Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes are a fun and delicious twist on classic baked potatoes. Cut into a beautiful blooming shape, these potatoes open up as they cook, creating crispy, golden edges and a soft, fluffy centre. Seasoned with garlic, butter, and herbs, they’re an easy side dish that looks impressive but requires just a few simple ingredients. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce or add cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon for an extra-special treat.
Ingredients
You’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients to make these crispy Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes.
- 4 medium russet potatoes or floury baking potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Optional toppings:
- ¼ cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yoghurt
- Chopped fresh chives
- Crispy bacon pieces
Ingredient tips: Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy centres and relatively dry texture work well for baking. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If you prefer a richer flavour, you can replace some of the olive oil with additional melted butter.
How to Make a Blooming Potato in the Air Fryer
Making a blooming potato is easier than it looks. The secret is to cut the potato into a crosshatch or grid pattern while leaving the bottom intact. This allows the potato to open up during cooking without falling apart.
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
You can leave the skins on for extra texture and flavour. Make sure the potatoes are dry before adding the oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed. This flavourful mixture will coat the potatoes and help the cut edges turn golden and crispy.
Step 3: Cut the Potatoes
Place a potato on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a series of parallel cuts across the top, followed by another series of cuts in the opposite direction to create a grid pattern.
Stop cutting before reaching the bottom of the potato. The base must remain intact so the potato holds together and blooms as it cooks.
For detailed cutting instructions, see the section below.
Step 4: Season the Potatoes
Gently spread the cut sections apart just enough to expose some of the inner surfaces without breaking the potato.
Brush the seasoning mixture over the top and sides, allowing a little to reach between the cuts. Use a pastry brush or spoon to distribute the mixture evenly.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
Preheating helps the potatoes begin cooking consistently and encourages the cut edges to crisp.
Step 6: Arrange the Potatoes in the Basket
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket with enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Keep them in a single layer and cook in batches if necessary.
Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the edges from browning evenly.
Step 7: Air Fry Until Crispy and Tender
Cook the potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer.
Check them after about 25 minutes. If the tops are browning too quickly but the centres are still firm, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking.
The potatoes are ready when the cut edges are golden and crisp and a knife slides easily into the thickest part.
Step 8: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want cheesy blooming potatoes, sprinkle Cheddar or Parmesan over the potatoes during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking.
Allow the cheese to melt and turn lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent it from burning.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley and serve with sour cream, garlic dip, or your favourite sauce.
How to Cut Blooming Potatoes (Without Cutting Through)
Cutting the potatoes correctly is the most important step in this recipe. The goal is to create a grid of cuts that opens up during cooking while keeping the base completely intact.
1. Choose the Right Potato
Use medium-sized, evenly shaped potatoes with a reasonably flat side. Russet potatoes or other floury baking potatoes are good choices because they become fluffy inside.
2. Place the Potato on a Stable Surface
Lay the potato on a cutting board. If it rolls around, carefully trim a very thin slice from the bottom to create a stable base. Avoid trimming too much, as you need enough potato to hold the cuts together.
3. Make the First Set of Cuts
Hold the potato securely and make parallel cuts across the top, spacing them approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) apart.
Cut only about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through the potato. The exact depth depends on its size, but you must leave a solid base at the bottom.
4. Make the Second Set of Cuts
Rotate the potato slightly and make another series of parallel cuts across the first set, creating a grid or crosshatch pattern.
Keep the cuts evenly spaced and avoid pressing the knife all the way through.
5. Use Chopsticks as a Cutting Guide
If you’re worried about cutting too deeply, place a wooden spoon handle or a pair of chopsticks along both sides of the potato. These act as barriers and help prevent the knife from reaching the cutting board.
6. Open the Cuts Gently
Use your fingers to loosen the cut sections slightly. Do not pull them apart aggressively, as this can break the potato.
Once coated with oil and cooked, the cuts will gradually open, creating the blooming effect.
Safety tip: Always use a sharp knife carefully, keep your fingers away from the blade, and work on a stable cutting board. If the potato is difficult to hold, reposition it before continuing.
Instructions
- Wash and dry: Scrub four medium potatoes and pat them completely dry.
- Mix the seasoning: Combine olive oil, melted butter, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
- Cut the potatoes: Make a grid pattern across each potato, stopping before reaching the bottom so the base remains intact.
- Brush with seasoning: Gently open the cuts and brush the mixture over the potatoes and between the cut sections.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes if preheating is recommended.
- Arrange the potatoes: Place them in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them.
- Air fry: Cook for 30–40 minutes, checking after about 25 minutes. Adjust the cooking time according to the potato size and your air fryer.
- Add cheese if desired: Sprinkle with Cheddar or Parmesan during the final 3–5 minutes.
- Check for doneness: The edges should be golden and crisp, and the centre should be soft and fluffy.
- Garnish and serve: Add fresh herbs and serve hot with your favourite toppings or dipping sauce.
Tips
Choose Potatoes of Similar Size
Using potatoes of similar size helps them cook at roughly the same rate. If one potato is much larger than the others, it may need extra time.
Keep the Base Intact
Don’t cut all the way through the potato. Leaving the bottom uncut is what keeps the sections connected and creates the blooming shape.
Don’t Skip the Oil
A light coating of oil helps the cut edges brown and crisp. Brush some seasoning into the cuts so the inside has plenty of flavour.
Avoid Overcrowding
Leave enough space between the potatoes for hot air to circulate. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches.
Adjust the Cooking Time
Cooking time varies with the potato variety, size, and air fryer model. Check the potatoes with a knife or fork and continue cooking if the centre is still firm.
Add Cheese at the End
Cheese can brown quickly. Add it during the final few minutes to give it time to melt without burning.
Try Different Seasonings
Smoked paprika, chilli powder, rosemary, thyme, or Cajun seasoning can all work well. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Serve Immediately
Blooming potatoes are at their best straight from the air fryer, when the edges are crisp and the centres are fluffy. Add cold toppings such as sour cream just before serving.
FAQs
1. What are Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes?
Blooming baked potatoes are potatoes cut into a grid or crosshatch pattern that opens up during cooking. The cuts create extra surface area for seasoning and allow the edges to become crispy while the centre stays soft.
2. How long do blooming potatoes take in the air fryer?
Medium potatoes generally take around 30–40 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Smaller potatoes may cook sooner, while larger ones can take longer. Always check that the centre is tender before serving.
3. What temperature is best for Air Fryer Blooming Potatoes?
A temperature of 375°F (190°C) is a good starting point. It allows the potatoes to cook through while the cut edges become golden. If the outside browns too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly and continue cooking.
4. How do I stop the potato from falling apart?
Leave the bottom of the potato intact when making the cuts. Avoid cutting too deeply or pulling the sections apart too aggressively. A stable base holds the potato together as it cooks.
5. Which potatoes are best for blooming baked potatoes?
Russet potatoes and other floury baking potatoes are excellent choices because they develop a fluffy centre and crisp edges. Choose medium-sized potatoes with similar shapes for more even cooking.
6. Do I need to boil the potatoes before air frying?
No, boiling is not necessary. The potatoes cook directly in the air fryer. Cutting them into a grid helps the seasoning reach the inner surfaces and allows the edges to crisp as they cook.
7. Can I make blooming potatoes without butter?
Yes. Replace the butter with additional olive oil or another cooking oil suitable for your air fryer. The flavour will be slightly different, but the potatoes can still turn out delicious.
8. Why are my blooming potatoes not crispy?
They may need more cooking time, may be overcrowded, or may not have enough oil on the cut surfaces. Cook them in a single layer, brush the seasoning into the cuts, and allow extra time if the centres are not yet tender.
9. Can I add cheese to blooming potatoes?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella all work well. Add the cheese during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking so it melts without becoming too dark.
10. What can I serve with Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes?
They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, fish, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve them as a snack or appetiser with sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic dip, or a spicy mayonnaise.
11. How do I store leftover blooming potatoes?
Let the potatoes cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. For best quality, use them within 3–4 days.
12. How do I reheat blooming potatoes in the air fryer?
Reheat them at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 4–8 minutes, depending on their size. Check that the centre is thoroughly hot and the edges have crisped again.
13. Can I prepare blooming potatoes ahead of time?
You can wash and cut the potatoes a few hours ahead. To prevent browning, keep the cut potatoes submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
14. Can I make blooming potatoes with sweet potatoes?
Yes, although sweet potatoes have a different texture and may cook more quickly or become softer. Choose firm sweet potatoes, make shallow cuts, and begin checking for doneness earlier than you would with regular baking potatoes.
PrintAir Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes
These Air Fryer Blooming potatoes are a showstopping alternative to traditional Hasselback potatoes. The potatoes are sliced lengthwise and crosswise, while still attached to the base.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the cheesy toppings make them irresistible.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 Medium potatoes, sliced crosswise and lengthwise
- 1 TBS Olive oil or spray oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 TBS fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnishing)
- Optional toppings: Butter, Bacon crumbles, Shredded cheese, Chives or green onions, sour cream.
Instructions
- Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes, then pat them dry.
- Slice them crosswise and lengthwise into thin slices. Be careful not to cut all the way through. The potato petals must still be attached to the base of the potato.
- Place the potatoes in the microwave, and cook on high for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (195°C).
- Remove potatoes from the microwave and brush them with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and/or seasoning of choice.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook on airfry setting for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown with crispy skin. I use Ninja Foodi XL 6in1.
- The Blooming potatoes are ready to be served. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
How to Cut Blooming Hasselback Potato
To cut a Hasselback potato, start by placing it on a cutting board. Then, use a sharp knife to make thin slices along the potato, then across the potato, careful not to cut all the way through. Aim to make the squares (potato petals) approximately 5-7 mm in size (0.197-0.276 inches).
