Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes (TikTok Style) – Crispy Viral Potato Recipe

I’ll admit it. The first time I saw Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes (TikTok Style) scrolling through my feed, I thought, “There’s no way they’re that crispy.”

They looked dramatic. Perfectly sliced. Golden edges. All those little layers fanned out like potato feathers.

So I tried them.

And after a couple of slightly tragic attempts (one turned into accidental fries, another stayed stubbornly soft), I finally cracked the method. Now? These crispy layered potatoes have become one of my go-to side dishes when I want something that looks impressive but doesn’t require culinary gymnastics.

If you love crispy air fryer potatoes, garlic butter, and dramatic presentation, you’re in for a treat.

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Why Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes Went Viral

There’s a reason these exploded in popularity.

They check every box:

• Visually stunning
• Crunchy edges
• Buttery inside
• Easy ingredients
• Fun to make

Ever notice how food that looks fancy gets more attention? But here’s the best part — these aren’t complicated. You just slice thin layers without cutting all the way through.

That slicing creates more surface area. More surface area means more crispiness. And that’s the magic.

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Why I Prefer the Air Fryer Version

Traditional oven recipes work, sure.

But I’ve tested both methods multiple times. The air fryer wins for three reasons:

• Faster cooking time
• Crispier edges
• More even browning

I use the COSORI Pro II 5.8QT Air Fryer. The basket size gives the potatoes room to breathe, which matters more than people realize. If air can circulate, you get that signature crisp.

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Choosing the Best Potatoes

Not all potatoes behave the same.

I always reach for russet potatoes for this recipe.

Here’s why:

• High starch content = crisp exterior
• Fluffy interior
• Strong structure for slicing

Medium-sized russets work best. Huge potatoes cook unevenly. Tiny ones overcook too fast.

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The Slicing Trick That Saves the Day

Let me save you from my early mistake.

The first time, I sliced straight through the bottom. Not ideal.

Use Chopsticks or Wooden Spoons

Place a chopstick on each side of the potato while slicing. The knife hits the sticks and stops before cutting through.

I use the Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Chef’s Knife . A sharp blade makes clean, even slices. Dull knives tear instead of slice, and that ruins the layered effect.

Slice about ⅛-inch apart.

Thin slices = maximum crunch.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes (TikTok Style)

Simple ingredients. Big flavor.

Main Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Optional: ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Fresh garlic gives better flavor. I use the OXO Good Grips Garlic Press when I don’t feel like mincing by hand.

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Step-by-Step: How I Make Them Perfectly Crispy

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and scrub thoroughly. Leave the skin on.

Dry completely. Moisture slows crisping.

Place chopsticks on both sides and slice thin layers across each potato.

Take your time here. Rushing leads to potato casualties.

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Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, combine:

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Herbs

Brush generously over each potato. Use a pastry brush and gently separate slices to let butter seep between layers.

I brush once now and again halfway through cooking.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat to 375°F for about 3–5 minutes.

Starting slightly lower helps the inside cook through before edges crisp too aggressively.

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Step 4: Cook in Stages

Place potatoes in a single layer.

Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Remove, brush more butter mixture between slices, then increase temperature to 400°F and cook another 10–15 minutes.

The layers should fan out naturally and turn deep golden brown.

If adding parmesan, sprinkle during the last 3–4 minutes.

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Tips for Ultra Crispy Layers

After testing different methods, here’s what works best:

• Brush twice during cooking
• Use medium potatoes
• Don’t overcrowd
• Increase temperature at the end
• Gently fan slices open mid-cook

Ever wonder why some versions look good but taste soft? Usually they need more airflow or a final temperature boost.

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Flavor Variations That Always Impress

Once you master the base recipe, you can customize easily.

Cheesy Garlic

Add shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar between slices before final cook.

Spicy Kick

Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to butter mixture.

Ranch Style

Sprinkle ranch seasoning over potatoes before cooking.

IMO, the cheesy version disappears fastest at gatherings.

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Serving Ideas

These work as:

• Holiday side dish
• Game day appetizer
• Steakhouse-style side
• Weekend dinner upgrade
• Party finger food

I love serving them with sour cream mixed with lemon zest and cracked pepper.

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Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.

They crisp right back up. Microwave reheating softens them quickly, and nobody wants floppy accordion potatoes. 🙂