Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, loaded with melted cheese, and finished with smoky bacon—these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese are the kind of side dish that can easily steal the spotlight from the main course.
Hasselback potatoes look impressive, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Thin slices are cut almost all the way through each potato, creating accordion-like layers that fan out as they cook. The edges become beautifully crisp while the inside stays fluffy and tender.
Then comes the best part: melted cheese and crispy bacon tucked between the potato slices. A little garlic butter, sour cream, and fresh herbs take them over the top.
They’re perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, parties, or whenever you want to turn ordinary potatoes into something special.
Why You’ll Love These Hasselback Potatoes
- Crispy golden edges
- Fluffy, tender potato centers
- Melted cheese in every layer
- Crispy bacon adds savory flavor
- Made easily in the air fryer
- No deep frying required
- Perfect side dish or hearty snack
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Jalapeños
- Red pepper flakes
- Ranch dressing
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped cooked chicken
How to Make Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
Pat them completely dry.
You can peel them if you prefer, but keeping the skins on gives the potatoes a deliciously crisp exterior and helps them hold their shape.
2. Make the Hasselback Cuts
Place one potato on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, make thin slices across the potato about ⅛ inch apart.
The most important part is to avoid cutting all the way through.
A simple trick is to place a wooden chopstick, wooden spoon handle, or similar utensil alongside each long side of the potato. When you slice downward, the utensil helps stop the knife before it reaches the bottom.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Stir until well combined.
4. Season the Potatoes
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each potato.
Try to work some of the mixture between the slices without forcing the cuts open too aggressively.
The oil and butter help the edges become crisp and golden while adding plenty of flavor.
5. Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the potatoes in the basket with the cut sides facing upward.
Air fry for approximately 25–30 minutes.
The exact cooking time depends on the size and variety of the potatoes.
After about 15 minutes, carefully brush the potatoes again with any remaining garlic butter.
6. Add the Bacon and Cheese
Once the potatoes have started to soften and the slices are opening up, carefully sprinkle the chopped bacon between some of the slices.
Then cover the potatoes with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella.
Return the potatoes to the air fryer.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for another 5–8 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For especially large potatoes, you may need a few additional minutes.
7. Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer.
Top with sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
Add a spoonful of sour cream or your favorite sauce if desired.
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
How to Get Extra-Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
The secret to crispy Hasselback potatoes is giving the slices enough room to open.
As the potatoes cook, the thin cuts naturally separate.
You can carefully fan the slices apart slightly halfway through cooking, but don’t force them if the potato is still firm.
Also make sure the potatoes are completely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can interfere with browning.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose Similar-Sized Potatoes
Using potatoes of similar size means they should finish cooking around the same time.
Don’t Cut Completely Through
The slices should remain connected at the bottom. If you accidentally cut through one or two slices, don’t worry—the potato will still taste delicious.
Use a Sharp Knife
A sharp knife gives you cleaner, thinner cuts and makes it easier to control the depth.
Don’t Add Cheese Too Early
Cheese can burn before the potato has finished cooking.
Adding it during the final few minutes gives you beautifully melted cheese without over-browning it.
Cook Bacon First
For the best texture, cook the bacon separately until crisp before adding it to the potatoes.
This prevents the potatoes from becoming greasy and gives you crunchy bacon pieces.
Check for Tenderness
Insert a small knife or fork into the thickest part of the potato.
It should slide in easily when the potato is done.
Best Cheese Combinations
Cheddar and mozzarella make an excellent combination because cheddar provides bold flavor while mozzarella melts beautifully.
You can also try:
- Cheddar + Monterey Jack
- Cheddar + Pepper Jack
- Mozzarella + Parmesan
- Gouda + Cheddar
- Colby Jack + mozzarella
- Smoked cheddar + mozzarella
Delicious Variations
Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
Add sour cream, bacon, cheddar, green onions, and chives after cooking for a loaded baked-potato-inspired version.
Spicy Bacon Hasselbacks
Add sliced jalapeños between the potato layers and sprinkle the finished potatoes with red pepper flakes.
Garlic Parmesan Hasselbacks
Skip the bacon and use Parmesan, extra garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning.
BBQ Chicken Hasselbacks
Add shredded cooked chicken and cheddar during the final cooking stage. Finish with a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
Ranch Bacon Potatoes
Add ranch seasoning to the garlic butter and finish with crispy bacon, cheddar, and green onions.
Breakfast Hasselback Potatoes
Top with bacon, cheddar, and scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast-inspired version.
What to Serve With Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes make an excellent side for:
- Grilled chicken
- Roast beef
- Steak
- Baked fish
- Burgers
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
They can also be served as a complete snack with sour cream and a fresh salad on the side.
Can I Make These Without Bacon?
Absolutely.
Simply leave out the bacon and add extra cheese, mushrooms, caramelized onions, broccoli, or roasted peppers.
For a vegetarian version, the combination of garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh herbs is especially delicious.
Can I Use Baby Potatoes?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter.
Choose larger baby potatoes that are easy to slice and start checking them earlier. Smaller potatoes can become tender quickly.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover potatoes to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5–8 minutes.
Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the potato skin and cheese softer.
Can I Freeze Hasselback Potatoes?
You can freeze cooked potatoes, although their texture may become slightly softer after thawing.
For best results, freeze them without fresh toppings.
Reheat directly in the air fryer until hot and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?
They may need more cooking time, or they may have been coated with too much moisture. Make sure the potatoes are dry and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
How thin should the slices be?
About ⅛ inch (3 mm) is ideal. Thin slices create more crispy edges while still keeping the potato connected.
Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes. Sweet potatoes work beautifully with bacon and cheese, although their natural sweetness gives the dish a different flavor.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes. You can wash and cut the potatoes several hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and brush with the garlic butter shortly before cooking.
How do I know when they’re done?
The potato should be tender when pierced with a knife or fork, while the outer edges should be browned and crisp.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–38 minutes
Total Time: About 45–53 minutes
Servings: 4
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Course: Side Dish / Appetizer
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese turn simple potatoes into an irresistible dish with very little effort.
The thin slices create plenty of crispy edges, while the center stays soft and fluffy. Add garlicky butter, crispy bacon, and bubbling cheese, and you’ve got a potato dish that’s hard to resist.
Serve them alongside dinner or pile on the toppings and enjoy them as a loaded snack. Either way, make sure you serve them hot—the combination of crispy potato, smoky bacon, and melted cheese is at its best straight from the air fryer.