Crispy Air-Fried Garlic Herb Hasselback Potatoes

🌍 Cuisine: Swedish
🏷️ Category: Side Dish
⏱️ Prep: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook: 30-35 minutes
👥 Serves: 4 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Originating from the Hasselbacken Hotel in Stockholm, these Swedish-style potatoes are a masterclass in texture, offering a chip-like crunch on the outside and a velvety, buttery interior. By using the air fryer, we achieve that coveted golden-brown exterior in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, these accordion-cut gems are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them the ultimate side dish for any occasion.

🥗 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes (scrubbed and dried thoroughly)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)

Aromatic Herb Butter

  • 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and warmth)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)

For Garnish

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (thinly sliced)
  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

  2. 2

    Place a potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks on a cutting board. This acts as a guard to prevent you from slicing all the way through.

  3. 3

    Using a sharp chef's knife, make thin slices (about 1/8-inch apart) across the potato. The knife should stop when it hits the spoons, leaving the bottom intact.

  4. 4

    Repeat this process for all potatoes, then soak them in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps the 'leaves' separate.

  5. 5

    Drain the potatoes and pat them dry again, ensuring you get water out from between the slices.

  6. 6

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

  7. 7

    In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  8. 8

    Using a pastry brush, generously coat the potatoes with about half of the herb butter mixture, making sure to get some down into the slits.

  9. 9

    Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for maximum airflow.

  10. 10

    Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes. At this point, the slices should begin to fan out.

  11. 11

    Remove the basket and brush the remaining herb butter over the potatoes, letting it seep into the opened gaps.

  12. 12

    Continue air frying for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the centers are tender when pierced with a fork.

  13. 13

    In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the potatoes.

  14. 14

    Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes.

  15. 15

    Garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving hot.

💡 Chef's Tips

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best results; they have the perfect balance of starch and waxiness for a creamy interior. If your potatoes are rolling around, slice a tiny sliver off the bottom to create a flat, stable base before you start the Hasselback cuts. Don't skip the water soak! It removes the surface starch that causes the slices to stick together, ensuring a beautiful fan shape. To make this vegan, simply swap the butter for more olive oil or a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; if you are making a large batch, cook them in sets to ensure they get crispy rather than steamed.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair these potatoes with a medium-rare Garlic Butter Ribeye steak for a classic steakhouse experience at home. Serve alongside a roasted chicken and a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. For a vegetarian feast, serve with a side of sautéed asparagus and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Accompany with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a crisp pilsner to cut through the buttery richness.