Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Sliced almost through and brushed with garlicky oil, air fryer hasselback potatoes fan out as they cook, giving you crisp, browned edges and a soft, fluffy middle. They take about 45 minutes from start to finish with very little effort, and the basket does the work an oven tray would take longer over. Serve them with roast chicken, a steak or a Sunday roast in place of roast potatoes.
- Total
- 45 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 210kcal
Getting the texture of air fryer hasselback potatoes right
Floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward give the fluffiest centre and the crispest edges. Waxy salad potatoes stay firm and do not fan out as well. Medium potatoes of about 200g fit four to a large 5-litre basket in one layer; in a smaller air fryer, cook them in two batches and allow the full time for each.
The wooden spoon trick is the easiest way to get even cuts that stop before the base. Thin slices crisp more but need a careful hand, so aim for 3mm.
Air fryer hasselback potatoes, step by step
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Slice the potatoes Scrub the potatoes and dry them well. Lay one between two wooden spoon handles or chopsticks, which stop the knife going all the way through. Make thin cuts across the potato about 3mm apart, stopping when the knife meets the spoons. Repeat with the rest.
- Make the seasoned oil Stir the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary together in a small bowl.
- Brush the potatoes Brush the seasoned oil generously over the potatoes, easing the slices open slightly so some oil runs between them. Keep any leftover oil in the bowl.
- First cook Place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, cut side up, with a little space between them. Air fry at 190°C for until the slices begin to fan out.
- Finish Brush with the remaining oil and cook for another at 190°C. They are ready when the edges are deep golden and crisp and a skewer slides easily into the centre.
- Serve Leave the potatoes in the basket for , then serve hot.
What to serve with hasselback potatoes
They suit anything you would serve with roast potatoes. Steak with hasselback potatoes and chicken with hasselback potatoes show two easy ways to build a full dinner around them, and a green salad or buttered greens balances the richness. For a plainer, quicker side, try air fryer smashed potatoes.
To finish with a cheesy top, sprinkle on a little grated Cheddar for the last 2 minutes.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- The middle is still firm when the edges are brown.
- The potatoes were bigger than about 200g or the slices too thick. Add 5 minutes at 190°C, and if the tops darken too quickly, cover them loosely with a piece of foil.
- The slices stay closed and do not fan out.
- Cut them closer together and brush oil between the slices before cooking. Make sure you cut nearly all the way down, leaving only about 5mm at the base.
- Some potatoes cook faster than others.
- Choose potatoes of the same size, and keep them from touching in the basket so the hot air reaches every side.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
How long do hasselback potatoes take in the air fryer?
About 35 minutes at 190°C for medium potatoes of around 200g. Smaller potatoes need less time, so start checking them with a skewer after 25 minutes.
Do you need to parboil hasselback potatoes first?
No. The potatoes cook through from raw in the air fryer, so there is no need to boil them first.
Can you cook hasselback potatoes in the oven instead?
Yes. Roast them on a baking tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 50–60 minutes, brushing with the oil halfway.
How do you reheat them?
Air fry at 180°C for 5–6 minutes until hot and crisp again. They keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 41 ratings
