Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Introduction

Few side dishes manage to be as visually stunning, irresistibly flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare as Hasselback potatoes. Originating from Sweden in the 1950s, this classic recipe transforms an ordinary potato into a fan-like masterpiece with thin, even slices that crisp beautifully while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Over time, cooks have adapted the Hasselback technique with endless variations—cheesy, herbed, spicy, buttery, or even sweet. But when paired with garlic butter and cooked in the air fryer, this humble potato reaches a whole new level of perfection.

The air fryer has revolutionized modern home cooking, giving busy families and food enthusiasts the ability to achieve oven-like results in a fraction of the time. With its rapid hot air circulation, the air fryer crisps each delicate slice of the potato to golden perfection while keeping the interior tender and creamy. Unlike traditional oven-baked Hasselback potatoes, which can take up to an hour, the air fryer cuts cooking time nearly in half without compromising texture or flavor.

This dish brings together everything people crave in comfort food—aromas of roasted garlic, the rich melt-in-your-mouth feel of warm butter, the satisfying crunch of crispy edges, and the elegant appearance that makes it feel worthy of a restaurant menu. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, impressing guests with a gourmet side dish, or elevating a simple meal into something memorable, these Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes offer a culinary experience that is both simple and extraordinary.

What makes this recipe especially beloved is its versatility. Hasselback potatoes pair beautifully with meats such as steak, chicken, lamb, or pork, but they can also stand alone as a vegetarian main dish. They accommodate countless variations—adding cheese, herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, or even drizzling with sauces like chimichurri, pesto, ranch, or sour cream. In this article, we will walk through everything you need to make the perfect Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes in your air fryer: how to select the right potatoes, how to slice them safely and correctly, how to make a flavorful garlic butter that seeps into every layer, and how to achieve that perfect balance between crispy and fluffy.

By the end, you’ll not only have a recipe, but also the techniques, tips, and creative ideas you need to make this dish a regular favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of delicious, buttery, garlicky, air-fried potato goodness!

Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

For the Potatoes

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended)

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: smoked paprika, onion powder, dried herbs

For the Garlic Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)

• Optional: thyme or rosemary for added aroma

• Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan for a richer flavor

Garnish

• Fresh chives or parsley

• Extra melted butter or olive oil

• Parmesan cheese or flaky sea salt (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes

Step 1 — Choose the Right Potatoes

The choice of potatoes dramatically affects the final result.

• Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy, buttery texture.

• Russet potatoes create crispier edges and a fluffier interior.

• Red potatoes work well if you prefer a firmer structure and thinner slices.

Aim for potatoes of similar size for even cooking.

Step 2 — Prep and Wash

Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt from the skin since Hasselback potatoes are never peeled. Pat them dry completely—moisture prevents crisping, so this step is crucial.

Step 3 — Create the Signature Hasselback Cuts

This step is what transforms a simple potato into a Hasselback masterpiece.

Here’s the safest, easiest method:

1. Place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on each side of the potato.

2. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices across the potato—around 2–3 mm thick.

3. The chopsticks act as a barrier to prevent the knife from cutting all the way through.

4. Slice slowly and evenly.

5. Gently fan the slices open with your fingers to help the butter seep in.

For beginners:
Don’t worry if a slice goes too deep. The potato will still roast beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 4 — Brush with Oil and Season

Brush the potatoes generously with olive oil, making sure to get some in between the slices. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the tops and in the crevices. This step helps the potatoes crisp as they cook and lays the foundation for flavor.

Step 5 — Air Fry the Potatoes (Stage 1)

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket so they’re not touching each other. Air circulation is key.

Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 20–25 minutes.

During this first stage, the potatoes soften and begin to fan open naturally.

Step 6 — Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the potatoes cook, prepare your garlic butter mixture:

1. Melt the butter in a small bowl.

2. Add minced garlic, parsley, and optional herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

3. Stir until well combined.

4. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.

As the garlic sits in the warm butter, it infuses the mixture with deep flavor.

Step 7 — Brush with Garlic Butter (Stage 2)

After the initial cook, remove the potatoes and gently separate the slices.
Brush the garlic butter generously over each potato, ensuring it seeps between each slit.

Return to the air fryer and cook at 200°C / 400°F for another 10–15 minutes.

The potatoes should become crispy on the outside, buttery inside, and golden brown.

Step 8 — Final Garnish

Once cooked, brush with a final layer of garlic butter or olive oil for shine.
Add fresh herbs, Parmesan, or flaky salt if desired.

Serve immediately—Hasselback potatoes are best enjoyed hot, crisp, and aromatic.

Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes

1. Slice Carefully

Consistent slicing ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness. The chopstick method is foolproof.

2. Don’t Skip the First Stage of Cooking

This softens the potatoes and helps them open up naturally so butter can penetrate deeply.

3. Use Enough Oil or Butter

This is what gives the potatoes their signature crisp edges.

4. Avoid Overcrowding

Air fryers rely on circulation. Too many potatoes at once will steam instead of crisp.

5. Add Garlic Late

Garlic burns quickly, so applying garlic butter in the second cooking stage prevents bitterness.

Variations

One of the best things about Hasselback potatoes is how customizable they are. Try these creative versions:

1. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

Slip thin slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone) between the potato slices during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

2. Spicy Hasselback Potatoes

Mix cayenne, paprika, and chili flakes into the garlic butter.

3. Herb-Infused Hasselback Potatoes

Use rosemary, thyme, dill, or basil for a more aromatic dish.

4. Lemon Garlic Hasselback Potatoes

Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your butter.

5. Bacon-Wrapped Hasselback Potatoes

Insert small pieces of bacon between slices before cooking.

6. Crispy Topping Hasselback

Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the potatoes for the last 5 minutes.

How to Serve Hasselback Potatoes

These potatoes make an excellent side dish for:

• Air fryer steak or grilled beef

• Baked chicken breasts or chicken thighs

• Salmon or white fish

• Lamb chops

• Roasted vegetables

• Holiday dinners

They also work beautifully as a vegetarian main dish when paired with:

• A fresh green salad

• Garlic yogurt sauce

• Sour cream and chives

• Pesto or chimichurri

• Sautéed mushrooms

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating

Air fryer: 180°C / 360°F for 5–6 minutes
Oven: 180°C / 350°F for 10–12 minutes

Microwaving works but will soften the crispy texture.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes showcase everything wonderful about modern cooking: simplicity, creativity, speed, and flavor. This dish turns a simple potato into a gourmet-looking side that feels both rustic and luxurious. The golden, crispy layers, infused with the richness of garlic butter, offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that pairs well with almost any meal. Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe becomes fast enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for special occasions.

By mastering this recipe, you unlock endless possibilities. Try different herbs, cheeses, spices, sauces, and toppings to create your own signature version. Whether you’re a home cook just starting your journey with the air fryer or a seasoned enthusiast looking to expand your culinary repertoire, Hasselback potatoes are the perfect dish to add to your rotation.

Enjoy every bite of their crispy, buttery, garlicky perfection—and don’t hesitate to come back for more variations or new air fryer recipes!