Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Crispy, Golden Perfection in Minutes!

Smashed potatoes are already a crowd-pleaser, delivering that satisfying combination of creamy interior and crispy exterior. But what if you could achieve even more crispiness, with significantly less oil, and in a fraction of the time? Enter the air fryer! This recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes will revolutionize your side dish game, offering irresistibly golden and perfectly textured potatoes that are ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to ditch the oven and embrace the air fryer – your taste buds (and your arteries) will thank you!

Why Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the magic of air frying smashed potatoes:

• Unparalleled Crispiness: The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a uniformly crispy surface, far superior to oven-baked smashed potatoes. The high heat and forced air remove moisture quickly, resulting in a deeply golden and intensely crunchy exterior.
• Healthier Option: You can achieve that delightful crispiness with significantly less oil compared to traditional pan-frying or even oven roasting. This translates to fewer calories and less fat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Speed and Convenience: Air frying is significantly faster than oven baking. Say goodbye to lengthy preheating and cooking times. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryer baskets are generally non-stick and easy to clean, minimizing your post-dinner cleanup time.
• Perfectly Cooked Interior: The pre-boiling step ensures that the potatoes are perfectly cooked and fluffy on the inside, creating a delightful contrast with the crispy exterior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs Small Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for smashed potatoes due to their creamy texture and thin skin. Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Water: For boiling the potatoes.
• Salt: For seasoning the boiling water and potatoes. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred.
• 2-3 tbsp Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can also use avocado oil or another high-heat oil.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic dimension to the potatoes.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and enhances the overall flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of color and subtle smokiness. Smoked paprika can also be used.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of spice.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill), grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, bacon bits, everything bagel seasoning, hot sauce – the possibilities are endless!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Air Fryer: This recipe is designed for a standard-sized air fryer (around 5-7 quarts). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the potatoes.
• Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
• Colander: For draining the potatoes.
• Baking Sheet: For smashing the potatoes.
• Potato Masher or Bottom of a Glass: To gently smash the potatoes.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the potatoes with oil and spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes every time:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
2. Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly for a few minutes. This will help them firm up and prevent them from sticking when smashed. Gently pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
3. Smash the Potatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the slightly cooled potatoes on the baking sheet. Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful not to smash them too thin, or they will become brittle and burn easily in the air fryer. You want them to be flattened but still hold their shape.
4. Season the Potatoes: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the smashed potatoes in the oil mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure each potato is well seasoned for optimal flavor.
5. Air Fry the Potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness. Place the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, or the potatoes will steam instead of crisping. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Check the potatoes frequently during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the air-fried smashed potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, or bacon bits. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Here are some tips to ensure your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a resounding success:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold and red potatoes are the best choices for smashed potatoes. They have a creamy texture and thin skin that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: The potatoes should be fork-tender after boiling, but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes will be difficult to smash and will not hold their shape in the air fryer.
• Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly: After boiling, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
• Smash Gently: Avoid smashing the potatoes too thin. They should be about 1/2 inch thick. If they are too thin, they will become brittle and burn easily in the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use High-Heat Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-heat oil are the best choices for air frying. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes generously. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all great options.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and hot sauce are all delicious options.

Variations and Additions

Want to add a personal touch to your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes? Here are a few variations and additions to try:

• Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the oil mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Smashed Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the oil mixture for an herbaceous flavor.
• Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Loaded Smashed Potatoes: Top the potatoes with your favorite loaded baked potato toppings, such as sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onions.
• Sweet Potato Smashed Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious twist. Note that sweet potatoes may require slightly longer cooking times.
• Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes: Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the oil mixture for a classic and flavorful combination.
• Everything Bagel Smashed Potatoes: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the potatoes before air frying for a savory and crunchy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken or Steak: Serve the potatoes alongside grilled chicken or steak for a satisfying and complete meal.
• Roasted Salmon: The crispy potatoes complement the richness of roasted salmon perfectly.
• Pork Chops: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a delicious accompaniment to pork chops.
• Vegetarian Burgers: Serve the potatoes with vegetarian burgers for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the potatoes as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Boil and Smash: Boil and smash the potatoes according to the recipe instructions.
• Store: Place the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Air Fry: When ready to serve, toss the potatoes with the oil and spices and air fry according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time since the potatoes will be cold.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make the potatoes soggy.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)

Per Serving (approximate, based on 6 servings):

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 3-4g

Recipe Card

Conclusion

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a game-changer! They’re crispy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and healthy side dish. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy the best smashed potatoes you’ve ever had!

Enjoy!