Hey there! Let’s Make a Crispy, Cheesy Hasselback Potato in the Air Fryer
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a potato that’s crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and loaded with all the good stuff—like cheese, bacon, and a little sour cream goodness. Well, you’re in luck because this air fryer Hasselback potato recipe is exactly that! It’s super easy, looks fancy (hello, impressing guests!), and it’s perfect for any day of the week.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Honestly, the beauty is in the simplicity and the wow factor. You don’t need tons of ingredients or complicated steps. Plus, the air fryer cooks it fast and gives the potato a delicious crispiness without needing a ton of oil. I love serving this as a side or even a quick lunch. I bet once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time too!
Nutritional Benefits of This Potato Treat
Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap, but they’re actually pretty awesome when it comes to nutrition. A russet potato is a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (especially if you keep the skin on as this recipe does). Potassium is excellent for heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.
Using olive oil instead of butter keeps it a bit lighter, and since you control the cheese and bacon, you can easily make it as rich or as simple as you want. Plus, adding chives gives a fresh boost of flavor with minimal calories.
Recipe Variations You Might Want to Try
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the slices.
- Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder with the salt and pepper for a smoky kick.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan cheese and swap sour cream for a dairy-free option or guacamole.
- Extra cheesy: Try mixing grated Parmesan with your cheddar or mozzarella for a tangier flavor.
- Loaded potato bowl: After baking, serve the potato with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potato Recipe – Step by Step
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Start by washing and scrubbing your potato really well. Pat it dry with a towel so it’s nice and dry.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This gives it time to get super hot before you put the potato in.
- Carefully slice the potato thinly across its width. The trick here is not slicing all the way through – you want it to stay connected at the bottom. This is called “Hasselback” style.
- Brush olive oil all over the potato and make sure you get some in between those slices.
- Sprinkle salt generously all over and add ground black pepper if you like a little extra kick.
- Place the potato in your air fryer basket and cook for about 30-35 minutes. You’re aiming for crispy skin and a soft inside. Test with a fork if it feels tender.
- Around 5 minutes before it’s done, carefully pull the potato out and sprinkle the shredded cheese between the slices. Pop it back in to melt the cheese and get a little golden.
- While that’s baking, quickly cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Chop it up into small bits.
- Once the potato is ready, take it out and sprinkle the bacon all over and between the slices.
- Add a dollop of sour cream right into the center.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy every crispy, cheesy, creamy bite!
Helpful Tips to Nail This Recipe
- Be careful not to slice all the way through the potato. If you want, you can place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side as a guard while you slice to prevent cutting too deep.
- Brush olive oil liberally! This helps each slice crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- If your air fryer basket is small, you might need to rotate or slightly reposition the potato halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy skin.
- Want to save time? Cook your bacon ahead of time or use store-bought crispy bacon bits.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer (preferably one that can fit a large potato comfortably)
- A sharp knife for slicing the potato
- A pastry brush or spoon for oiling the potato
- A cutting board for prepping your potato and bacon
- A bowl for mixing or holding ingredients if you want
Frequently Asked Questions About Hasselback Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes! Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, though cooking time might vary slightly.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake this in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 45-50 minutes, adding cheese in the last 5 minutes.
- How do I make sure the potato cooks evenly? Choose a medium to large potato of even thickness. Rotate the potato halfway through cooking if your air fryer heats unevenly.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and omit bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Can I prepare the potato ahead of time? You can slice and season it ahead but wait until just before cooking to add oil. This prevents it from drying out.
Give It a Try and Share Your Hasselback Potato Magic!
I’d love for you to make this recipe and see how it turns out in your kitchen. Don’t forget, photos are always welcome—share your crispy, cheesy, perfect Hasselback potatoes on Pinterest or tag me if you post online. Cooking is more fun when we share our little kitchen wins, right?
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
