Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese – The Crispy Potato Recipe My Family Requests Again and Again

I have a weakness for potatoes. Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes—you name it, I love it. But if there’s one potato recipe that always gets people excited at my house, it’s these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese.

I first learned about Hasselback potatoes from a close friend who brought them to a weekend barbecue. The potatoes looked so impressive with their crispy, accordion-like slices, yet she assured me they were surprisingly easy to make. After one bite, I knew I had to recreate them at home.

Last weekend, I finally made them for my family, and they disappeared faster than any side dish I’ve made in months. As soon as the potatoes came out of the air fryer, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, everyone gathered around the kitchen. My husband grabbed one before I could even put them on a serving plate, and the kids kept asking if there were more.

These potatoes have quickly become one of my favorite comfort foods. I make them when I’m happy and celebrating a relaxing weekend, but I also turn to them after a stressful week because there’s something incredibly satisfying about crispy potatoes loaded with bacon and cheese. They’re simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for a side dish that looks fancy but requires very little effort, these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
• Easy to make in the air fryer
• Loaded with bacon and melted cheese
• Perfect for family dinners, game days, and gatherings
• Uses simple ingredients
• Ready in less than an hour

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Pastry brush

How to Make Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.

Place a potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices about ⅛ inch apart across the potato, stopping when the knife hits the spoons. This prevents you from cutting all the way through.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a small bowl, combine:

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Brush the mixture generously over each potato, making sure some of the seasoning gets between the slices.

Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes

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

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.

Cook for 25–30 minutes, brushing with a little extra oil halfway through cooking.

The potatoes should begin opening up and becoming crispy around the edges.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Cheese

Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer.

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon into the potato slices.

Top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing some cheese to fall between the cuts.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Return the potatoes to the air fryer.

Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips for Perfect Hasselback Potatoes

• Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as cutting guides.
• Brush oil between the slices for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Add extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover like my family.

Variations

Loaded Ranch Style

Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the potatoes before cooking.

Spicy Version

Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.

BBQ Bacon Potatoes

Drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce before serving.

Garlic Parmesan

Replace cheddar with Parmesan and add fresh parsley.

What to Serve with These Potatoes

These potatoes pair wonderfully with:

• Grilled steak
• BBQ chicken
• Burgers
• Pork chops
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh garden salad

We served them with grilled burgers last weekend, and honestly, they stole the show.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.

Freezing

While possible, these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh because the texture stays crispier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hasselback potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes are potatoes sliced thinly across the top while keeping the bottom intact. This creates crispy edges and allows toppings to get into every bite.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes work well, though russet potatoes tend to get the crispiest.

Do I need to soak the potatoes first?

No. Simply wash and dry them thoroughly before slicing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead, then air fry just before serving.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack all work beautifully.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender in the center with crispy, golden edges around the slices.

Final Thoughts

Some recipes become favorites because they’re easy, and others become favorites because everyone talks about them long after dinner is over. These Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese manage to do both.

Ever since I made them with my family last weekend, they’ve been requested multiple times. The combination of crispy potato edges, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese is hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a game-day gathering, or simply because you’re craving comfort food, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.

Just be prepared—everyone will want seconds.