Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy, buttery, and herbaceous flavors. This delightful recipe not only brings a new level of sophistication to your dinner table, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Once you try these golden-brown, garlicky beauties, they’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation!
Why Hasselback Potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes are named after a restaurant in Sweden and are famous for their beautiful, fanned-out appearance. This method of preparation allows for a delightful contrast of textures—crispy edges and fluffy interiors. Plus, the unique slicing technique means every bite is infused with delicious flavors, especially when topped with garlic herb butter.
Essential Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference
Using fresh ingredients can dramatically enhance the taste of your dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Russet Potatoes: 4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes are ideal. Their starchy content yields a fluffy texture once cooked.
- Salt and Pepper: Use these to season your potatoes to taste; they are essential for enhancing the natural flavors.
- Butter: A rich and creamy base that melds beautifully with the garlic and herbs.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, and rosemary add vibrant flavors. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried can be used—just remember to reduce the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that robust flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Cooked Hasselback Potatoes
Preparing the Potatoes
- Wash and Scrub: Start by thoroughly washing your potatoes to remove any dirt. Scrubbing them well ensures that the skins remain clean and flavorful.
- Slice with Precision: Carefully slice the potatoes thinly, making sure to leave about a half-inch of potato intact at the bottom. This creates the classic Hasselback shape and prevents the slices from falling apart.
Seasoning Your Potatoes
- Season Generously: Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the potatoes. This simple step enhances the overall flavor and is a crucial part of the cooking process.
Creating the Garlic Herb Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt your butter. Add in the freshly chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Basting for Maximum Flavor
- Apply the Garlic Butter: Place the sliced potatoes in the air fryer basket. Using a brush or spoon, generously baste the garlic herb butter over the top of each potato, allowing it to seep into the crevices for maximum flavor.
Cooking the Potatoes
- Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Keep an eye on them; cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model.
Tips for Cutting Hasselback Potatoes Like a Pro
Achieving the perfect Hasselback cut might seem tricky, but it’s quite manageable with a few helpful techniques:
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for clean cuts. Avoid serrated knives, as they can tear the potato rather than slice it cleanly.
- Hasselback Cutter: Consider investing in a Hasselback potato cutter. These tools simplify the slicing process and ensure uniformity.
- Utilize Spoons or Chopsticks: If you don’t have a special cutter, place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the potato while slicing. This will help you avoid cutting all the way through.
Elevate Your Dish with Unique Toppings
While Hasselback potatoes are delicious on their own, there’s no limit to the toppings you can add to enhance their flavor:
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan can take these potatoes to the next level. Simply add it in the last few minutes of cooking for a melty finish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and a refreshing tang.
- Bacon Bits: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, crispy bacon bits make for a fantastic topping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings, such as chili powder, Italian herbs, or even a ranch seasoning mix to make this dish uniquely yours.
Basting for Extra Flavor
For a richer taste, save some of the garlic herb butter to baste the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. As they cook, the potatoes will open up slightly, allowing more butter goodness to infuse into every bite.
AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER HASSELBACK POTATOES
Craving a delicious side dish that’s easy to make? These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Hasselback Potatoes are your answer! They’re golden brown, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes. Slice them thinly, leaving a half-inch base intact at the bottom.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the potatoes to taste.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix melted butter with parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic.
- Baste the Potatoes: Place potatoes in the air fryer basket. Brush the garlic herb butter over the tops.
- Air Fry: Cook at 360°F for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 341
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 61mg
- Sodium: 211mg
- Potassium: 725mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 711 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 33mg
- Iron: 2mg