AIR FRYER BLOOMING BAKED POTATOES

These Air Fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes are a stunning twist on traditional baked and Hasselback potatoes. Sliced both lengthwise and crosswise but still connected at the base, they’re air-fried to crispy perfection on the outside, while staying fluffy and tender inside. Topped with gooey cheese, they’re an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress.

WHY BLOOMING BAKED POTATOES ARE A WINNER

These potatoes are perfect for any special occasion, holiday, or as a fun finger food—kids especially love them! Not only are they enjoyable to eat, but their visually appealing, fanned-out slices create a stunning, flower-like effect that’s both elegant and edible.

With a crispy skin on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior, they strike the perfect balance of textures. Blooming baked potatoes are also incredibly versatile, easily customizable with toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, or chives. We love experimenting with different combinations, and this dish never fails to impress!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 medium potatoes, sliced both crosswise and lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional toppings:

  • Butter
  • Bacon crumbles
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chives or green onions
  • Sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Begin by washing and scrubbing your potatoes, then pat them dry.
  • Slice the potatoes both crosswise and lengthwise into thin slices, being careful not to cut all the way through—ensure the potato petals remain attached to the base.
  • Microwave the potatoes on high for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (195°C).
  • Once the potatoes are done in the microwave, brush them with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and any other seasonings you prefer.
  • Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes on the air fry setting, or until they are tender, golden brown, and crispy on the outside. (I use the Ninja Foodi XL 6-in-1 for best results.)
  • Remove the blooming potatoes from the air fryer and top with your favorite toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Notes: How to Cut Blooming Hasselback Potatoes: To cut a Hasselback potato, place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make thin slices along the length of the potato, then crosswise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Aim for potato petals that are approximately 5-7 mm (0.197-0.276 inches) wide.

21+ ESSENTIAL SIMS 4 SLIDERS FOR CREATING REALISTIC SIMS

Tired of cookie-cutter Sims? Ready to bring your imagination to life with characters that mirror the diversity of the real world? Look no further! Sliders are your secret weapon for crafting hyper-realistic Sims that will leave you and your game world in awe.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into a curated list of 21+ essential Sims 4 sliders. From subtle tweaks to dramatic transformations, these tools will empower you to create Sims that are as unique and captivating as the people around you. So, grab your virtual sculpting tools and let’s embark on a journey to Sim-perfection! Get ready to discover the sliders that will revolutionize your Sims creation process.

SIMS 4 EYE SLIDERS BY OBSCURUS

Obscurus Sims offers a treasure trove of eye sliders that redefine the possibilities for your Sims’ gaze. With options to adjust eye shape, size, position, and even the subtle details like lid shape and inner corner angle, you can craft eyes that are as unique and expressive as real human eyes. These sliders are a must-have for any Sim creator aiming for hyper-realism, allowing you to bring depth and character to your Sims’ faces like never before.

SIMS 4 BUTT SLIDER MOD BY DUMBABYSIMS

DumbaBySims’ butt slider mod is a game-changer for Sim creators seeking to achieve unparalleled realism. With this mod, you gain precise control over your Sims’ posterior, allowing you to adjust size, shape, and even the subtle details like lift and roundness. This level of customization empowers you to create Sims with bodies that are truly representative of diverse body types, adding depth and authenticity to your virtual world.

SIMS 4 EYELID SPACE SLIDER MOD BY OPALTEAR

OpalTear’s eyelid space slider mod is a must-have for those seeking to fine-tune their Sims’ facial features. This mod grants you precise control over the distance between the eyelid and the eyebrow, allowing you to create a wider range of eye shapes and expressions. Whether you aim for a sultry, hooded look or a wide-eyed, innocent appearance, this slider offers the flexibility to achieve your desired aesthetic and enhance your Sims’ overall realism.

SIMS 4 DIMPLES FACE SLIDER MOD BY VIBRANTPIXELS

VibrantPixels’ dimples face slider mod adds a touch of charm and individuality to your Sims. With this mod, you can precisely control the depth, size, and placement of dimples, allowing you to create Sims with a wide range of smile expressions. Whether you prefer subtle indentations or deep, prominent dimples, this slider offers the versatility to bring your vision to life and make your Sims even more captivating.

SIMS 4 HIP DIPS SLIDER MOD BY ICE-CREAM FOR BREAKFAST

Ice-Cream for Breakfast’s hip dips slider mod is a must-have for those seeking to create realistic and diverse Sims. This mod allows you to precisely adjust the depth and prominence of hip dips, adding a level of customization that was previously unavailable. Whether you prefer subtle contours or dramatic hip dips, this slider empowers you to create Sims with bodies that reflect the natural variations found in the real world.

SIMS 4 CHIN SLIDER MOD BY MIIKO

Miiko’s chin slider mod is a must-have for those seeking to refine their Sims’ facial structure. With this mod, you gain precise control over the shape, size, and position of the chin, allowing you to create a wide range of jawlines and facial profiles. Whether you desire a strong, defined chin or a softer, more delicate look, this slider offers the flexibility to achieve your desired aesthetic and enhance your Sims’ overall realism.

SIMS 4 TEMPLE SLIDER MOD BY SQUEAMISH SIMS

Squeamish Sims’ temple slider mod is a game-changer for those seeking to refine their Sims’ facial structure. This mod gives you precise control over the curvature and prominence of the temples, allowing you to create a wider range of face shapes and ethnicities. Whether you desire high, angular temples or softer, more rounded contours, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect balance and enhance your Sims’ overall realism.

SIMS 4 LIP FULLNESS SLIDER MOD BY VIBRANT PIXELS

Vibrant Pixels’ lip fullness slider mod offers unparalleled control over your Sims’ pout. With this mod, you can precisely adjust the thickness and shape of your Sims’ lips, allowing you to create everything from subtle fullness to dramatic, voluptuous lips. Whether you’re aiming for a natural look or a bold statement, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect lip shape for your Sims and elevate their overall attractiveness.

SIMS 4 NOSE SLIDER MOD BY ICE-CREAM FOR BREAKFAST

Ice-Cream for Breakfast’s nose slider mod offers unprecedented control over the most defining feature of your Sims’ faces. With this mod, you can meticulously adjust the size, shape, bridge, and tip of your Sims’ noses, allowing you to create a vast array of nasal structures. From petite button noses to prominent aquiline profiles, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect nose for your Sims and elevate their overall realism.

SIMS 4 HEIGHT SLIDER MOD BY LUUMIA

Luumia’s height slider mod is a game-changer for Sim creators seeking to achieve unparalleled realism and diversity. With this mod, you gain complete control over your Sims’ stature, allowing you to create individuals of any height imaginable. From towering giants to petite pixies, this slider empowers you to build a world of Sims that truly reflect the spectrum of human variation, adding depth and authenticity to your gameplay experience.

SIMS 4 DOG SIZE SLIDER MOD BY PIXELPFOTE

Pixelpfote’s dog size slider mod is a must-have for any Sim who loves their furry companions. This innovative mod allows you to adjust the size of your Sims’ dogs, from tiny teacup-sized pups to imposing giants. Whether you envision a miniature Chihuahua or a towering Great Dane, this slider offers endless possibilities for creating unique and personalized pet companions, adding a touch of realism and whimsy to your Sims’ lives.

SIMS 4 ARM THICKNESS SLIDER + HIP SLIDERS BY VIBRANT PIXELS

Vibrant Pixels’ arm thickness and hip sliders are essential tools for crafting realistic and diverse Sims. The arm thickness slider allows for precise adjustments, enabling you to create Sims with varying builds, from slender to muscular. Coupled with the hip sliders, which offer control over hip width, placement, and shape, you can achieve a wide range of body types that reflect the natural variation found in the real world, enhancing the overall authenticity and inclusivity of your Sims.

SIMS 4 SHOULDER HEIGHT SLIDER BY DUMBABY

DumbaBy’s shoulder height slider is a fantastic addition to any Sim creator’s toolkit. This mod grants you precise control over the vertical placement of your Sims’ shoulders, allowing you to create a wider range of body proportions and silhouettes. Whether you aim for a high-shouldered, athletic look or a more relaxed, sloping posture, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect balance and enhance your Sims’ overall individuality.

SIMS 4 LEG SLIDER FOR INNER THIGH & CALF BY BLOODMOON

Bloodmoon’s leg slider for inner thigh and calf offers unparalleled precision in sculpting your Sims’ lower body. This mod provides granular control over these often-overlooked areas, allowing you to create a diverse range of leg shapes and sizes. From athletic to curvaceous, you can fine-tune the inner thigh and calf to match your vision, resulting in Sims with highly realistic and individualized physiques.

SIMS 4 JAW LINE SLIDER MOD BY PIRU MX SIM

Piru MX Sim’s jawline slider mod is a must-have for those seeking to define their Sims’ facial structure with precision. This mod grants you complete control over the shape, angle, and prominence of the jawline, allowing you to create a vast array of masculine and feminine facial profiles. Whether you’re aiming for a strong, chiseled jaw or a softer, more rounded contour, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect jawline for your Sims and elevate their overall realism.

SIMS 4 POUTY LIP SLIDER BY MIIKO

Miiko’s pouty lip slider is a dream come true for those seeking to add a touch of drama and allure to their Sims’ appearances. This mod offers unparalleled control over lip shape, allowing you to create everything from subtle fullness to exaggerated pouts. With the ability to adjust lip thickness, curve, and even the Cupid’s bow, you can craft lips that perfectly complement your Sims’ personalities and enhance their overall attractiveness.

SIMS 4 CHIN DIMPLE SLIDER BY SUNFLOWER-PETALS

Sunflower-Petals’ chin dimple slider is a delightful addition for Sim creators aiming for a touch of unique charm. This mod allows you to precisely control the depth, size, and placement of chin dimples, adding a personalized touch to your Sims’ facial features. Whether you prefer subtle indentations or prominent dimples, this slider offers the versatility to create Sims with a distinctive and captivating smile.

SIMS 4 BREAST SLIDER MOD BY PIRU MX SIM

The Sims 4 Breast Slider Mod by Piru MX Sim offers players enhanced customization options for their Sims’ appearances. This mod allows users to adjust the size and shape of their Sims’ breasts more precisely, providing greater control over their characters’ physiques. With the Breast Slider Mod, players can create more realistic and diverse body types, contributing to a more personalized and immersive gameplay experience. Whether aiming for subtle adjustments or dramatic changes, this mod is a valuable tool for anyone looking to expand the customization possibilities in The Sims 4.

SIMS 4 EYEBROW SLIDER BY MIIKO

Miiko’s eyebrow slider is a game-changer for Sim creators who want to achieve expressive and realistic eyebrows. This mod offers unparalleled control over eyebrow shape, thickness, arch, and placement, allowing you to create a vast array of eyebrow styles to suit your Sims’ personalities and appearances. From bold and dramatic to subtle and natural, this slider empowers you to craft eyebrows that perfectly frame your Sims’ faces and enhance their overall look.

SIMS 4 LEG LENGTH & HIP HEIGHT SLIDER MOD BY DUMBABYSIMS

DumbaBySims’ leg length and hip height slider mod is a powerful tool for sculpting your Sims’ proportions to perfection. With this mod, you gain precise control over leg length, allowing you to create Sims with everything from petite and dainty to long and statuesque legs. Additionally, the hip height slider enables you to adjust the position of the hips relative to the torso, providing even more flexibility in creating diverse and realistic body shapes.

SIMS 4 NOSE TILT SLIDER BY ICE-CREAM FOR BREAKFAST

Ice-Cream for Breakfast’s nose tilt slider is a fantastic addition for Sim creators seeking to add character and individuality to their Sims’ faces. This mod allows you to precisely adjust the angle of the nose, creating everything from straight and symmetrical to tilted and quirky profiles. With this level of control, you can craft unique and memorable Sims that stand out from the crowd.

SIMS 4 CHEEK SLIDER BY PIRU MX SIM

Piru MX Sim’s cheek slider offers a level of customization that takes Sim creation to the next level. With this mod, you gain precise control over the fullness, height, and position of your Sims’ cheeks, allowing you to create a wide range of facial structures. Whether you’re aiming for high, prominent cheekbones or softer, rounder cheeks, this slider empowers you to achieve the perfect balance and enhance your Sims’ overall appearance.

SIMS 4 BELLY SLIDER MOD BY HI-LAND

Hi-Land’s belly slider mod is a fantastic addition for Sim creators seeking to achieve diverse and realistic body shapes. This mod provides precise control over the size and shape of your Sims’ stomachs, allowing you to create a wide range of body types, from flat and toned to round and curvy. With this level of customization, you can craft Sims that accurately reflect the diversity of body shapes found in the real world.

CONCLUSION

Besides discovering the hidden potential in your Sims 4 game, with these essential Sims 4 sliders in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to crafting a world of incredibly realistic and diverse Sims. From subtle tweaks to dramatic transformations, these sliders offer unparalleled control over your Sims’ appearance, allowing you to bring your most imaginative creations to life. Remember, the key to realism lies in the details, so experiment with different combinations and embrace the endless possibilities these sliders provide. Happy Simming!