Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: The Perfect Crisp

Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish with a lovely presentation. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The entire beauty of the hasselback potato is the wonderfully buttery, crispy edges. The air fryer is perfect for this kind of recipe as it cooks the potato to the perfect tenderness inside while making the magic happen on the outside.

Choosing the right potato

Type of Potato

The most commonly recommended type of potato for hasselback potatoes is the Russet potato. Russets are ideal because they are starchy and have a high starch content, which helps them get crispy on the outside while remaining tender and soft on the inside. Their fluffy texture and ability to crisp up make them perfect for this dish.

However, other types of potatoes can also be used. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative, especially if you prefer a less starchy option. They have a natural buttery flavour and a texture similar to red potatoes but with less waxiness. If you opt for Yukon Gold, keep in mind that the edges may not get as crispy as Russets.

Size of Potato

When choosing your potatoes, look for small to medium-sized potatoes. This ensures that they cook evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer. Larger potatoes may require longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

Peeling or Leaving the Skin On

Whether to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds an extra layer of texture and crispiness to your hasselback potatoes. The skin of Russet potatoes is also nutrient-dense, containing vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. However, if you prefer a smoother appearance and texture, you can peel the potatoes before slicing and cooking them.

Slicing Technique

To ensure even cooking and the signature accordion-style flair of hasselback potatoes, slicing the potatoes into uniform, thin slices is essential. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick, leaving a small portion of the bottom intact to hold the slices together. You can use a sharp knife or even a special hasselback potato cutter for this task.

To guide your slicing, place chopsticks or a wooden spoon alongside the potato to act as a "stopper" for your knife, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. This technique will help you achieve evenly sliced potatoes that are neither too thick nor too thin.

In summary, selecting the right potato for your hasselback potatoes in the air fryer comes down to personal preference, but Russets are generally the best choice for that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Don't forget to consider the size of the potatoes and use the right slicing technique for the best results!

Preparing the potatoes for slicing

Select the Right Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties will give you the desired crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won't yield the same level of crispness.

Scrub and Dry the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly rinsing and scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. This step is important to ensure the potatoes are clean and ready for slicing.

Slice the Potatoes: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the potatoes into even slices of about 1/4-inch thickness. Leave a small space at the bottom, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. This will help create the accordion-style flair that hasselback potatoes are known for. You can place chopsticks or skewers on both sides of the potato as a guide to prevent slicing all the way through.

Soaking (Optional): For even crispier potatoes, you can optionally soak the sliced potatoes in ice-cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch. Be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

Brush with Oil or Butter: Before slicing, brush the outside of the potatoes and the slices with olive oil or melted butter. This step will add flavor and moisture to the potatoes.

Seasoning: If desired, you can season the potatoes with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, before placing them in the air fryer. This will enhance the flavor of your hasselback potatoes.

Remember, the key to preparing potatoes for slicing is to create even slices while leaving a small portion uncut at the bottom. This technique will ensure your hasselback potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy texture.

Brushing with butter

To brush the potatoes with butter, start by melting the butter. You can do this in a small saucepan on the stove, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Once melted, you can add other ingredients to the butter to create a flavourful mixture. Some common additions include olive oil, garlic (fresh or powdered), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Next, you'll want to brush the butter mixture onto the potatoes. Start by drizzling or brushing some of the mixture on top of the potatoes and in between the slices. Be sure to get the mixture into the slits as much as possible, as this will add flavour and help the potatoes cook evenly.

After brushing the potatoes with the butter mixture, place them in the air fryer. For most recipes, you'll want to cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes before brushing them again with the butter mixture. This helps to ensure that the potatoes don't dry out and that they get nice and crispy.

Depending on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer, you may need to cook them for another 15 minutes or so after brushing them the second time. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with any remaining butter mixture. This will add extra flavour and moisture to the dish. You can also sprinkle them with fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for an extra touch of flavour.

And that's it! Brushing your hasselback potatoes with butter is a simple way to take this dish to the next level. Enjoy your delicious, crispy creation!

Air-frying the potatoes

Now, it's time to slice your potatoes. Cut 1/4-inch slices into the potato, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch base along the bottom of the potato intact. You can use a sharp knife for this step, or purchase a special Hasselback potato slicer. A helpful tip to ensure you don't slice all the way through is to place chopsticks or a wooden spoon along the sides of the potato as a guide for your knife.

Once your potatoes are sliced, brush them with a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. Seasonings can include salt, pepper, garlic (either freshly minced or garlic powder), smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or a combination of these. Make sure to get the seasoning mixture in between the slices of the potato for maximum flavour.

Now it's time to air-fry! Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other. Air-fry for 15 minutes, then brush the potatoes with the remaining butter mixture and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and brush with any remaining butter mixture. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Serving and storing

Hasselback potatoes are best served hot and crispy, straight out of the air fryer. You can top them with sour cream, chives, and any other toppings of your choice.

If you have leftovers, store them wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, leave off any toppings, including bacon and cheese.

To reheat, place the potatoes back in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This will help maintain the coveted crispiness of the hasselback.

You can also store extra hasselback potatoes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-7 minutes to warm them through and keep the exterior crispy.

Frequently asked questions