- Wash and Dry: Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Slice the Potatoes: Place a potato on a cutting board. Position a chopstick or wooden spoon on either side of the potato to act as a guide, ensuring you don’t slice all the way through. Carefully cut the potato into thin, even slices, about 1/8-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
- Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using sliced garlic and herbs, add them to the mix.
- Brush the Potatoes: Gently fan out the slices of each potato, and brush them generously with the seasoned oil mixture. Make sure to get some of the mixture between the slices for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Ensure there is enough space between the potatoes for the hot air to circulate.
- First Round of Cooking: Cook the potatoes at 360°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check halfway through, and if necessary, brush with a little more of the seasoned oil.
- Cheese Finish (Optional): If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt and create a deliciously crispy topping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Final Touches: Once the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve your air fryer Hasselback potatoes hot, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes:
- Uniform Slicing: Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as slicing guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potato.
- Extra Crispy Potatoes: For even crispier potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes after slicing. Then, dry them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Cheddar Bacon Hasselback: Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a loaded baked potato flavor.
- Herb and Garlic Hasselback: Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic into the oil for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
- Spicy Hasselback: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
Conclusion
Air fryer Hasselback potatoes are a perfect blend of crispy edges and tender insides, making them a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. The air fryer makes the process simple and quick, delivering beautifully cooked potatoes with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or as a comforting side for a weeknight meal, these Hasselback potatoes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious results!