My air fryer hasselback potatoes turn out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of savory flavor in every slice! I brush them with melted butter and ranch seasoning, then stuff them with melty cheddar cheese for the perfect bite.
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My Easy Way to Make Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer
I made air fryer hasselback potatoes for the first time on a night when we had family over for dinner, and I wanted something a little fancier than plain roasted potatoes. I’d baked hasselbacks in the oven before, but they always took forever, and half the time the slices would stick or fall apart.
That night, I figured I’d try to make hasselback potatoes in the air fryer instead, just to see if I could speed up the cooking time.
I brushed them with butter and ranch seasoning, let the air fryer do its thing, then stuffed slices of cheddar between the potato layers while they were still piping hot.
My kids loved pulling apart the crispy slices, and my husband Ben went back for seconds before I even took my first bite! Now they’re in the regular rotation, especially when I want a side that looks impressive but doesn’t take all night.
And, if you love air fryer potato recipes, try my recipes for an air fryer baked potato, air fryer sweet potato, air fryer baby potatoes, and air fryer red potatoes.
What are hasselback potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes are whole potatoes sliced thinly—almost all the way through—so they fan out like an accordion while they cook. The little slices get crispy around the edges while the inside stays soft and tender, kind of like the perfect mix between a baked potato and potato chips.
I think they feel a little more special than regular roasted potatoes, and they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially in the air fryer!
Air Fry Hasselback Potatoes Ingredients
- Russet potatoes – I stick with russet because they’re the perfect size and have the right amount of starch to get that crispy outside and fluffy inside. Yukon gold will work as a substitute.
- Melted butter – Brushing melted butter between the slices adds rich flavor and helps the outsides crisp up in the air fryer. I prefer butter over using oil for these.
- Ranch dressing mix – This gives the potatoes a punch of herby, tangy flavor without needing to measure out individual spices.
- Salt and pepper – I usually go light on the salt since the ranch mix adds a lot of flavor on its own.
- Slices of cheddar cheese – I tuck the cheese in after cooking so it melts into the warm potato slices. Cheddar adds just the right sharpness for balance.
How to Make Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Wash the potatoes, then slice the bottoms to make a flat edge that will prevent them from rolling in the air fryer.
STEP TWO: Place each potato between two chopsticks or the handles of serving spoons to prevent cutting all the way through. With a sharp knife, cut slices in each potato ¼ inch apart, then carefully pull the slices slightly apart. A hasselback potato slicing rack will work too.
STEP THREE: Mix the ranch seasoning with the melted butter, salt, and pepper, then brush it onto and into the potatoes.
STEP FOUR: Cut each slice of cheese into 3 pieces, then cut those in half.
STEP FIVE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
STEP SIX: Place the potatoes in the basket, flat side down. Cook for 20 minutes.
STEP SEVEN: Transfer the potatoes to a flat surface and add the slices of cheese in between the slits. Place them back into the air fryer and let them cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese melted.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- I use chopsticks or wooden utensils to guide my cuts so I don’t slice all the way through. I usually rest the potato between two wooden spoons and it works like a charm. A hasselback potato slicer will also work.
- Brush the melted butter between the slices for more flavor. I use a small silicone brush to get in all the nooks.
- I never skip the salt even with seasoned ranch mix. A little salt makes everything pop.
- Air fry until the outsides are golden and the inside feels fork-tender. I test mine by gently poking the center with a fork.
- I add cheese at the very end of air frying so it melts from the residual heat but doesn’t ooze out everywhere or burn.
Hasselback Potatoes Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the ranch mix for garlic powder and Italian seasoning. I’ve done this when I’m out of ranch seasoning, and it still tastes amazing!
- Use Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar for a sharper, nuttier flavor. I love this variation with a sprinkle of fresh chives, rosemary, or parsley.
- Top with bacon bits before serving for a loaded baked potato vibe. My husband always votes for this version.
- Add a dollop sour cream on top just before serving for a creamy finish. I use a small amount so it doesn’t overwhelm the flavor.
- I sometimes use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a yummy twist. They slice up just as nicely and are perfect with cinnamon butter and gouda!
- When I want some heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes into the ranch mix for a spicy kick.
What to Serve with These Cheesy Potatoes
I always serve my air fryer hasselback potatoes with sour cream and fresh herbs like parsley or chives to sprinkle on top. Bacon bits are also a nice touch!
For the main course, hasselback air fried potatoes pair perfectly with my air fryer sirloin steak, air fryer ribeye steak, or air fryer fried chicken!
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes FAQs
How to reheat hasselback potatoes in the air fryer
To reheat leftover hasselback potatoes, I start by preheating my air fryer to 350 degrees F. Once hot, I air fry the potatoes for 5 to 6 minutes until the outside crisps back up and they’re warm all the way through.
How long does it take to cook hasselback potatoes in the air fryer?
I love that cooking hasselback potatoes in the air fryer takes about half the time it does in the oven! Once they’re sliced and buttered, they cook in the air fryer in just 20 minutes.
How should I store leftover air fryer hasselback potatoes?
I let my leftover hasselback potatoes fully cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3 to 4 days, and I just reheat them in the air fryer to crisp the outside back up!
More Easy Air Fryer Side Dishes
- Air fryer green beans
- Air fryer carrots
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Air fryer green tomatoes
- Air fryer garlic bread
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Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Equipment
- hasselback potato slicer or chopsticks
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Slice the bottom of each potato to make it flat, so it doesn’t roll in the air fryer.
- Place the potato between two chopsticks, or serving spoons (between the handles). These will help you not cut all the way through. Take a sharp knife and cut it into ¼ inch slices. Carefully pull the slices slightly apart.
- Mix the melted butter with the ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper, then brush it all over and in the potatoes.
- Cut each slice of cheese into 3 slices and then cut those in half to create small rectangle pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F then cook the potatoes for 20 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes and add a slice of cheese in between each of the slits. Place them back into the air fryer and cook them for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use chopsticks or wooden utensils to guide my cuts so you don’t slice all the way through. I’ve also rested the potato between two wooden spoons and it works like a charm.
- Brush the melted butter between the slices for more flavor.
- Air fry until the outsides are golden and the inside feels fork-tender. I test mine by gently poking the center with a fork.
- Add the cheese at the very end of air frying so it melts from the residual heat but doesn’t ooze out everywhere or burn.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
