This air fryer smashed potatoes are especially good for those on a budget and are both gluten and dairy free.
With a deliciously crispy outside and a fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth center, smashed potatoes are a simple yet satisfying side that everyone will love.
Using just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, they are the perfect supper-time treat to rustle up at home.
Potatoes
Though you can really use whatever type of potato you like for this Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes recipe, the variety you choose will make a slight difference to the end result.
Yukon Golds are a great choice, though red potatoes will give you a more flavorful skin as in this recipe. Similarly, a smaller potato will result in a crispier dish as there is less surface area to cover.
Par-boiling the potatoes first is essential, as it makes them soft enough to ‘smash’ the potatoes before transferring them to the air fryer.
There are various methods for doing this, but the fastest is to prick the potatoes with a fork and cook them for 3-4 minutes in the microwave, turning halfway.
Alternatively, cooking them in boiling water or in an Instant Pot will also get the job done.
Make sure not to boil them until they are completely soft, as they will carry on cooking in the Air Fryer. If they are completely done by the time you smash them, they will simply fall apart.
Oil
Just a little oil is needed to make your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes extra crispy. Olive oil works perfectly for this as it adds a little extra flavour and is a healthier option than vegetable oils.
If dairy is not a concern for you, then melted butter will also work.
The oil should be lightly brushed onto the potatoes towards the end of the cooking time, with another light layer added just before serving to make them even more delicious.
Seasoning
One of the great things about this Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes recipe is that it can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.
Simply seasoning with salt and black pepper would result in a tasty dish, but we recommend adding in some other herbs and spices to your oil to really bring out the flavor.
Garlic and onion powder helps to enhance the savory taste, while cayenne pepper and paprika will add some smokiness and a subtle chili kick.
Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs and spices to come up with your own flavor combinations.
Ingredients
These crispy smashed potatoes can really go a long way but uses basic ingredients.
You can customize them to any way you’d like with various toppings and proteins.
Here’s what you’ll need to make our crispy smashed potato in the air fryer:
- Red skin potatoes
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Minced garlic
- Ground black pepper
- Fresh / dry herbs
Cooking Method
Wash the potatoes then place in the instant pot.
Start by boiling (par boiled) the potatoes in the instant pot for 6 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the instant pot.
Using a spatula, smash each potato and set aside. You may also use a fork or a potato masher.
In a separate bowl, add the oil, salt and pepper (1 teaspoon each or to taste), rosemary, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Baste the potatoes with the olive oil mixture. Cook the potatoes in batches in the air fryer for 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Repeat the steps as necessary.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe works equally well as either a side dish or an appetizer.
Smashed potatoes make for a great alternative to French fries, potato wedges, or shoestring fries alongside meat or fish, or can be served alongside a dipping sauce of your choice.
A sour cream dip would work perfectly here, as would blue cheese, Caesar dressing, ranch or spicy mayo.
If you want to make your smashed potatoes a little more indulgent, then you could grate over some parmesan cheese after cooking, or even a little crumbled feta or goat’s cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When you soak the potatoes, it helps to release the starch from the potatoes. Once you air fry the potatoes, the skin will be crispier. When soaking, it’s best to soak the potatoes a minimum of 45 minutes.
Yes. Boiling the potatoes will make them easier to smash. You can blanch them or par boil the potatoes in the instant pot for about 6 minutes, or on the stove for 4 to 6 minutes (a little longer if needed). Be sure to keep a close eye on them as they boil as you do not want the potatoes to be mushy. This will make it difficult to smash.
Getting rid of the starch is key to having crispy smashed potatoes, as well as coating them with oil.
Yes, it is absolutely safe to put aluminum foil in the air fryer. It does help with the cleaning process after cooking your meal.
Air frying food is generally healthier than deep fried food. Air frying food cut the calories by 80% and has less fat.
Tips To Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy air fryer Smashed Potatoes are straight forward to make – boil the potatoes in the instant pot, squish, baste with olive oil mixture, then air fryer – but to make these perfectly each time, there are a couple little tips we’ve noticed each time we make them
- Do not overcook the potatoes. Par boiled potatoes are perfect to make smashed potatoes in the air fryer or in the oven. This ensures the ultimate crispiness.
- Use butter and a touch of oil. Butter will add extra flavour, oil guarantees more even and better browning.
- If you use butter alone, it will in the air fryer due to the close high temperature.
Topping Suggestions
You will definitely love the crispiness of these potatoes. As mentioned above, you can dust them off with cheese after they are done cooking in the air fryer.
Here are a few more suggestions to use as toppings over these red smashed potatoes:
Sour cream
Kale pesto
More Potato Recipes To Try
Although these potatoes serve well as the ultimate side dish, here are a few of our favorite potato recipes:
SALAD RUSSE – HAITIAN BEET SALAD
FROZEN SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AIR FRYER
RUTH CHRIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
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Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs. Red Potatoes; Medium size
- 4 Cups Water
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves; Minced
- 1 Rosemary Sprig; Chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes then place in the instant pot.Start by boiling (par boiled) the potatoes in the instant pot for 6 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the instant pot.In a separate bowl, add the oil, salt and pepper (1 teaspoon each or to taste), minced garlic, rosemary, and parsley flakes. Mix well.
- Using a spatula, smash each potato and set aside. You may also use a fork or a potato masher.
- Baste the potatoes with the olive oil mixture. Cook the potatoes in batches in the air fryer for 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Repeat the steps as necessary.Serve as a side and enjoy!
Tayler
I’ve been trying to use my air fryer more, so I can’t wait to use it to make these delicious looking potatoes!
Sarah James
Wow, your smashed potatoes look so crispy and delicious. Perfect for a weekend supper treat. thanks for sharing.
Gloria
I am a potato lover. These look delicious. Crispy without frying. Perfect for brunch and dinner too. Even as an appetizer.
Kathleen
Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This air fryer smashed potatoes are a perfect side dish.
Sisley White - Sew White
Smashed potatoes bring me all the joy at dinnertime. Also I love how easy they are.
Beth
These potatoes look so delicious and seasoned perfectly. My family is going to be obsessed with these especially my son! What a lovely and easy side for dinner!
Mirlene
So great to hear that Beth. Thank you.
Jenn
Love my air fryer and LOVE this recipe! The potatoes were so crispy, we gobbled them all up!
Mirlene
So happy to hear that, Jenn. Thank you.
Biana
Yum! The potatoes look amazing, a perfect side dish.
Pam
I am loving my air fryer and always on the lookout for something new to make in it, so thank you for this.
Kristen
These potatoes are amazing. Thank you for the great recipe!
Mirlene
Thank you, Kristen!
Sarah
These are so incredibly delicious and easy to make.