Accordion potatoes are visually appealing as well as a delicious snack for those who really love their potato recipes. They are a great alternative to fries and even potato wedges, known for their signature fan-like cuts and ultra-crispy texture. Popularised through viral food videos, especially on social media platforms like Instagram, they stand out because the slicing technique creates multiple ridges that crisp well. This increased surface area allows heat and oil to reach more edges, yielding a crunchy exterior while the inside stays soft and smooth.
The technique is also what defines accordion potatoes. As seen across recipes, chopsticks or skewers are used as guards to prevent cutting the potatoes all the way through, helping achieve that layered structure. Once cut, washing or soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, which improves crispiness – a tip widely recommended by professional chefs. This recipe adds cornflour to the mix. This gives the accordion potatoes an extra coating that makes them more crunchy after frying.
If you are looking for a lighter fare, air frying is a great option, and also healthier –– cook at around 180-200°C, flipping midway, for evenly crisp layers with less oil. Baking also works well with this recipe. To bake, place the potatoes on a lined tray, brush generously with oil, and bake at high heat (around 200°C) until golden and crisp. Most potato recipes often stress spacing the slices slightly and ensuring the potatoes are dry before cooking.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
3 largePotatoes
to tasteSalt
1/2 tspKashmiri red chilli powder
2-3 tbspCorn flour
for fryingOil
1/2 tsp Smoked paprika (Optional)
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp Oregano
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Wash the potatoes under running water or in a pot of water. Scrub to remove any mud or debris. Peel the potatoes and cut them lengthwise into thick slices, yielding 3 slabs per potato.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Cutting the potatoes into accordions
You will need two wooden chopsticks for this; skewers will also work. Place a potato piece in between and make thin slices vertically, making sure the knife touches the chopsticks while doing so. Flip the potato and slice again diagonally, keeping the potato between the chopsticks. Repeat with the other potato pieces. Wash them and set aside.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Preparing the spices
Mix salt, Kashmiri red chilli powder, if using the optional spices, add them too – garlic powder, smoked paprika and oregano along with cornflour.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Preparing the potatoes for frying
Take the sliced potatoes in a bowl and sprinkle the masala mix, and use your fingers to rub the masala and cornflour mix into the potatoes.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Frying the potatoes
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pot for deep frying. Once the oil is hot enough, deep fry the potatoes until reddish brown, taking care not to crowd the pan. Drain the oil and arrange the potatoes on a serving dish.
Soaking removes excess surface starch, which otherwise creates a gummy layer and prevents crisping. It’s one of the most important steps for a crunchy texture.
Place skewers or chopsticks alongside the potato while slicing. They act as guards, stopping the knife and helping create the signature accordion pattern.
Common reasons: not drying properly after soaking, slices too close together, or poor airflow. Moisture traps steam, preventing crisp edges.
Use starchy varieties like russet or Yukon Gold. They crisp well on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
The crosshatch cuts increase surface area, letting heat and oil reach more edges, creating multiple crispy layers while the inside stays tender.