Delicious Crispy Paprika & Lemon Accordion Potatoes Side Dish (Ready in Minutes!)

Crispy accordion potatoes are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. With golden and seasoned ridges that snap with each bite, they are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor from olive oil, garlic, paprika, and lemon zest. You can serve them with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a snack.

What are Crispy Accordion Potatoes?

Accordion potatoes, also called hasselback potatoes, are sliced thinly across their width without cutting all the way through, creating a fan-like appearance. This unique cutting method allows seasonings and oils to penetrate deeply, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Originating from Sweden, hasselback potatoes were first served at the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm in the 1950s, and have since become a popular gourmet side.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Accordion Potatoes

• Use skewers or chopsticks on either side of the potato to avoid slicing all the way through. This keeps the fan intact.
• Boiling the potatoes briefly before baking ensures they cook evenly inside while still crisping outside.
• Brush with an oil mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, pepper, and lemon zest multiple times during baking for extra flavor and golden crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and crisp nicely, while starchy potatoes like Russets produce a fluffier interior. The key is to adjust boiling time slightly if using larger or smaller potatoes.

How do I make them extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, brush the potatoes with the oil mixture every 10 minutes during baking. You can also finish them under a broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Can I add other seasonings?

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika work wonderfully. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Are these healthy?

These potatoes are healthier than traditional fried fries since they are baked, not deep-fried. Using olive oil and minimal seasoning keeps them flavorful without excessive calories, making them a nutritious side dish option.

How to Store Crispy Accordion Potatoes

Any leftover potatoes can be placed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness, rather than using the microwave, which can make them soft. You can also freeze them before baking and just bake straight from frozen.

How to Make Crispy Paprika & Lemon Accordion Potatoes

Step 1

Step 1

Peel the potatoes and trim the ends. Place each potato horizontally on a cutting board. Insert skewers or chopsticks along the sides as guides and slice thin vertical cuts.

Peel the potatoes and trim the ends. Place each potato horizontally on a cutting board. Insert skewers or chopsticks along the sides as guides and slice thin vertical cuts.

Step 2

Step 2

Flip the potato and make diagonal cuts, again not slicing all the way through.

Flip the potato and make diagonal cuts, again not slicing all the way through.

Step 3

Step 3

Place the potatoes in salted boiling water for 5-7 minutes.

Place the potatoes in salted boiling water for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, pepper, and lemon zest.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, pepper, and lemon zest.

Step 5

Step 5

Cut any remaining potatoes into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush both sides of the potatoes with the prepared oil mixture.

Step 6

Step 6

Remove from oven and enjoy.

Bake at 180°C/360°F for 35 minutes.

Step 7

Step 7

Cut any remaining potatoes into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 8

Step 8

Bake at 180°C/360°F for 30 minutes.

Step 9

Step 9

Remove from oven and enjoy.