You’ve seen them online: those crispy golden accordion potatoes that look like a cross between fries and art. The good news is, they’re not just for food bloggers. Making accordion potatoes at home is surprisingly easy, and the flavor and crunch are next level. You don’t need fancy tools or culinary training to pull it off. Just a sharp knife, the right potato, and a few pantry staples. Once you try your first accordion potato, you’ll be hooked.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect potato accordion. From selecting the best type of spud to slicing them just right, this simple method delivers crispy edges and tender centers every time. Whether you’re planning a party, spicing up a weeknight dinner, or just craving something salty and satisfying, this accordion potato recipe will have your guests asking for seconds. Ready to turn a basic potato into something amazing? Let’s dive in.
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Accordion Potatoes Recipe: Crispy, Golden Perfection with Every Slice
Growing up in an Italian-American home, potatoes were always on the table. But it wasn’t until I made accordion potatoes that I saw everyone light up with surprise. My Nonna had her roasted garlic potatoes, but these crispy potato accordions? They were a game changer. I remember slicing that first accordion potato, thinking it was too pretty to eat. Spoiler alert: we devoured every single one before they even hit the dinner plates.
So what exactly are accordion potatoes? They’re thinly sliced in a special crisscross pattern that crisps up beautifully in the oven or air fryer. Think of them as a fun twist on fries, but with more texture, more flavor, and a lot more crunch. The best part? This accordion potato recipe only looks fancy. It’s actually quick, budget-friendly, and totally doable with just a sharp knife and some patience. If you’ve made Hasselback potatoes, this is their funkier, crispier cousin with even more personality.
How to Cut Accordion Potatoes Perfectly for Crispy, Golden Layers
If you want the crispiest accordion potatoes, you need to start with the right potato. Russets and Yukon Golds are perfect. They hold their shape and crisp beautifully when sliced into potato accordions. Gordon Ramsay often uses Yukon Gold for its buttery texture, which works great for an accordion potato recipe. Skip waxy varieties like red potatoes. They won’t give you the same crisp edges or deep golden color that makes accordion potatoes irresistible.
Now for the fun part, the cut. Making an accordion cut looks tricky, but it’s easy once you know the trick. You place the potato between two skewers or chopsticks, slice vertically across the top, flip it, then slice diagonally. This creates that signature crisscross pattern that crisps up in the oven. The skewers prevent you from cutting all the way through. The result is a beautiful potato accordion with layered slices that fan out as they bake. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to accordion everything.
Bake Accordion Potatoes to Crispy Perfection in Oven or Air Fryer
Once your accordion potatoes are sliced and ready, seasoning is the next key step. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper brings out the best in every potato accordion. You can also sprinkle in rosemary or parmesan for extra flavor. Brush each accordion potato generously so the seasoning reaches into every crevice. That crisscross cut helps each bite get crispy edges and deep flavor. Don’t skip this step, it makes a huge difference.
When it comes to cooking, you have two solid options. You can bake accordion potatoes in the oven at 425°F for about 35 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Or, if you’re short on time, the air fryer is your best friend. Set it to 375°F and cook for 18 to 22 minutes. The result? Crispy accordion potatoes with soft, fluffy centers. Both methods work great, but the air fryer gives a faster crunch with less oil.
Fun Ways to Serve and Twist Your Accordion Potato Recipe
Once your accordion potatoes are golden and crispy, the fun really begins. You can serve them plain with a pinch of sea salt, or load them up with toppings. Think melted cheese, chopped bacon, sour cream, or even fresh herbs. These potato accordions are perfect for parties, snacks, or as a bold side dish. They look impressive on any plate and pair well with grilled meats, soups, or low-carb casseroles.
Looking to switch it up? Try a spicy version with chili flakes and smoked paprika, or go Mediterranean with garlic, oregano, and feta. This accordion potato recipe can also be made vegan with olive oil and nutritional yeast. If you’re wondering how they compare to Hasselback potatoes, here’s the scoop. Hasselbacks are sliced only on top, while accordion potatoes have cuts on both sides. That double cut creates even more crisp edges, which makes this version a crunchy upgrade worth trying again and again.
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Accordion Potatoes With Crunchy Edges
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and wildly satisfying, this accordion potato recipe turns basic spuds into a show-stopping side dish with bold flavor and texture.
Ingredients
4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut off the ends for a flat base.
2. Place each potato between two chopsticks or skewers.
3. Slice vertical cuts about 1–2 mm apart, then flip and slice diagonal cuts.
4. Brush potatoes generously with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Place potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
7. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway.
8. Optionally garnish with rosemary or parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use chopsticks or skewers to prevent slicing through the potato completely.
Smaller potatoes cook faster and crisp more evenly.
For a quicker method, use an air fryer at 375°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQs About Accordion Potatoes and Cutting Techniques
How to do an accordion cut?
Place your potato between two skewers or chopsticks. Slice down vertically, flip the potato, then slice diagonally. This double-cut pattern creates the classic accordion potato look. The skewers stop the knife from slicing all the way through, so each potato accordion holds together while baking and crisps from every angle.
What potatoes does Gordon Ramsay use?
Gordon Ramsay often uses Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. These varieties work best for accordion potatoes because they hold their shape and crisp up well. They’re also easy to slice cleanly for an ideal accordion potato recipe. You get tender centers with golden edges, which is exactly what makes this dish irresistible every time.
What are Hasselback potatoes named after?
Hasselback potatoes are named after the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where the dish was first served in the 1950s. While they share some slicing similarities, accordion potatoes go a step further. They’re cut on both sides, unlike Hasselbacks which are only sliced on top.
Are Hasselback potatoes worth the effort?
Yes, but accordion potatoes might be even better. Both take a few extra minutes to slice, but the visual payoff and flavor are totally worth it. The accordion cut adds more surface area, meaning crispier, tastier bites. If you enjoy golden edges and satisfying crunch, this accordion potato recipe delivers on all fronts.
Conclusion: Why Accordion Potatoes Deserve a Spot on Your Table
There’s something special about serving accordion potatoes. They turn a simple spud into a crispy, golden showstopper. With just a knife, a few ingredients, and a bit of patience, you can make a side dish that steals the spotlight. Whether baked or air-fried, every potato accordion delivers crunch, flavor, and visual appeal. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses without stress.
This accordion potato recipe is more than just a viral trend. It’s an easy win for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or whenever you want to make something memorable without breaking the bank. Once you master the cut and find your favorite seasoning, you’ll find yourself making potatoes accordion style more often than you’d expect. Try it once, and you’ll never look at potatoes the same way again.