Crispy Baked Accordion Potatoes with Smoky Chipotle Mayo (Vegan)

These crispy baked accordion potatoes are one of those recipes that look like you worked way harder than you did. They come out golden and crunchy on the edges, soft in the center, and every little slice grabs onto that garlicky herb oil like it was made for it (because… it kind of was). Add a smoky chipotle vegan mayo on the side and you’ve got a snack/side that disappears fast.

They’re perfect for: weekend dinners, game night, date night at home, or honestly just when you want “fries energy” without frying.

What are accordion potatoes?

Accordion potatoes are thin potato planks with tiny cuts running through them (without cutting all the way). In the oven, those cuts open up like an accordion, giving you more surface area, which means more crisp and more seasoning in every bite. Think Hasselback vibes, but crispier and quicker.

Why you’ll love this version

  • Oven-baked crispy potatoes with that “deep golden” finish
  • A simple garlic herb oil that tastes like restaurant potatoes
  • Chipotle mayo dip that’s smoky, creamy, and easy to adjust for heat
  • Looks impressive on a platter (people always ask how you did it)

How to make accordion potatoes?

(detailed instructions in recipe card below)

Garlic-herb marinade in the bowl
Stir the oil, garlic, herbs, and spices until it looks evenly speckled. This makes sure every brush gives you flavor, not just oil.
Garlic-herb marinade in the bowl
Stir the oil, garlic, herbs, and spices until it looks evenly speckled. This makes sure every brush gives you flavor, not just oil.
Straight cuts
Slice thin, close cuts straight across the plank, letting the chopsticks stop your knife. The tighter the cuts, the crispier the edges later.
Straight cuts
Slice thin, close cuts straight across the plank, letting the chopsticks stop your knife. The tighter the cuts, the crispier the edges later.
Diagonal cuts
Flip the plank and slice again at a 45° angle. This creates the crisscross pattern that opens up while baking.
Diagonal cuts
Flip the plank and slice again at a 45° angle. This creates the crisscross pattern that opens up while baking.
The accordion stretch
Gently flex the plank so it starts to fan open. That’s how you know the cuts are right and it’ll crisp up beautifully.
The accordion stretch
Gently flex the plank so it starts to fan open. That’s how you know the cuts are right and it’ll crisp up beautifully.
Brushing the potato plank
Brush the garlic-herb oil generously into all the cuts and along both sides. Those grooves catch seasoning and help it turn golden in the oven.
Brushing the potato plank
Brush the garlic-herb oil generously into all the cuts and along both sides. Those grooves catch seasoning and help it turn golden in the oven.
Smoky chipotle mayo
Mix vegan mayo with chipotle/adobo until smooth and creamy, then adjust the heat to your taste. It’s the perfect smoky dip for the hot crispy potatoes.
Smoky chipotle mayo
Mix vegan mayo with chipotle/adobo until smooth and creamy, then adjust the heat to your taste. It’s the perfect smoky dip for the hot crispy potatoes.

Serving ideas

These are a killer side for veggie burgers, sandwiches, tacos, bowls, or a big salad. They also make a great party platter with extra dip and something fresh (cucumber, radishes, a lemony slaw) to balance the richness.


Storage + make-ahead

  • Make ahead: slice the planks and keep them in cold water in the fridge for a few hours. Dry well before seasoning and baking.
  • Store leftovers: airtight in the fridge.
  • Reheat for crisp: oven or air fryer until hot and crunchy again. (Microwave works, but they’ll soften.)

FAQ: Crispy Accordion Potatoes + Chipotle Mayo

Yukon Gold vs Russet—what’s better?

Both work. Yukon Gold stays creamier inside; Russet tends to get crispier and drier in a good way.

Why soak the potato planks in water?

It helps remove excess surface starch so the potatoes crisp better and don’t stick as much.

My potato planks won’t “accordion” open—what happened?

Cuts might be too far apart or not deep enough. Thin, close cuts (without slicing through) make the best accordion effect.

I cut through the potato—can I still use it?

Yes. It’ll bake more like crispy slices. Still tasty—just arrange carefully on the pan.

How thin should the cuts be?

Yes. It’ll bake more like crispy slices. Still tasty—just arrange carefully on the pan.

Can I make this oil-free?

You can, but it won’t get the same crisp or flavor. Oil is a big part of the crunch here.

Can I air fry accordion potatoes?

Yes—do them in a single layer and work in batches. Air fryers vary, so keep an eye near the end.

Why aren’t mine getting crispy?

Usually one of these: potatoes weren’t dried well, pan was overcrowded, oven not hot enough, or not enough oil coating the cuts.


More potato recipes on Dr. Vegan Blog

Crispy Baked Accordion Potatoes Chipotle Mayo
4.41 from 10 reviews

Crispy Baked Accordion Potatoes Chipotle Mayo

Golden, ultra-crispy accordion-cut potatoes brushed with a garlic-herb oil and baked until sizzly. Served with a creamy smoky chipotle mayo for the most addictive vegan side dish or snack.
Servings 12 accordion potatoes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 41 minutes

Ingredients
 

Accordion Potatoes:

  • 4 medium  Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes

Garlic Herb Marinade:

Smoky Chipotle Mayo:

  • 120 g (1/2 cup) Vegan mayo
  • 2 tsp Lime juice
  • 2 tsp Chipotle paste or adobo sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Finishes:

  • 2 tbsp Vegan parmesan
  • 2 tbsp Fresh chives, finely chopped

Equipment

  • Large sheet pan
  • parchment paper (optional but helpful)
  • Wooden skewers or chopsticks
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Pastry brush (or shallow bowl for dipping)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven
    – Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Make the marinade
    – In a shallow bowl, mix the avocado oil, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and grated garlic. Set aside.
  3. Prep the potatoes
    – Slice a thin piece off two opposite sides of each potato so they sit flat. Cut each potato into 1/4-inch thick planks. Place planks in cold water.
  4. Make accordion cuts
    – Place one potato plank between two skewers or chopsticks.
    – Slice straight across, very close together, without cutting all the way through.
    – Flip the plank and slice again at a 45° angle.
    – Return to cold water and repeat with remaining planks.
  5. Dry and season
    – Pat the potatoes completely dry. Place them on a room-temperature sheet pan.
    – Brush both sides generously with the garlic herb marinade.
  6. Bake
    – Bake for 12–15 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
    – Flip the potatoes and bake another 12–15 minutes until deeply crispy and sizzly.
    For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  7. Make the chipotle mayo
    – While the potatoes bake, mix vegan mayo, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chipotle paste or adobo sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  8. Finish and serve
    – Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with vegan parmesan and chives.
    – Serve hot with smoky chipotle mayo on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 268mgPotassium: 306mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

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