they'll be gone before you know it.

Hasselback potatoes are a type of baked or roasted potato where the potato is sliced thinly, but not all the way through, creating a fan-like or accordion appearance. They are known for their crispy outer layers and soft, fluffy, or tender insides. The air fryer is perfect for achieving this texture contrast.

To make hasselback potatoes in an air fryer, you'll need potatoes, butter or olive oil, and your choice of seasonings and toppings. The potatoes are sliced into thin sections, about 1/4 thick, and then seasoned and cooked in the air fryer at around 350-400°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. You can also add butter or oil and seasonings halfway through the cooking process to ensure crispy, golden potatoes.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy side dish that's sure to impress, give air fryer hasselback potatoes a try!

How to cut the potatoes

To make hasselback potatoes in an air fryer, you'll need to cut the potatoes into thin slices, without cutting all the way through. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut the potatoes:

• Wash and dry the potatoes: Start by giving the potatoes a good rinse to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a kitchen towel or paper towel to pat them dry.
• Place chopsticks or skewers on both sides of the potato: This technique will help you cut the potatoes evenly without slicing all the way through. The chopsticks or skewers will act as a barrier, preventing your knife from cutting too deep.
• Start slicing: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the potato into thin, even slices. Cut down until you reach the chopsticks or skewers, making sure not to cut all the way through the potato. Each slice should be around 1/4-inch thick, or 3-5 mm.
• Create accordion-style slices: Continue slicing the potatoes, maintaining the same thickness and ensuring you don't cut through the chopsticks or skewers. This will create an accordion-style effect, with the slices fanning out slightly.
• Leave space at the bottom: As you're slicing, make sure to leave some space at the bottom of the potato. This will ensure that the potato stays intact and doesn't fall apart.
• Be careful and take your time: Cutting hasselback potatoes requires a bit of precision and patience. Take your time and cut slowly to ensure even slices and to avoid accidentally cutting through the potato.
• Consider the size of your potatoes: If your potatoes are on the smaller side, you may need to adjust the thickness of your slices accordingly. The key is to create slices that are thin enough to fan out and create that signature hasselback look.

By following these steps, you'll end up with beautifully cut hasselback potatoes that are ready to be seasoned and cooked in your air fryer!

Seasoning and toppings

The best type of potato to use for hasselback potatoes is a starchy potato such as a Russet potato. This is because they have plenty of starch, which makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

When it comes to seasoning, the most popular choice is a combination of butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can use either fresh garlic or garlic powder. You can also add olive oil to the potatoes if you prefer. Other seasonings you can try are smoked paprika, onion powder, herb butter, or flavoured oils.

If you want to add toppings to your hasselback potatoes, you could try adding a dollop of sour cream, some grated cheese, or crumbled bacon. You can also add some shredded cheese towards the end of the air frying cycle to make it a cheesy hasselback potato. For a vegan option, swap out the butter for olive oil or avocado oil.

Reheating and storing

If you have any leftover hasselback potatoes, it's best to reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their coveted crispiness. Place the potatoes back in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes to warm them up.

You can store leftover hasselback potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to prepare the potatoes in advance, you can slice them and store them in a bowl of water to prevent browning. Then, when you're ready to cook, just pat them dry and proceed with the seasoning and cooking process.

Now you can enjoy your crispy, buttery, and delicious hasselback potatoes anytime!

The best type of potatoes to use

You can also use other types of potatoes such as red potatoes or even tiny new potatoes, but the exterior won't have the same crispy skin and the inside won't be as fluffy.

Whether to peel the potatoes

Whether or not to peel the potatoes when making hasselback potatoes in an air fryer is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on can add extra crispiness to the dish and also provides nutritional benefits, as potato skin is nutrient-dense, containing vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. However, peeling the potatoes can make the dish more aesthetically pleasing, especially if a uniform look is desired.

Some recipes for hasselback potatoes specifically recommend leaving the skin on, while others suggest that peeling is optional. Ultimately, the decision to peel or not peel the potatoes comes down to individual preference, desired texture, and presentation.

If you do choose to leave the skin on, it is important to thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt or impurities. This will ensure that your hasselback potatoes are not only delicious but also safe to consume.

Additionally, the type of potato you use can impact the final result. Russet potatoes, for example, tend to yield crispier edges due to their higher starch content, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes may not achieve the same level of crispness.

Frequently asked questions