Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Air fryer hasselback potatoes are sliced almost all the way through, so the cuts fan open and crisp while the center stays soft. They take about 32 minutes at 380 °F, with garlic butter brushed on twice. This recipe shows the safe way to cut them and gives times for baby, sweet potato and cheese versions.
- Temperature
- 380°F190 °C
- Total time
- 42min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Why the air fryer works for hasselback potatoes
The hasselback cut turns one potato into dozens of thin slices that stay joined at the base. In the oven the slices can dry out on the tips while the center is still firm. In the air fryer, the hot air moves down into the cuts, so each slice browns on both sides and the potato underneath steams until tender.
Butter does two jobs. It carries the garlic and herbs into the cuts, and its milk solids brown at 380 °F, which gives the edges a toasted flavor. A second coat halfway through keeps the slices from drying out.
How to make hasselback potatoes in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the butter Stir the melted butter with the garlic, salt, pepper and thyme in a small bowl.
- Cut the slices Scrub and dry the potatoes. Lay each potato between the handles of two wooden spoons, or two chopsticks. Cut thin slices about ⅛ inch apart across the potato. The spoons stop the knife before it reaches the bottom, so the slices stay attached.
- Brush Brush the potatoes all over with half of the garlic butter, working some into the cuts. Gently press the potato at the ends to open the slices.
- Cook Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F for . Place the potatoes in the basket, cut side up, and cook for .
- Brush again and finish Brush with the remaining butter and cook for more. The edges should be golden and a skewer should slide easily into the center.
- Serve Sprinkle with chives and serve right away while the slices are crisp.
Times and temperatures
| Hasselback Potatoes | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Yukon Gold, 6 ozBrush twice | 380 °F (190 °C) | 30–35 min |
| Large russet, 10 oz | 380 °F (190 °C) | 40–45 min |
| Baby hasselback | 380 °F (190 °C) | 15–18 min |
| With cheeseAdd cheese last 3 min | 380 °F (190 °C) | 33–35 min |
| Sweet potato | 380 °F (190 °C) | 35–40 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Choose small, even potatoes. Uniform potatoes of about 6 oz fit the basket and cook through in 32 minutes.
- Dry before cutting. A dry surface lets the butter cling, and the knife is safer on a dry potato.
- Add cheese late. Cheese added at the start burns before the potato is tender. Add it for the last 3 minutes.
What to serve with hasselback potatoes
These potatoes look impressive next to steak, chicken breast or pork tenderloin, and they suit Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner. For something simpler, cook baked potatoes at 400 °F.
Storing and reheating
Store cooked potatoes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 5–6 minutes, until hot in the center and crisp at the edges. Do not freeze them, since the thin slices turn watery when thawed.
Variations
- Cheese and bacon: Tuck ¼ cup shredded cheddar and 2 tbsp crumbled cooked bacon into the cuts for the last 3 minutes.
- Parmesan and herbs: Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated parmesan and fresh parsley over the potatoes for the last 5 minutes.
- Sweet potato: Use 4 small sweet potatoes of 6 oz and cook for 35–40 minutes, brushing twice.
If it does not turn out right
- The slices fell apart
- The knife cut through the bottom. Use wooden spoons or chopsticks as guides, and stop the blade about ¼ inch from the base of the potato.
- The slices are pale and do not fan open
- Cut them thinner, about ⅛ inch apart, and work the butter into the cuts. Press the ends together after brushing so the slices open as they cook.
- The top is crisp but the middle is raw
- The potato was too big for the time. Use potatoes of about 6 oz, or give larger ones 40–45 minutes and brush with butter again if the edges darken early.
Questions and answers
How long do hasselback potatoes take in the air fryer?
About 32 minutes at 380 °F for medium Yukon Gold potatoes of 6 ounces. Large russets take 40–45 minutes, and baby potatoes take 15–18 minutes.
Do I need to parboil hasselback potatoes?
No. Raw potatoes cook through in the air fryer. Parboiling for 5 minutes makes them more tender but more likely to break when you cut them.
Can I make hasselback potatoes with cheese?
Yes. Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar between the slices for the last 3 minutes, and add crumbled bacon if you like.
Can you reheat hasselback potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes. Reheat them at 350 °F for 5–6 minutes until hot in the center and crisp at the edges.
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