AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER HASSELBACK POTATOES

🥔 Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes: Crispy, Buttery Perfection

Introduction

When it comes to elevating the humble potato, few recipes match the elegance and deliciousness of Hasselback potatoes. Originating from Sweden, these sliced wonders offer the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender insides, transforming a basic side dish into a show-stopping culinary masterpiece. Now imagine adding rich garlic butter to the mix and cooking them to golden perfection in your air fryer—fast, easy, and bursting with flavor. Welcome to the world of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes.

These potatoes are not only visually striking with their accordion-like appearance but also incredibly flavorful. The air fryer allows the buttery garlic to seep between the thin layers, ensuring that every bite delivers a delightful crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re serving them as a side with steak, grilled chicken, or even a vegetarian main, these Hasselback potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make these potatoes from scratch—right from choosing the right kind of potatoes, perfecting the garlic butter, getting that ideal Hasselback cut, to air frying them to crispy perfection. We’ll also explore variations, tips, nutritional details, and serving suggestions. Ready to make your air fryer the MVP of your kitchen? Let’s get slicing!

Ingredients & Tools

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer (5 quarts or larger recommended)

• Sharp knife or Hasselback potato slicing rack

• Pastry brush or spoon

• Mixing bowl

• Cutting board

• Aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup)

Step-by-Step Recipe: Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Choosing and Prepping the Potatoes

The best potatoes for this recipe are Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thanks to their starchy content and ability to crisp up while remaining tender inside. Scrub the potatoes well under running water, especially if you’re leaving the skin on (highly recommended for added texture).

You don’t need to peel them—just pat dry after washing.

Step 2: The Hasselback Cut

This is the signature element of the dish. Place one potato between two wooden chopsticks on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the potato into thin slices about ⅛ inch apart, stopping when the blade hits the chopsticks. This prevents you from slicing all the way through and keeps the bottom intact.

Repeat for all potatoes.

💡 Tip: You can use a wooden spoon handle or purchase a Hasselback slicing rack if you need extra help.

Step 3: Preparing the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the butter and stir in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.

Let the garlic steep in the hot butter for a few minutes to infuse flavor.

Step 4: Prepping the Potatoes for the Air Fryer

Carefully fan out the slices of each potato by gently pressing the ends. Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat each potato generously with the garlic butter mixture. Be sure to get the butter in between the slices as much as possible.

Reserve a little of the butter for basting during cooking.

Step 5: Air Frying Time

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Place the prepared potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 30–40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.

Every 10–15 minutes, carefully brush or spoon more garlic butter over the tops and into the crevices.

🕒 Tip: After 30 minutes, check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the potato with a fork—it should be tender all the way through.

Step 6: Optional Add-ons

In the last 5 minutes of air frying, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar over the tops for a cheesy crust. You can also add crumbled bacon, sour cream, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Step 7: Serving and Garnishing

Once done, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them sit for a couple of minutes.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes Every Time

✔️ Choose Uniform Potatoes

Stick to medium-sized potatoes that are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.

✔️ Avoid Overstuffing the Basket

Give each potato enough space in the air fryer to allow hot air to circulate and crisp all sides.

✔️ Don’t Skip the Basting

Basting during the cook time ensures the potatoes are flavorful and golden brown inside and out.

✔️ Add Cheese at the End

Adding cheese too early can cause it to burn. Wait until the last few minutes for a perfect melt and crust.

Variations to Try

• Cheddar Jalapeño: Add shredded cheddar and finely sliced jalapeños during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

• Italian Style: Mix garlic butter with Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella and marinara.

• Loaded Baked Potato: After cooking, load with sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, and shredded cheese.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and skip the cheese—or use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

🍽 These values may vary based on toppings and exact ingredient quantities used.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Hasselback Potatoes

Air fryers offer several advantages over traditional oven baking:

1. Faster Cooking Time: The circulating hot air reduces cooking time by about 20–30%.

2. Crispier Texture: The powerful convection gives those slices the perfect golden crunch.

3. Energy Efficiency: No need to heat up your whole kitchen with the oven.

4. Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures the insides are fluffy and moist while the outside is beautifully crisp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Cutting too deep

This can cause the potato to fall apart. Use chopsticks to avoid cutting all the way through.

❌ Overcrowding the basket

This leads to uneven cooking. Always space your potatoes out.

❌ Not preheating

Preheating ensures the potatoes start crisping immediately.

❌ Skipping basting

This makes the difference between bland and brilliant. Baste with garlic butter 2–3 times during cooking.

Pairing Suggestions

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes pair beautifully with:

• Grilled Steak or Chicken

• Air Fryer Salmon or Cod

• Green Beans, Broccoli, or Brussels Sprouts

• A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette

• Fried eggs for a brunch-style dish

They also make a great holiday side dish—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Storage and Reheating

🧊 Storing Leftovers

• Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Avoid freezing, as texture may suffer.

🔄 Reheating Tips

• Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 5–7 minutes.

• You can also reheat in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes.

• Microwaving is possible but may reduce crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a stunning display of how a simple ingredient like the potato can be transformed into something extraordinary. With minimal effort and ingredients you likely already have, you can create a dish that delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in rich garlic butter, these potatoes will win over everyone at the table—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Plus, the air fryer does most of the work, making this a convenient, foolproof favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, slice those potatoes, and let the garlic butter magic begin. Bon appétit!