Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Air fryer hasselback potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish with a gourmet look. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with irresistibly buttery edges. The cooking time for hasselback potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes and the model of the air fryer. On average, they take between 15 and 30 minutes to cook at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture for your hasselback potatoes is to ensure that the edges are golden brown and crispy, while the centre remains soft and tender. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect crispiness:

Choose the Right Potato Variety:

Select Russet potatoes, which are high in starch and ideal for achieving a crispy exterior. Alternatively, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used, but their edges won't get as crispy.

Slice the Potatoes Thinly:

Use a sharp knife to slice the potatoes into thin, even slices, approximately 1/4-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the potatoes will be. Ensure you don't cut all the way through, leaving about a 1/2-inch base at the bottom.

Soak and Dry the Potatoes:

Before cooking, soak the sliced potatoes in ice-cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve crispier results. Be sure to dry each potato thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Brush with Oil or Butter:

Before air frying, brush the outsides and between the slices of the potatoes with melted butter or oil. This adds flavour and promotes crisping. You can also mix the butter or oil with seasonings like garlic, herbs, or spices for extra flavour.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer:

Make sure there is enough space between each potato in the air fryer basket. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of crisping.

Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:

Keep an eye on the potatoes during cooking and adjust the timing as needed. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model. Bigger potatoes will need a few extra minutes.

Brush with Remaining Butter or Oil:

Once the potatoes are cooked and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with any remaining butter or oil. This adds extra flavour and moisture to the crispy edges.

Serve Immediately:

Hasselback potatoes are best served fresh out of the air fryer. Enjoy the crispy texture while they're hot!

How to prevent potatoes from breaking when serving

To cook hasselback potatoes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). Cut a thin slice off the flattest side of the potato so that it lays evenly without rolling. Place chopsticks or butter knives lengthwise along the top and bottom edges of the potato. Cut 1/4-inch slices into the potato, ensuring the knife only cuts through to the bottom 1/2-inch, keeping the bottom intact. Brush the potatoes with oil, melted butter, or a combination of both, making sure it drips between the slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Brush the potatoes with butter again and cook for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through.

• Use the right type of potato: Russet potatoes are a good option, as they have enough starch to get crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Yukon Gold and red potatoes can also be used, but the edges may not get as crispy.
• Cut the potatoes evenly: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut thin, even slices across the potato. The slices should be about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thick. This will help ensure that the potato stays together and doesn't break apart.
• Use a guide: When cutting the potatoes, place them on a large serving spoon or on wooden chopsticks. This will help guide your knife and ensure that you don't cut all the way through the potato.
• Don't slice them all the way through: It's important to leave the bottom part of the potato intact. This will help the potato hold together and prevent it from falling apart when serving.
• Brush with butter or oil: After slicing the potatoes, brush them with melted butter, oil, or a combination of both. This will help add moisture and make the potatoes less likely to break.
• Season carefully: When seasoning the potatoes, be gentle and avoid pressing down too hard on the slices. You can also wait until the potatoes are partially baked before seasoning to prevent breaking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure there is enough space between the potatoes in the air fryer to allow for even cooking and prevent steaming. This will help ensure that the potatoes cook properly and don't become soggy or break apart.

The best potatoes to use for hasselback potatoes

• Russet potatoes are a great option, especially for those who want crispy edges and a tender, soft inside.
• Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice due to their creamy texture and attractive golden colour. They are usually a good size for a single serving.
• Red potatoes are also suitable, but the edges won't get as crispy as with Russets.
• In the UK, Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are recommended.
• In Australia, Sebago or Desiree potatoes are perfect for hasselback potatoes.

When choosing potatoes for hasselback potatoes, it is also important to consider the size. Potatoes that are around 250g/8oz and have an oval shape tend to work best, as they will fan out more effectively, allowing the oil and seasoning to drip between the slices. Smaller potatoes may not crisp up as well, as the inside may become too soft.

How to prepare the potatoes before cooking

Preparing the potatoes before cooking is a crucial step in achieving the perfect hasselback potatoes in your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your potatoes:

Wash and Soak the Potatoes:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are an excellent choice due to their high starch content, which promotes crispiness. However, you can also use other varieties such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, fill a large bowl or your clean sink with cold water and ice cubes, ensuring the water level covers the tops of the potatoes. Soak the potatoes in this ice bath for a while. This step helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving the crispiest results.

Slice the Potatoes:

After soaking, thoroughly dry each potato with a clean cloth or paper towel. Now, it's time to slice the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or a hasselback potato slicer, carefully cut thin slices into each potato, aiming for about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness. Make sure to leave a 1/2-inch base at the bottom of the potato intact. To ensure you don't cut all the way through, place two chopsticks or the handle of a long wooden spoon at the base of each potato as a guide and stopper for your knife.

Seasoning and Brushing:

In a separate bowl, prepare your desired seasoning mix. You can whisk together ingredients like butter, salt and pepper, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Alternatively, go for a lemon herb blend with lemon zest and juice, or even a cheesy mix with grated cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese. Drizzle or brush this seasoning mixture over the potatoes, making sure it gets in between the slices. You can also brush the potatoes with oil or melted ghee before applying the seasoning for extra crispness.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

While your potatoes are absorbing all the delicious flavours, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend temperatures between 350°F and 400°F, but you can adjust this based on your air fryer's settings and your desired level of doneness.

Now that your potatoes are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you're ready to start cooking! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up nicely. Depending on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model, cook them for around 15 to 30 minutes, periodically checking and adjusting the cooking time as needed.

How to season the potatoes

When it comes to seasoning hasselback potatoes, the options are endless! The first step is to grease the skin with fat, such as bacon fat, vegetable oil, or any cooking oil. This helps the seasonings stick and creates crispier potatoes. Then, it's time to sprinkle with your desired seasonings. A classic combination is salt, pepper, and butter, but you can also add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for a pop of colour and flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, try something spicy like chili powder or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, go for an Italian theme with basil, oregano, and parsley, or an Americana twist with ranch seasoning. For a more indulgent option, stuff the slices with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or minced herbs. You can also brush the potatoes with garlic butter or herb butter for an extra punch of flavour.

Don't be afraid to experiment and let your imagination run wild. The beauty of hasselback potatoes is that they can be tailored to your taste preferences and paired with various proteins and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Remember, the key to maximising flavour is to get the seasoning between the slices, so feel free to add more butter or oil to help the seasonings stick and create those crispy edges that hasselback potatoes are known for.

Frequently asked questions