How To Make Accordion Potatoes

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Learn how to make perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried accordion potatoes in just a few simple steps.

What Are Accordion Potatoes?

Accordion potatoes are a fun version of fried potatoes where potato slices are partially cut in a diagonal direction on both sides. The partial slices give the potato some bend and wiggle, making it feel like an accordion. Other than being a fun presentation for fried potatoes, the extra surface area from cutting the potatoes allows for quick cook time, better flavor from seasonings, and the perfect golden crisp.

Fried Accordion Potatoes Ingredients & Equipment

To make these easy fried accordion potatoes at home, you’ll just need 4 ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

As for equipment, you will need a pair of wooden skewers or some type of rod (like an old pair of chopsticks you don’t care about), and a well-sharpened chef’s knife. The skewers help you make cuts that go halfway through the sliced potatoes, so that you end up with a fun lattice shape – like an accordion!

How Do You Cut An Accordion Potato?

Cutting an accordion potato isn’t complicated, as long as you have skewers (or something similar) to use as a guide. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to easily cut accordion potatoes:

1. First, slice the potatoes lengthwise into ovals that are about a quarter- to a half-inch thick.
2. Next, take one of the potato slices and lay it flat on the cutting board in front of you. Line up the two skewers so that there’s one positioned against each long side of the potato.
3. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully make diagonal cuts in the potato, spaced about a quarter-inch apart. The skewers will act as stops to ensure you only cut about halfway through the potato.
4. Next, flip the potato over and reposition the skewers along the long edges again. Then, make diagonal cuts like you did on the first side, but going in the opposite direction.
5. Repeat for all potato slices.

How To Make Fried Accordion Potatoes

Once you’ve sliced all the potatoes, frying them up is just like making any other kind of fried potato! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Heat about an eighth- to a quarter-inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot.
2. Next, carefully add the potatoes in a single layer. You’ll likely need to fry them in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, and fry until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Flip and continue frying until the other sides are browned and crispy, then transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.