These simple air fryer Hasselback potatoes are incredibly buttery and tender on the inside, and the skins are cooked to crispy perfection. You may never go back to making a traditional baked potato again after you’ve tried these.
These air fried potatoes are the perfect side dish. Top them however you like, from a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheese, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a dash of spices like Italian seasoning or your favorite seasoning blend.
The next time you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or meal that’s full of flavor, try these vegan Hasselback potatoes.
Serve these perfectly crispy potatoes as a side for burgers or steak, along with my instant pot pulled BBQ chicken or even with a bowl of vegan broccoli cheddar soup.
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- Customizable - You can switch up the herbs or spices to create different flavor profiles.
- Easy - There’s not a ton of prep time, and the air fryer does most of the work!
- Allergen-free - These potatoes are gluten-free and do not contain any major allergens. And they’re vegan, too!
Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes - Russets are ideal for hasselback potatoes because they are one of the starchier varieties of potatoes. They also have thick skins that crisp well. Be sure to choose potatoes that are large enough to slice Hasselback style, but not too large otherwise the cook time will need to be extended.
- Vegan butter - The melted butter mixes with the olive oil for a base that helps to evenly distribute the spices.
- Olive oil - Olive oil helps the skin to crisp.
- Kosher salt - Salt brings out the flavor of the other spices.
- Garlic powder - This powder adds just a bit of garlicky flavor to the skin of the potatoes.
- Black pepper - Pepper adds a bit of gentle heat.
- Red pepper flakes - Crushed red pepper adds a little more spiciness.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Potatoes - Other varieties of potatoes that work well for this recipe are Yukon Gold potatoes and red potatoes. You can even try using sweet potatoes
- Butter - If you prefer, you can use traditional butter instead of vegan. Or, you can omit the oil altogether and increase the olive oil.
- Heat - For a spicy upgrade, add more red pepper flakes or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper powder.
- Cheesy - When the potatoes have finished cooking, open the air fryer and place slices of cheese or sprinkle cheese between each potato slice. Close the air fryer and allow to sit until the cheese has melted.
How to Cut Hasselback Potatoes
Cutting a Hasselback potato is a little tricky, but with care you can do it. You will need a very sharp knife as well as a pair of chopsticks or something of similar thickness.
STEP 1: Place your washed potato on a cutting board. Flank it on either side with a chopstick. The chopstick will act as a stop to keep you from cutting through the bottom of the potato.
STEP 2: Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of the potatoes. This will help the slices spread apart when cooking. Then cut the potato into thin slices, leaving the bottom of the potato connected.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes in Air Fryer
STEP 1: Once the potatoes have been sliced, placed them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes.
STEP 2: Remove the potatoes from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
STEP 3: Combine the olive oil, melted butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well.
STEP 4: Use a brush to coat the outside of the potato with the seasoned oil mixture. Then brush the oil between each slice of the potatoes. Reserve about ¼ of the oil mixture to add later.
STEP 5: Add the seasoned potatoes to the basket of your air fryer. Leave enough space for the air to circulate around the potatoes. When you receive the rotate notice on your air fryer, open the basket and apply any remaining seasoned oil to the potatoes then return to cooking.
Baking Tip
Cooking time will vary depending on how large your potatoes are. To check for done, poke the center layers with a fork to make sure they are tender.
Storage
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, potatoes benefit from being soaked before cooking. The water helps to pull out the starch, which yields crispier results when they are cooked.
Because of the small space and the convection fan, hot air is able to reach all sides of the potato in an air fryer, so they turn out far crispier than if cooked in an oven.
If you do not leave enough space in between potatoes in the air fryer basket, the hot air cannot get to the skins, which can result in soggy potatoes. If you want your air fried potatoes to turn out crispy, be sure to place them in a single layer with plenty of room in between each of them.
You absolutely can put raw potatoes in the air fryer! Just be sure to soak them ahead of time for the best results.
Other savory recipes to consider:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 Russet Potatoes medium size
- 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- Wash your potatoes and slice a little off of each end.3-4 Russet Potatoes
- Place your potato between two chopsticks and use a sharp knife to cut thin slices, leaving about ¼ inch of potato uncut at the bottom.
- Place the sliced potatoes into a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 30 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes from the water and pat them dry with a towel.
- Combine the butter, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Brush ¾ of the oil mixture over the outside of the potatoes and brush some between each slice.2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and set for 35 minutes.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer. Leave ample space between the potatoes.
- At the halfway mark brush the potatoes with the remaining oil mixture.
- Use a fork to check that the potatoes are tender in the center. If not, continue cooking until they’re done. Larger potatoes may take extra time to cook through.
- Remove the cooked potatoes from the air fryer, garnish with parsley if using, and serve.Parsley
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
Karina says
This look so perfect crispy and buttery. It will make the perfect side dish even for weeknight dinner. Great idea to add some red pepper flakes. Can't wait to make it.
Natalie says
These look like they crisp up so nicely in the air fryer! I’ve made them in the oven before but this would be so convenient. These potatoes will be the perfect side dish for our dinner tonight.