Cut the potatoes into matchsticks, not slices, so they drink up the cream and cook evenly through. The Swedish anchovies here are actually sweet-cured sprats, and a spoon of their brine poured into the dish is the salty backbone that makes this more than a potato bake.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep25 min
Cook55 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineSwedish
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Potatoes
Firm potatoes cut into matchsticks so they absorb the cream.
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Julienne the potatoesCut the potatoes into thin matchsticks. Slices stay firm, but matchsticks cook tender and soak up the cream.
Soften the onionsCook the sliced onions slow in butter until soft and sweet, without browning.
Layer the dishLayer potatoes, onions, and sprats, then pour in half the cream plus a spoon of the sprat brine.
Bake in stagesTop with crumbs and bake at 400F, adding the rest of the cream halfway, 50 to 60 minutes until the top is brown and the cream is absorbed.
Can you make Janssons Temptation in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Janssons Temptation? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Janssons Temptation ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Janssons Temptation gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Janssons Temptation vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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