Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Easy and Crispy Recipe

If you’re a potato lover, get ready to be blown away by the deliciousness of smashed potatoes made in an air fryer. 

This recipe takes your regular baby potatoes to a whole new level of crispy, golden perfection. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Ingredients
• Step Instructions + Tips
• Variations
• FAQ’s
• Full Recipe Card (printable)

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

Crispy Exterior, Creamy Interior: The air fryer works its magic on baby potatoes, transforming them into heavenly bites with a perfectly crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. 

Quick and Easy recipe: Making smashed potatoes in an air fryer is incredibly quick and easy.

From start to finish, this recipe can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Versatile Seasonings: This recipe calls for classic seasonings like garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper, but you can get creative and customize the flavors to suit your taste. 

No boil is needed: All you need is an air fryer!

 Ingredients

Baby Potatoes: You can use other mini potato varieties like fingerling potatoes, new potatoes, or small red potatoes.

If you use larger potatoes, cut them in half and place them in the basket with cut side facing down.

Butter or Olive Oil: You can choose either based on your preference.

I used olive oil but you can use avocado or vegetable oil if you prefer.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give a wonderful aroma.

If you prefer a lighter flavor you can use garlic powder or roasted garlic, which has a sweeter flavor.

Thyme: I love the combination with potatoes. You can use different herbs like fresh parsley or basil.

Kosher salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings help to bring out their natural flavors.

How To Make Smashed Potatoes In an Air Fryer

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C).

Lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil, and cook at 370°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the potatoes are fork tender.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the oil with the garlic and spices.

Step 2

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and put them on a cutting board covered with baking paper.

Lightly smash each potato with the bottom of a glass.

Step 3 

Place back in the basket and coat with the oil and spices, helping yourself with a kitchen brush.

Cook for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown. 

Oven Baked Smashed Potatoes

If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can still enjoy these delicious smashed potatoes by baking them in the oven. 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook the whole baby potatoes for about 30 minutes until fork tender.

Smash the potatoes and season and cook for another 15-20 minutes at 430°F (220°C).

Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Best Tips To Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. 
• Give the basket a shake during the cooking process.
• Smash potatoes gently – you want some texture, not fully mashed.

Variations – Alternative Seasonings

While the classic garlic and thyme combination is delicious, you can explore alternative seasonings to create unique flavor profiles for your smashed potatoes. 

Here are a few ideas that I recommend you try: 

• Try to make it spicy,  seasoning them with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
• Mix the zest of a lemon with chopped fresh herbs such as dill, chives, and basil. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the potatoes for a refreshing tang.
• Sprinkle your potatoes with smoked paprika, garlic powder, barbecue seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar for a smoky and sweet twist.
• Combine Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired flavor.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air fryer smashed potatoes are a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, but also makes a delicious snack.

I love to pair them with chicken cutlets or breaded pork chops for a complete meal; a green vegetable, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or boiled carrots would add color and nutrients to the dish.

Another great option is to pair potatoes with baked salmon or a steak like this ribeye with feta gravy or Oven Baked Round Steak.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, complement the smashed potatoes with these eggplant rolls, chickpea lentil curry or these eggplant cutlets for a satisfying and complete vegetarian meal. 

As a snack or appetizer, you can serve the crispy potatoes with your favorite dipping sauce, or make potato bites with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and chives for easy finger food.

Storing and Reheating 

If you have any leftover smashed potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 

To reheat, place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

 FAQ’s

What’s the difference between mashed potatoes and smashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are typically made by boiling and then mashing the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, are cooked until tender, and then they are flattened and cooked again to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can partially prepare them in advance. Cook and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, season them and air fry them until crispy.

Can I freeze smashed potatoes?

No, I don’t recommend it. 

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, But if you prefer to also add butter, substitute normal butter with vegan butter.

Do I need to boil potatoes to make smashed potatoes in the air fryer?

No, there is no need. I find that doing the double cooking in the air fryer makes the crispiest smashed potatoes.

How do I know if the potatoes are done?

I use the fork method – if the fork sticks in smoothly then they are ready.

Easy Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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