A clever crisscross cutting technique creates extra edges that turn beautifully crisp in the oven, while a savoury garlic and herb coating adds delicious flavour to every bite.

They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners, Sunday roasts, holiday spreads and those evenings when ordinary potato wedges just won’t cut it. Better still, you can make this affordable potato side dish with everyday pantry staples.

That makes this a lovely opportunity to combine a visually striking recipe with a genuinely practical promise: an inexpensive side dish that makes dinner feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Accordion Potatoes

• Big crunch, fluffy middle: The crisscross cuts create lots of delicious golden edges.

• Budget-friendly ingredients: Potatoes, oil, garlic and dried herbs deliver plenty of flavour without expensive ingredients.

• Easy dinner planning: Serve them with chicken, fish, burgers, roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

• Customisable flavour: Add Parmesan, smoked paprika, chilli flakes or your favourite seasoning.

• A beautiful presentation: Their distinctive accordion shape makes an everyday potato side look restaurant-worthy.

The best part is that you don’t need specialist equipment. A sharp knife, chopping board, baking tray and a little patience are all you need to create these impressive homemade crispy potatoes.

What Makes Accordion Potatoes So Irresistible?

Accordion potatoes take inspiration from the same family of techniques used for Hasselback potatoes, where thin cuts create more surface area for browning and seasoning.

The accordion version uses diagonal cuts on both sides of the potato, creating a flexible, crisscrossed pattern. As the potatoes cook, those little ridges become wonderfully crisp while the inside stays soft and tender.

It’s a clever kitchen trick that transforms an everyday ingredient into something seriously crave-worthy.

Unlike complicated side dishes that require multiple pans and expensive ingredients, this easy accordion potatoes recipe keeps things straightforward. The oven does most of the work, and you can prepare your main dish while the potatoes roast.

And because potatoes are inexpensive and filling, they’re an excellent addition to a budget-friendly family meal plan.

Ingredients for Crispy Accordion Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes · Cook time: 40–50 minutes · Total time: 60–70 minutes · Serves: 4

You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to make these golden garlic accordion potatoes.

• 4 medium Yukon Gold or floury potatoes (approximately 800 g / 1¾ lb): Choose evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking.

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml): Helps the ridges brown and crisp beautifully.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g), melted: Adds rich, comforting flavour.

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Gives the potatoes their irresistible savoury aroma.

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds colour and a gentle smoky warmth.

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings a delicious earthy, herby flavour.

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the potatoes without overpowering them.

• ¾ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little savoury bite.

• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan (15 g), optional: Creates a delicious cheesy finish.

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and colour just before serving.

For an even crispier finish, you can replace some of the olive oil with a neutral oil suitable for roasting at high temperatures.

Choosing the Best Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are a brilliant all-round choice because they have creamy centres and a naturally buttery flavour.

Floury potatoes, such as Russets, can produce a particularly fluffy interior with crunchy edges. Waxy potatoes also work, although their centres tend to stay firmer.

Try to choose potatoes of similar size and shape. This makes the accordion cutting easier and helps everything cook evenly.

How to Make Accordion Potatoes in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F or 200°C fan / 400°F fan-assisted.

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them completely dry. You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skins on adds texture and saves preparation time.

Cut each potato lengthwise into thick slices, approximately 1–1.5 cm thick.

Step 2: Create the Accordion Pattern

Place one potato slice between two wooden chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons. These act as guides to help prevent your knife from cutting all the way through.

Make closely spaced diagonal cuts across the top, roughly 3–4 mm apart. Turn the slice over and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.

Gently stretch the slice to reveal the distinctive accordion pattern.

Repeat with the remaining slices. Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect; even slightly uneven cuts can produce delicious results.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Coating

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, salt and black pepper.

Stir everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Brush the mixture generously over both sides of each potato slice, working a little into the cuts where possible.

This is where the magic begins. The oil encourages browning, the butter brings richness, and the garlic and herbs create that irresistible roasted aroma.

Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Crispy

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each slice so the hot air can circulate.

Roast for approximately 20–25 minutes, then carefully turn the slices over.

Continue roasting for another 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and crisp and the centres are tender when pierced with a knife.

Cooking time will vary depending on potato thickness and your oven. Thicker slices may need a little longer.

If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the potatoes during the final 5 minutes to create a savoury, golden finish.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.

Scatter over the fresh parsley and add an extra pinch of salt if needed.

Serve immediately while the accordion ridges are at their crispiest. These homemade garlic potatoes are delicious straight from the tray, so don’t be surprised if everyone reaches for seconds!

Pro Tips for Extra-Crispy Accordion Potatoes

1. Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, dry the potatoes carefully before cutting and seasoning them.

Wet potatoes are more likely to steam instead of developing that beautiful roasted exterior.

2. Use Chopsticks as Cutting Guides

This simple trick makes accordion potatoes much easier to prepare.

The chopsticks stop your knife from slicing completely through the potato, helping you achieve evenly spaced cuts without accidentally separating the slice.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Tray

Give every potato slice some breathing room. If the tray is too crowded, moisture becomes trapped and the potatoes may turn soft instead of crunchy.

Use two baking trays if necessary.

4. Add Cheese at the Right Time

Parmesan adds a wonderful savoury flavour, but adding it too early can cause excessive browning.

Sprinkle it over the potatoes near the end of cooking for a delicious cheesy crust without burning.

5. Serve Them Straight Away

Accordion potatoes taste best immediately after roasting.

If you’re cooking dinner for guests, prepare the slices and seasoning in advance, then roast them while the rest of the meal comes together.

Easy Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Want a quicker alternative? You can make air fryer accordion potatoes using the same ingredients.

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 400°F if your model recommends preheating. Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer, leaving space between them.

Cook for approximately 18–25 minutes, turning halfway through. Check smaller slices earlier, as cooking times vary between air fryer models.

The potatoes are ready when the ridges are golden and crisp and the centres are tender.

For larger batches, cook in multiple rounds rather than stacking the slices. This helps you achieve that signature crispy accordion potato texture.

What to Serve with Accordion Potatoes

These versatile potatoes fit beautifully into almost any meal plan.

• Roast chicken: A comforting combination for Sunday lunch or a family dinner.

• Garlic butter chicken: Pair two garlic-forward dishes for a satisfying, flavour-packed plate.

• Grilled salmon: The crispy potato edges complement tender, flaky fish.

• Juicy burgers: Serve accordion potatoes instead of ordinary fries for a fun homemade twist.

• Roasted vegetables: Combine with carrots, broccoli or green beans for a colourful vegetarian-friendly meal.

• Creamy dips: Garlic yoghurt, sour cream and chive dip or a simple spicy mayonnaise make delicious accompaniments.

For an easy weeknight dinner, serve them with roasted chicken thighs and steamed vegetables. For entertaining, arrange the potatoes on a platter with a couple of dipping sauces.

It’s a simple way to make an affordable meal feel a little more special.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftover accordion potatoes to cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for approximately 4–7 minutes, or in an oven at 200°C / 400°F until thoroughly hot and crisp again.

A microwave will warm them quickly, but the ridges are likely to become softer.

Freezing is possible, although the texture may change after thawing. For the best results, enjoy them freshly roasted or refrigerated and reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t my accordion potatoes crispy?

The most common reasons are excess moisture, overcrowding or an oven that isn’t hot enough. Dry the potatoes thoroughly, space them apart and allow enough cooking time for the ridges to brown.

Can I prepare accordion potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. You can cut the potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and roasting.

For the best results, apply the garlic and herb coating shortly before cooking.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No. Leaving the skins on saves time and adds texture. Just scrub them thoroughly before cutting.

Can I make this recipe without Parmesan?

Absolutely. The potatoes are delicious with garlic, herbs and butter alone. Skip the cheese for a simpler dairy-free version, replacing the butter with additional olive oil.

Are accordion potatoes suitable for meal prep?

They’re best freshly cooked, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated. You can also prepare the potatoes alongside a batch of protein and vegetables to simplify several weekday meals.

Complete Recipe Card: Crispy Accordion Potatoes

Your New Favourite Potato Side Dish

Crispy accordion potatoes prove that everyday ingredients can deliver something genuinely exciting. With their golden ridges, fluffy centres and irresistible garlic herb seasoning, they’re an easy way to add a little restaurant-style magic to home cooking without blowing your food budget.

Whether you choose classic oven-roasted accordion potatoes, a speedy air fryer version or a cheesy Parmesan finish, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s tastes.

Save it for your next Sunday roast, add it to your weekly dinner rotation or serve it at your next gathering when you want a side dish that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Give these crispy accordion potatoes a try, and share which seasoning combination you loved most!