Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese!

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work great)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like)

• 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (about 4-6 strips of bacon)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Start by scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt (since you’ll be keeping the skin on).

• Slice the potatoes hasselback-style: Make thin, evenly spaced slices, but don’t cut all the way through. Leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom of the potato so it stays in one piece.

  • Tip: You can place the potato between two chopsticks or a wooden spoon to help you slice without cutting all the way through.

2. Season the Potatoes:

• Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Use a brush or your hands to make sure the oil gets into the slices and covers the potatoes evenly.

• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You want to season the potatoes well since they’re a bit thick and need extra flavor.

3. Air Fry the Potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Place the prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded for even cooking.

• Air fry the potatoes for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the potatoes so they cook evenly on both sides.

• Check after 20 minutes to see if they are tender when pierced with a fork. If not, continue to air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes.

4. Add the Bacon and Cheese:

• While the potatoes are cooking, cook the bacon: In a skillet or microwave, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, crumble or chop it into small bits.

• After the potatoes are done cooking and tender, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the potatoes and then add the bacon bits.

• Return the potatoes to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese and get the bacon crispy again. You may want to check halfway through to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the potatoes from the air fryer.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.

• Serve hot, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, bacon-loaded Hasselback potatoes!

Q&A Section:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Absolutely! While cheddar is the most common choice for this recipe, you can use any meltable cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Parmesan work great for a different flavor.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the potatoes on a baking sheet for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the cheese and bacon in the last 5 minutes of baking to melt everything perfectly.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prep the potatoes in advance. Slice them, season them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before cooking in the air fryer or oven.

4. How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

• To ensure your bacon stays crispy, cook it until it’s very crispy before crumbling it over the potatoes. You can cook it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Just make sure it’s as crispy as possible!

5. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

• Yes, you can use sweet potatoes, but keep in mind that they cook a little faster and might need less time in the air fryer. Check them after about 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.

6. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

• If you want to skip the bacon, you can use crispy fried onions, roasted veggies, or even vegan cheese for a vegetarian version.

7. How do I get the slices even and not cut all the way through?

• A simple trick is to place the potato between two chopsticks or a wooden spoon while slicing. The chopsticks will act as a barrier and help you avoid cutting all the way through.

Tips for Success:

• Size matters: Make sure the potatoes you use are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

• Flipping the potatoes: Flipping them halfway through ensures that both sides cook evenly and get crispy.

• Topping ideas: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding sour cream, green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing after the potatoes are cooked for even more flavor.