🥔🥓 Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
The Crispy, Cheesy Potato Side Dish That Steals the Show Every Time
Some side dishes are so delicious they end up becoming the star of the meal, and these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese are exactly that. Every time I make them, everyone reaches for the potatoes before anything else on the table. With crispy golden edges, fluffy centers, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese tucked into every slice, they’re simply impossible to resist.
I first tried making Hasselback potatoes after seeing them at a family barbecue. A cousin served them fresh off the grill, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful they looked. Later, I wondered if the air fryer could create the same crispy texture without heating up the whole kitchen. After a little experimenting, I found that it worked even better.
Last weekend, I made a batch alongside grilled steak for our family dinner. As the potatoes cooked, their thin slices opened up beautifully, turning crisp around the edges while staying soft and buttery inside. Once I added crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and returned them to the air fryer for a few more minutes, the aroma alone had everyone wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner would be ready.
When I placed them on the table, they disappeared almost instantly. My husband added an extra dollop of sour cream, the kids loved pulling apart the cheesy potato slices, and even my picky eater asked if I could make them again the following weekend.
Now these potatoes have become one of our favorite side dishes for everything from burgers and chicken to holiday dinners and backyard cookouts. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, look impressive, and always make everyone smile.
If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy comfort food recipe that’s guaranteed to impress, these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are exactly what you need.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy outside, fluffy inside
Loaded with bacon and melted cheese
Easy air fryer recipe
Great for weeknight dinners
Perfect for holidays and cookouts
Family favorite
Simple ingredients
Beautiful presentation
Customizable toppings
Ready in under an hour
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup sour cream
Optional Garnishes
Fresh chives
Extra bacon
Ranch seasoning
Crumbled feta
Fresh parsley
🍳 Equipment Needed
Air fryer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Pastry brush
Small bowl
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and dry the potatoes.
Place each potato between two wooden chopsticks or wooden spoon handles.
Carefully slice thin cuts about ⅛ inch apart, stopping when your knife reaches the chopsticks so you don’t cut all the way through.
Step 2 – Season
Mix together:
Melted butter
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Parsley
Salt
Pepper
Brush the mixture generously over each potato, making sure it gets into the slices.
Step 3 – Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the potatoes in a single layer.
Cook for 30 minutes, brushing with more butter halfway through.
Step 4 – Add the Toppings
Carefully spread the potato slices open with a fork.
Sprinkle:
Crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
into and over the potatoes.
Step 5 – Finish Cooking
Return the potatoes to the air fryer.
Cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato edges are crispy.
Step 6 – Serve
Top with:
Sour cream
Green onions
Fresh chives
Extra bacon if desired
Serve immediately while hot.
💡 My Best Tips
Use Chopsticks
They prevent cutting all the way through the potato and make perfect Hasselback slices every time.
Brush Between the Slices
Getting butter and seasoning inside the cuts creates maximum flavor and crispiness.
Choose Even-Sized Potatoes
Similar-sized potatoes cook more evenly.
Freshly Shredded Cheese
Fresh cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Loaded Ranch Potatoes
Add ranch seasoning and finish with ranch dressing.
BBQ Bacon Version
Brush with barbecue sauce before adding the cheese.
Jalapeño Popper Style
Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese before topping with cheddar.
Garlic Parmesan
Replace cheddar with Parmesan and mozzarella for a rich, garlicky twist.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
These potatoes pair perfectly with:
Grilled steak
Air fryer chicken breasts
BBQ ribs
Burgers
Pork chops
Grilled salmon
Roast chicken
Garden salad
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes may become grainy after thawing.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 430
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 640mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called Hasselback potatoes?
Hasselback potatoes originated in Sweden and are named after the Hasselbacken restaurant, where this cutting technique became famous.
Can I use baby potatoes?
Yes! Smaller potatoes cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes.
How do I keep from cutting through the potato?
Place the potato between chopsticks or wooden spoon handles before slicing. They act as a guide and stop the knife.
Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Slice and season the potatoes several hours ahead, refrigerate them, and air fry just before serving.
What other cheeses work well?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack are all delicious alternatives to cheddar.
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese are everything a great comfort-food side dish should be—crispy, buttery, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon in every bite. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at holidays, cookouts, or family gatherings.
In our home, they’ve become one of those recipes everyone gets excited about. The crispy edges, fluffy centers, and gooey melted cheese make them impossible to resist, and they always disappear faster than I expect. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to earn compliments, this recipe is a keeper.