Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

I have to tell you about my love affair with these air fryer sliced potatoes. The first time I encountered hasselback-style potatoes was at a fancy restaurant, and I was intimidated by how elegant they looked. But this air fryer version? It's all the beauty with none of the fuss. What makes these special is the way each potato is sliced – not all the way through, so they fan out gorgeously while cooking. As the hot air circulates in the fryer, every surface gets crispy and golden while the inside stays tender and fluffy. The garlic and herbs seep into all those little crevices, creating pockets of flavor in every bite. I love how the edges get extra crispy and almost caramelized. There's something deeply satisfying about making restaurant-quality potatoes in your own kitchen with minimal effort. The best part? You can prep them ahead and just pop them in the air fryer when you're ready to eat.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly forgiving – even if you're new to cooking, you can nail these potatoes on your first try. The air fryer does most of the work, giving you perfect results every single time without having to watch them constantly. I love that they're healthier than traditional fried potatoes but don't taste like a compromise at all. The texture is absolutely phenomenal, with that satisfying crunch that makes you keep reaching for more. They're also incredibly versatile – I've dressed them up with fancy herbs for dinner parties and kept them simple with just salt and pepper for quick weeknight meals. My kids actually get excited about eating vegetables when I make these, which is a win in my book. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything happens in the air fryer basket. These potatoes prove that you don't need complicated recipes or fancy techniques to create something truly delicious.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Russet Potatoes: Wash, scrub, and slice into thin cuts without cutting all the way through
• Olive Oil: Mix with seasonings and brush generously over potatoes
• Garlic: Mince finely and combine with oil and herbs for seasoning
• Dried Thyme: Add to oil mixture for aromatic herb flavor
• Paprika: Sprinkle for color and subtle smoky taste
• Fresh Parsley: Chop and use as garnish after cooking

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Potatoes

Start by selecting medium-sized russet potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt with a vegetable brush. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel – this is important for achieving maximum crispiness. Place one potato at a time on your cutting board and position chopsticks or wooden spoon handles on either side to act as a guide. Using a sharp knife, make thin vertical cuts about 1/8 inch apart, slicing down until your knife hits the chopsticks, which prevents you from cutting all the way through. Repeat this process with all potatoes.

Create the Seasoning Blend

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil with minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until well incorporated. The oil will carry all these wonderful flavors into every crevice of your sliced potatoes. You want the mixture to be well combined so that each potato gets an equal amount of seasoning. Set aside a little bit of this mixture to brush on halfway through cooking for extra flavor.

Season and Prep for Air Frying

Take each sliced potato and gently fan out the slices slightly with your fingers. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the seasoned oil mixture all over each potato, making sure to get between the slices. Don't be shy with the seasoning – you want it to penetrate all those layers. The oil will help the potatoes crisp up beautifully while the garlic and herbs infuse their flavor throughout. Place the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a bit of space between each one for optimal air circulation.

Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Once preheated, cook the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, checking them at the halfway point. When you check, brush them with any remaining oil mixture and gently press down on the tops to help them fan out more. The potatoes are ready when the edges are golden brown and crispy, and a fork or skewer slides easily through the center. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while they're hot and crispy.

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Switch Things Up

I first made these sliced potatoes on a busy Tuesday night when I was craving something crispy but didn't want to deal with deep frying. I had just gotten my air fryer and was experimenting with different vegetables. I sliced the potatoes, tossed them with whatever herbs I had in the pantry, and crossed my fingers. Twenty minutes later, I pulled out these gorgeous golden beauties that were even crispier than I'd hoped. My family devoured them in minutes, and my kids actually asked for potatoes again the next night! Now I make them at least twice a week, sometimes switching up the seasonings with rosemary or adding a sprinkle of parmesan. They've become such a staple that I can't imagine going back to regular roasted potatoes.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy air fryer sliced potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal. They're also fantastic alongside burgers or as part of a weekend brunch spread with eggs and bacon. For a lighter option, serve them with a fresh garden salad and your favorite protein. They complement rich, saucy dishes particularly well since their crispy texture provides a nice contrast. Don't forget to set out some dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream with chives, or even ketchup for the kids!

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. However, russet potatoes work best for achieving that crispy exterior because of their higher starch content. Just adjust cooking time as needed since different potato varieties may cook at different rates.

→ Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating your air fryer is recommended for this recipe. It helps ensure even cooking from the start and contributes to that crispy exterior we're looking for. Most air fryers only need 3-5 minutes to preheat, so it's a quick step that makes a big difference.

→ How do I prevent the potatoes from breaking apart?

The key is not slicing all the way through the potato. Using chopsticks or wooden spoon handles as guides on either side of the potato while cutting helps prevent you from slicing too deep. Also, handle the potatoes gently when brushing with oil and transferring them to the air fryer basket.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can slice and season the potatoes up to 2 hours ahead, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. However, they're definitely best served fresh from the air fryer when they're at their crispiest. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F to restore some crispiness.

→ What if my air fryer is small?

If your air fryer can't fit all the potatoes in a single layer, cook them in batches. Don't overcrowd the basket or stack the potatoes, as this will result in uneven cooking and less crispy results. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining potatoes.

→ Can I add cheese to these potatoes?

Absolutely! If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Shredded cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella all work wonderfully. The cheese will melt into the slices and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Just watch carefully to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.

Conclusion

These air fryer sliced potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful sides without the guilt. They're versatile enough to pair with nearly any main dish and healthy enough to enjoy regularly. The air fryer creates that perfect texture we all crave while using minimal oil. Whether you're serving them for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these potatoes will steal the show. Make a double batch because they disappear fast!