These Hasselback sweet potatoes bring a twist to a classic recipe. Simple flavors like smoked paprika, grated garlic, and fresh thyme turn a plain sweet potato into an irresistibly tasty side dish! Ready in 45 minutes!
Potatoes are a side dish that makes it to every table most days. They can be served in so many ways that you could do a recipe a day for years and not try them all. Here, we only share potato recipes!
When it comes to the oven, roast potatoes come to mind immediately, however, other versions not as traditional are just as easy and quick to put together. Think of crispy ranch potatoes or garlic Parmesan smashed potatoes!
Hasselback potatoes are so popular you can find them in restaurants, gastropubs, and also in the frozen aisle at your grocery shop - but the best are homemade. And they are SO simple!
From mini Hasselback potatoes, to more traditional ones, there's a version for everyone. And here's my favorite sweet potato recipe - with smoked paprika, fresh garlic and thyme in under one hour in the oven or the air fryer!
💎 Why It Works
- With a handful of ingredients you can't go wrong with this easy recipe. Let the seasoning and the oven (or air fryer) do the heavy lifting! A great recipe for special occasions, such as Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas, where many dishes require a lot of attention!
- For more baked potatoes recipes filled with flavor, try our Mexican potatoes and cheesy smashed potatoes!
🛒 Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes or soft spots. Opt for ones that feel heavy for their size, which indicates they are not dried out and will be sweeter and creamier once cooked. Use ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Be sure to check the recipe card for all the ingredients and steps you need—every detail counts!
♻️ Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: If you prefer, you can use melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste. If you are in a rush, garlic herb butter can be a helpful shortcut, but the taste won't be the same.
- Paprika: If smoked paprika is too strong, try sweet paprika for a milder flavor. On the other hand, chili powder can give a nice kick that pairs well with the potatoes' sweetness and the earthy thyme's notes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic works best. However, if you don't have any, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
1. Preparation
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Slice them about ¾ of the way. [Picture 1]
- Mix the olive oil with grated garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. [Picture 2]
2. Choose The Cooking Method
- Brush each Hasselback sweet potato with the oil mixture and bake in the oven. [Picture A]
- Brush each sweet potato with the seasoned oil, and cook in the air fryer. [Picture B]
3. Serve
- Once thoroughly cooked, serve sweet potatoes with your meal of choice. [Picture 3]
🙋♀️ People Also Ask [FAQs]
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance and not longer, keeping them in the fridge covered until ready to bake. The potatoes may oxidize and change color if prepared in advance, but that won't change the taste or texture.
How to store and reheat Hasselback sweet potatoes?
Hasselback sweet potatoes are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect their texture. For reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer until they are heated through and regain some crispiness.
💡 Pro Tips
- For extra crispiness, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 5 minutes of baking. If you have the Max Crisp function in the air fryer, use it for the last 4 minutes of cooking.
- If you notice the potatoes are browning too rapidly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning while still allowing them to cook through.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some crushed nuts, like finely chopped pecans or walnuts, breadcrumbs, or even a little granola on top of the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
🍴 More Delicious Recipes to Try
Tried this recipe? Drop a ⭐ review and tag @TaterTales on Pinterest—we’d love to see your creation!
🍽️ Recipe
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes (In the Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
- 3 Sweet Potatoes medium
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Thyme
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
If using the oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Preparation for both cooking methods
- Wash the sweet potatoes well, ensuring all dirt is removed, then dry them using a clean tea towel or sheet of kitchen paper.
- Make thin slices across each sweet potato, about ¾ of the way, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Use a wooden spoon handle placed on either side of the potato on a cutting board as a guide to prevent cutting all the way through when slicing. As the potatoes are quite hard, be careful and use a sharp knife to make the process easier.
- Peel and grate the fresh garlic cloves.
- Mix the olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush the sweet potatoes with half of the oil mixture, getting it into the slices as much as possible. You won't be able to go all the way in with the dressing, and that's fine, as you will brush half the dressing half way through the cooking process, when the slices will open up more.
In the oven
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick sheet or baking dish. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the tray, leaving enough room around them for the air to circulate.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with the remaining oil mixture. The potato slices will be easier to separate now, allowing the oil and spices to better coat each piece.
- Bake for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are crispy.
In the air fryer
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. They can be close to each other, but try to make them touch as little as possible.
- Air fry the seasoned sweet potatoes for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then brush with the remaining oil mixture. The sweet potato slices should be easier to separate now, allowing the oil and spices to better coat each piece.
- Air fry for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges crispy.
Serving
- Taste the potatoes for seasoning and sprinkle more salt if needed; the heat will help it melt and get into the flesh of the potatoes.
- Serve the best Hasselback sweet potatoes hot with the main dish of your choice.
Notes
- If you notice the potatoes are browning too rapidly in the oven or air fryer, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning while still allowing them to cook through.
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes or soft spots. Opt for ones that feel heavy for their size, which indicates they are not dried out and will be sweeter and creamier once cooked. Use ones that are similar in size, so they cook evenly.
- Storing and Reheating: Hasselback sweet potatoes are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect their texture. For reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer until they are heated through and regain some crispiness.
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