Hasselback potatoes are a show-stopping side dish that is as delicious as it is visually stunning. These crispy, golden-brown potatoes have a soft, tender interior and a beautifully crisp exterior, making them the perfect addition to any meal. Cooking them in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also enhances their texture with minimal oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The thin slices allow for a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
- Quick and Easy: The air fryer reduces cooking time compared to the oven.
- Customizable: You can season them with a variety of toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for extra richness)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Place each potato on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make thin, evenly spaced slices along the length of the potato, stopping just before cutting all the way through. A good trick is to place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent slicing through.
3. Season the Potatoes
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, making sure it seeps into the slices.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- For extra flavor, rub minced garlic into the slices and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- If using, melted butter and smoked paprika can be brushed on for extra crispiness and flavor.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the air fryer model.
- Halfway through cooking, carefully brush the potatoes with more olive oil or butter for an even crispier finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of melted butter before serving.
- Enjoy as a side dish with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Hasselback Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes create a crispier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamier interior.
- Even Slices: Thin, uniform cuts help the potatoes cook evenly.
- Enhance the Crispiness: Brushing the potatoes with butter or oil halfway through cooking ensures a golden, crispy finish.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate Values)
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Total Fat: 7-10g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5-7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Protein: 3-5g
This air fryer Hasselback potato recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, these crispy, flavorful potatoes will be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides.