Accordion Potatoes: the Recipe for the Crispy and Viral Fries From TikTok!

Have you recently seen videos of these funky accordion potatoes popping up on TikTok? Accordion Potatoes aren't just visually stunning, they're also a super easy and delicious way to elevate your next meal. Forget boring fries—accordion potatoes are the new side dish superstar. Think crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and a perfect accompaniment for anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. The best part? This trendy dish requires minimal effort and common pantry staples. Think thinly sliced potatoes, ingeniously cut to create a bellows effect (hence the "accordion" name), then generously coated in a flavorful herb and garlic butter. Once baked to crispy perfection, they’re ready to be devoured. Ready to ditch the takeout menus and impress your family with a viral sensation? Let's get folding!

What Are Accordion Potatoes?

You know those funky folded potato spirals taking over your TikTok feed? They're called accordion potatoes, and while the presentation might be trending, the concept has a surprisingly long history! Believe it or not, accordion potatoes, also known as Hasselback potatoes, have been around since at least the mid-20th century. The most popular claim credits Leif Elisson, a trainee chef at the famed Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, with inventing them in 1953. What are they? Accordion potatoes are whole potatoes thinly sliced (but not all the way through) to create a fan-like effect. This allows for maximum crisp on the outside while keeping the center fluffy. There's a competing theory that a recipe for similar potatoes appeared in a Swedish cookbook called "The Cookbook of Princesses" in 1929, casting doubt on Elisson's claim to fame. While traditionally served roasted with butter and herbs, TikTok has unleashed a wave of creativity with different flavor variations and cooking methods. No matter the origin story or flavor profile, one thing's for sure: accordion potatoes are a delicious and impressive addition to any meal!

Tips

• Use starchy potatoes like Russet, Yukon Gold, or Idaho for the best results. These varieties crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• A sharp knife is essential for clean, even cuts. Dull knives can tear the potatoes and make them difficult to manipulate.
• Use skewers as a guide to prevent accidental "cut-throughs." Bamboo skewers work well, but chopsticks can also do the trick in a pinch.
• Aim for slices around 1/4 inch thick. Too thin and they'll be fragile, too thick and they won't crisp properly.
• Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, leading to a crispier outcome.
• Brush the potatoes generously with melted butter or olive oil before baking. This adds flavor and helps them crisp up. Go beyond just butter! Infuse your oil or butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for an extra flavorful twist.

Is This A New Recipe?

No, accordion potatoes, also known as Hasselback potatoes, have been around for decades. TikTok has recently popularized them with creative variations.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?

While Russet, Yukon Gold, and Idaho potatoes are ideal for their crispiness, you can experiment with other varieties like sweet potatoes or purple potatoes. Just be aware they might cook slightly differently.

Do I Have To Use Skewers?

Skewers help guide the cuts and prevent accidental slices all the way through. However, you can be very careful and manage without them if needed.

What's The Best Way To Achieve Crispy Potatoes?

Soaking the sliced potatoes in water for 30 minutes before frying helps remove excess starch, leading to a crispier outcome. Brushing them generously with melted butter or olive oil before baking also adds flavor and promotes crispness.

Can I Make These in An Air Fryer Instead?

Yes, these potatoes can be made in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the potato pieces with oil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Can I Add Different Flavors?

Absolutely! Get creative with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives infused in the oil or butter. Sprinkle with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick, or add grated cheese for a cheesy topping.

Can I Freeze These?

Yes! After frying, let them cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Yes, these fried potatoes can be made ahead. After frying and cooling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness before serving.

More Tasty and Unique Potato Recipes To Try!

Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

Rich Hasselback Potatoes

Pizza Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy Potato Nuggets

How to Store Accordion Potatoes

Accordion potatoes are best enjoyed freshly fried when they're nice and crispy. They don't hold their crispness well at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How To Make Accordion Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them lengthwise.

Place the potato slices flat on their broadest sides. Using two skewers as spacers on either side of each potato slice, cut vertical lines. Don’t cut all the way through.

Once you've finished the vertical cuts, flip the potato and cut diagonal lines.

You should now see the accordion effect.

Fill a pan with frying oil and place over medium-high heat. Transfer the potato slices to the pan and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.

Remove the slices from the pan and let them cool slightly before serving. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from falling apart. Season with salt and your favorite herbs to taste, then plate and enjoy!