Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

If you love potatoes as much as we do, you’re in for a real treat. These Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes are crispy, golden, and incredibly fun to make. They’re like the perfect mix of curly fries, hasselback potatoes, and that viral TikTok potato trend you’ve probably seen all over your feed.

What makes them even better? You can cook them right in your air fryer, using just a few simple ingredients. No deep-frying, no mess—just crispy, flavor-packed potatoes with a show-stopping look.

In this post, you’ll learn everything from how to cut your potatoes the right way to the best seasonings, dipping sauces, and even how to reheat leftovers.

What Are Accordion Potatoes?

Accordion potatoes get their name from their unique cut. When sliced correctly, each potato has rows of accordion-like folds that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The result is a potato that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely stunning on your plate.

They’re part of the wave of TikTok food trends, right up there with honeycomb pasta, air fryer pasta chips and baked feta pasta. But this one isn’t just about looks—it tastes amazing too.

You might think of them as a cross between hasselback potatoes (which are thinly sliced but not all the way through) and tornado potatoes (which are spiral-cut and skewered). Accordion potatoes borrow from both styles, but have their own distinct look and texture.

Why Make Them in the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer takes this recipe to the next level. Here’s why:

• Less oil, more crisp: You only need a brush of olive oil or garlic butter to get that golden crunch.
• Faster cook time: These cook in around 15–20 minutes vs. 40+ minutes in the oven.
• Perfect every time: No soggy centers or overdone edges.

Plus, the air fryer is easy to clean and doesn’t heat up your kitchen—perfect for busy weeknights or summer cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You likely already have most of these in your pantry.

 Base Ingredients:

• 2–3 medium russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted garlic butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

Optional Add-Ons:

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy version)
• Truffle oil (for a fancy twist)
• Lemon zest (to brighten it up)

Vegan or Gluten-Free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and if you skip the cheese or use a vegan version of butter, it’s fully plant-based too.

How to Cut Accordion Potatoes (Without Breaking Them)

This is where the magic happens. The accordion cut is what gives this dish its signature look. Here’s how to do it without slicing all the way through:

Tools You’ll Need:

• A sharp knife
• Wooden skewers or chopsticks
• A cutting board

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Place chopsticks on either side of your potato. These will act as guards so your knife doesn’t slice all the way through.
2. Cut slits across the potato horizontally, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks.
3. Flip the potato over.
4. Now cut diagonal slits across the backside (this creates the accordion pattern).
5. Gently insert a skewer through the center of the potato to hold it steady during cooking.

Pro tip: Don’t cut the slits too close together or the potato may fall apart. Aim for about 1/8-inch spacing.

This might sound a little tricky at first, but after the first one, you’ll be a pro.

How to Air Fry Accordion Potatoes to Crispy Perfection

Once your potatoes are cut into that beautiful accordion shape, it’s time to let the air fryer do its magic. Follow these steps to get potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

 Step 1: Season the Potatoes

After cutting, gently fan out the slits so you can get seasoning into all those nooks and crannies.

• In a small bowl, mix:
  • Olive oil or garlic butter
  • Salt, pepper
  • Garlic powder

Use a pastry brush or your hands to coat each potato evenly, making sure the seasoning seeps into the folds.

Tip: Want even crispier results? Spray a light mist of cooking oil over the top just before air frying.

 Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating helps with even cooking and better texture.

• Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes.

 Step 3: Air Fry Time & Temp

Place the potatoes in the basket, leaving space between each one for air circulation.

• Air fry at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Flip halfway through for even browning (optional but helpful).
• Check doneness with a fork. The edges should be crispy, and the center should be soft. Depending on the size of your potatoes and the brand of your air fryer, cooking time may vary slightly.

Flavor Variations: Take Your Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes Up a Notch

Plain salted potatoes are great, but flavoring them opens up a whole world of options. Here are some seasoning combos to try depending on your mood or meal theme.

 1. Garlic Parmesan

Perfect for Italian dinners or as a fancy side dish

• After air frying, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, a bit of minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
• Optional: Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil for next-level flavor.

 2. Spicy Cajun

Ideal for BBQ nights or game day snacks

• Use Cajun seasoning or a blend of:
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Serve with spicy sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli.

3. Mediterranean Herb Mix

Pairs well with fish, grilled chicken, or Greek dishes

• Mix olive oil with:
  • Dried oregano
  • Thyme
  • Lemon zest
  • A pinch of sea salt

Top with crumbled feta and chopped fresh mint or parsley after air frying.

4. Cheesy Taco Style

Fun twist for taco nights or picky eaters

• Season with taco seasoning, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking so it melts into the folds.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side.

5. Vegan & Herbaceous

Clean, fresh, and allergy-friendly

• Use vegan butter or olive oil
• Season with garlic powder, dried rosemary, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy

How to Serve Accordion Potatoes (Plating & Pairing Ideas)

These air fryer accordion potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a statement. Thanks to their unique shape and crispy texture, they look amazing on the plate and work with a wide variety of meals.

Here are some delicious and practical ways to serve them:

As a Side Dish for Main Courses

These potatoes pair beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Baked salmon or air fryer tilapia
• Veggie burgers or plant-based meatloaf

 Pro tip: Serve them with a garlic aioli or homemade ranch for dipping.

Party Platter or Appetizer

Make mini accordion potatoes using baby potatoes or slice them smaller for a party platter. Serve with:

• Dipping sauces: chipotle mayo, creamy avocado dip, spicy ketchup
• A side of pickled veggies or jalapeño slices

With a Fresh Salad or Grain Bowl

Turn these into a full meal by adding them to:

• A Mediterranean quinoa bowl with hummus and olives
• A Caesar salad with extra Parmesan
• A vegan bowl with roasted chickpeas and tahini dressing

Presentation Tips for Pinterest or Instagram

Want that viral-worthy food pic?

• Stack them vertically and drizzle sauce over the top
• Garnish with microgreens, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon
• Serve on a wooden board with dipping bowls for rustic vibes

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Air fryer accordion potatoes are best served fresh, but you can store and reheat them with great results.

How to Store Leftovers

• Let them cool completely
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

How to Reheat (and Keep Them Crispy!)

To get that crispiness back:

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
• Avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy!

Make-Ahead Tip:

You can prep and cut the potatoes in advance, then soak them in cold water and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This also helps remove excess starch for extra crispiness.

Accordion Potatoes FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions with snippet-ready answers to boost your SEO presence:

Can I make accordion potatoes without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

What type of potatoes are best for accordion potatoes?

Russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are best. They hold their shape well and get beautifully crispy in the air fryer.

Why are my accordion potatoes falling apart?

If your cuts are too close together or too deep, the potato may break. Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as a guide to avoid slicing all the way through.

Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

It’s optional, but soaking in cold water for 15–30 minutes can help remove starch and make them crispier. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning.

Can I freeze accordion potatoes?

It’s not recommended. The texture changes when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy them fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Are these gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Use olive oil or vegan butter and skip the cheese for a fully vegan version.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Air Fryer Potato Recipe

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home, prepping a snack for game day, or just want to try a fun new air fryer recipe, these Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes are a must. They’re crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make once you get the hang of the cut.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe, leave a comment, or tag your version on social—because these potatoes are definitely camera-ready. 

You can also follow me on  Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy &  air fryer baking recipes.