You must have seen the Accordion Potatoes on TikTok by now! And you are probably wondering if you can make TikTok Accordion Potatoes using the Air Fryer! The answer is an absolute yes! Keep reading as I go into detail about the differences between air-fried accordion potatoes and deep-fried accordion potatoes.

And it’s another crispy potato recipe from TikTok that’s definitely worth a try! 

The TikTok Accordion Potatoes are absolutely delicious.

The accordion potatoes take a bit of work but are so worth it!  The crunch is so good.

If you’ve seen this on TikTok and have thought about trying it, don’t hesitate and do it!

There are several methods for making accordion potatoes, I’ve used both frying and baking and have instructions for both below, so keep reading.

What Are Accordion Potatoes

Accordion potatoes are fried or baked potatoes that you score and stretch out like an accordion.  I’ve seen accordion potatoes all over TikTok for a few weeks now.

Basically to make an accordion potato you take slices of potato and make micro-cuts with the help of skewers along its surface so that it forms an accordion.

You then skewer the potato slice and fry or bake it until crispy!

Are TikTok Accordion Potatoes Hard to Make?

So at first, I thought making accordion potatoes might be too difficult having to score each side of the slice of potato.

But honestly, it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be after I got the hang of it. I didn’t have much trouble quickly scoring both sides of the potato, just make sure your knife is sharp.

What Kind of Potato Should I Use for Accordion Potato?

You can use any kind of potato you want.  I used russet potatoes for mine because that’s what I had at home.

Should I Deep Fry, Bake or Air Fry My Accordion Potatoes?

There are 2 methods on TikTok for making accordion potato, some choose to bake and some choose to deep fry it.

I tried deep-frying and air frying.  For air frying, you basically use the same method as baking.

The deep fry produces a crispier accordion potato.  Almost like a chip.  The air fryer or bake method produces a softer middle but is still crispy outside.

As to which method is better, it’s based on your preference!  

Do I Have to Peel the Potato?

You don’t have to, I’ve seen a few people on TikTok leave it on.  However, if you have eyes on your potato, you should dig those out.  I peeled my potatoes because I don’t really like fried skin.

What Should I Do If My Potatoes Start to Discolor?

Potatoes sometimes discolor when exposed to air.  Simply put your cut potatoes into a bowl of water with a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar to turn them white again or to prevent discoloration.

If you soak your cut and skewered potatoes for a few hours in water it will also draw out the starch and make your accordion potatoes crispier.

What Size Potato Should I Use for TikTok Accordion Potatoes?

It’s better to use small to medium potatoes for TikTok Accordion Potatoes because they will be easier to skewer and fry. Also choose potatoes that are shorter in length for the same reason. If your potatoes are large you can also cut the in half crosswise.

Do I Have to Skewer Accordion Potatoes

You do not have to skewer, I’ve seen people on TikTok fry the sliced potatoes without skewering.

However, skewering the potato helps stretch out the potato and keep its twisted accordion shape. This will also produce a crispier potato.

How Do I Cut Accordion Potatoes

How thick should you slice your potatoes and how do you score the slices?

For TikTok Accordion Potatoes cut the slices about 1 centimeter thick.

The method of scoring is to use 2 skewers on either side of the potato slice so you don’t cut the potato all the way through. You score one side straight crosswise, and the other side diagonally.

Ingredients 

• 1 Small to Medium Potato
• Olive Oil
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder (optional)
• Peanut Oil for Frying

How to Make TikTok Fried Accordion Potato 

My first batch of TikTok Accordion Potatoes uses the frying method.  

1. Peel your potato
2. Slice off the ends and stand the potato upright
3. Slice the potato lengthwise about 1 cm thick
4. Lay your potato slice between 2 skewers so when you score your potato slice you don’t cut all the way through.
5. Slice your potato crosswise, making your cuts about 1 to 2 mm apart
6. Flip the potato slice over and score diagonally across about 1 to 2 mm apart.
7. Your potato should be stretchable like an accordion now.
8. Skewer your potato slice and stretch and twist it to spread it out
9. Soak your skewered potato in cold water to draw out more starch (this step is optional)
10. Pat potato slices dry when ready to fry
11. Fill a wok or pot with enough oil to cover your potatoes and heat.
12. Test your oil with a scrap piece of potato on a skewer to see if it’s hot enough.  The oil is the right temperature if you get lots of bubbling when you put the potato in.
13. Put your potato skewers into the hot oil and make sure it’s submerged.
14. Fry until golden brown for about 10 minutes.
15. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper

How to Make Accordion Potatoes in the Air Fryer or Oven

Instead of deep-frying your accordion potatoes you can bake it in the oven or use your air fryer.

1. Follow the same cutting and skewering procedure as for the fried method
2. Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
3. Baste the skewered potato slices in the oil mixture
4. Air fry at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes or bake in a conventional oven for about 20 to 25 minutes at the same temperature.  Outside should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Tips on Making TikTok Accordion Potatoes

• Don’t slice your potatoes too thin!  If you slice your potatoes too thin, your “accordion” cuts won’t be deep enough to make your potato stretch.  Also, you won’t be able to skewer your potato slices if they are too thin.
• Be careful skewering your potatoes!  I actually stabbed my finger skewering the potatoes.  The best way is the twist your skewer left and right while pushing it through slowly.  And check the progress by pending the potato slice to see where the skewer is so you don’t stab yourself.
• Frying the potatoes skewered takes a lot of oil because of the skewer ends.  You can either fry it without skewering or cutting the ends off the skewer so the potatoes fit better in your pan or pot.