- Wash and Dry: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This ensures that the skins become nice and crispy.
- 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, preventing you from slicing all the way through. Carefully slice the potato into thin, even slices, about 1/8-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
- Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using minced garlic, add it to the mixture as well.
- Coat 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: Air Fry the Potatoes
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Shake the basket or rotate the potatoes halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Cheesy Finish: After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the basket. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the tops of the potatoes, making sure it melts into the slices.
- Final Air Frying: Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve these crispy and cheesy Hasselback potatoes hot, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes:
- Uniform Slicing: Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as guides to ensure you don’t slice all the way through the potato.
- Crispier Potatoes: For even crispier potatoes, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Cheese Choice: Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère work beautifully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses.
Variations:
- Garlic Parmesan: Skip the shredded cheese and instead sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and minced garlic between the slices before cooking.
- Bacon Cheddar: Add crumbled bacon bits along with the cheese for a loaded baked potato flavor.
- Herbed Butter: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the melted butter or oil for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
Conclusion
These crispy and cheesy Hasselback potatoes cooked in the air fryer are a delightful side dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. The air fryer makes the process quick and easy, delivering perfectly cooked potatoes with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak or enjoying them on their own, these Hasselback potatoes are sure to impress your family and guests alike. Enjoy the combination of crispy edges, tender insides, and gooey cheese in every bite!