Description
Make the best crispy air fryer hasselback potatoes with melted Colby Jack cheese, garlic butter, and simple ingredients. Easy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!
Crispy & Cheesy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
There’s just something about crispy potatoes and melted cheese that feels like comfort food at its best. I honestly started making these air fryer hasselback potatoes on busy weeknights when I wanted something easy but still a little impressive. And now? They’ve become one of those recipes everyone in my house asks for again and again.
The outside gets perfectly crispy, the inside stays soft and fluffy, and the melted Colby Jack cheese tucked between the slices is unbelievably good. I usually serve these with grilled chicken or burgers, but sometimes I make them as a snack with sour cream and chives because they’re that addictive.
If you own an air fryer, you absolutely need to try these cheesy hasselback potatoes.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- Super crispy edges
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Loaded with melty cheese
- Easy to make in the air fryer
- Perfect side dish for dinner
- Great for parties or game nights
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 2 russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 to 5 slices Colby Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Fresh chives
- Bacon bits
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the russet potatoes really well since the skin gets deliciously crispy in the air fryer.
Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each potato so they sit flat without rolling around.
Step 2: Slice the Potatoes
Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons. Using a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thin 1/4-inch slices.
The chopsticks help stop the knife from cutting all the way through, which is what gives hasselback potatoes their signature look.
Honestly, this trick makes the whole process so much easier.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix:
- Melted butter
- Garlic paste or minced garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Brush the garlic butter mixture all over the potatoes, making sure some gets between the slices.
I usually use a pastry brush and gently fan out the slices a little with my fingers.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Place the small potato slices you cut from the bottoms into the air fryer basket, cut side down.
Then place the potatoes on top of those slices. This little trick helps the potato slices open up while cooking so the edges become extra crispy.
Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–35 minutes.
Halfway through cooking, brush the potatoes again with any remaining garlic butter.
The potatoes should be crispy on the outside and fork-tender inside.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Carefully place slices of Colby Jack cheese between the potato layers.
Air fry for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
This is honestly the best part. The cheese melts into every crispy layer and tastes incredible.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes
Use Russet Potatoes
Russets work best because they get fluffy inside and crispy outside.
Don’t Slice Too Thick
Thin slices help the potatoes cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Brush Butter Between the Slices
This adds flavor and helps the edges turn golden brown.
Add Cheese Near the End
If you add cheese too early, it can burn before the potatoes finish cooking.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
I usually preheat mine for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy hasselback potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Grilled steak
- BBQ chicken
- Burgers
- Air fryer salmon
- Crispy fried chicken
You can also serve them with:
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mayo
For a full loaded potato vibe, add bacon bits and green onions on top.
Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 2 servings
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make hasselback potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
2. What cheese works best for hasselback potatoes?
Colby Jack melts beautifully, but cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda also taste amazing.
3. How do I keep from cutting all the way through the potato?
Place the potato between chopsticks or wooden spoons before slicing. It works every time.
4. Can I use baby potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
You can, but larger russet potatoes give the classic hasselback texture and crispiness.
5. How do I reheat leftover hasselback potatoes?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Conclusion
These air fryer hasselback potatoes are one of those recipes that look fancy but are actually super simple to make. The crispy edges, buttery garlic flavor, and gooey melted cheese make them completely irresistible.
I usually make extra because everyone grabs seconds immediately. If you’re looking for an easy air fryer side dish that feels comforting and impressive at the same time, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
