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    Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Posted On November 30, 2022 By Mirlene Last updated November 30, 2022 14 Comments

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    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe Pinterest Pin - Savory Thoughts

    This air fryer smashed potatoes are especially good for those on a budget and are both gluten and dairy free.

    potatoes on board with rosemary

    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

    potatoes on board with rosemary in white tray

    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. 

    potatoes on board with rosemary in white tray

    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. 

    Photo guide instructions

    In a separate bowl, add the oil, salt and pepper (1 teaspoon each or to taste), rosemary, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well. 

    potatoes on spatula

    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)

    Why do you Soak potatoes in water before air frying?

    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.

    Should you boil potatoes before air frying?

    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.

    Why are my air fryer potatoes not crispy?

    Getting rid of the starch is key to having crispy smashed potatoes, as well as coating them with oil.

    Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

    Yes, it is absolutely safe to put aluminum foil in the air fryer. It does help with the cleaning process after cooking your meal.

    Are air fried potatoes healthy?

    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

    potatoes on board with rosemary

    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.

    potatoes on board with rosemary

    Here are a few more suggestions to use as toppings over these red smashed potatoes:

    Sour cream

    Basil pesto

    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:

    BREAKFAST POTATOES

    SALAD RUSSE – HAITIAN BEET SALAD

    FROZEN SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AIR FRYER

    RUTH CHRIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

    SWEET POTATO RICE

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    Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish. 

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    potatoes on board with rosemary in white tray

    Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer

    Savory Thoughts
    These air fryer smashed potatoes are both gluten and dairy free. 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. 
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 12 mins
    Instant Pot Boiling Time 8 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Dish, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 154 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • 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.
      Photo guide instructions
    • Using a spatula, smash each potato and set aside. You may also use a fork or a potato masher.
      seasoned par boiled potatoes in air fryer basket
    • 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!
      potatoes on spatula

    Video

    Notes

    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
    Calories are estimated per serving only.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 194mgPotassium: 36mgVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 7mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tayler

      November 30, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been trying to use my air fryer more, so I can’t wait to use it to make these delicious looking potatoes!

      Reply
    2. Sarah James

      November 30, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, your smashed potatoes look so crispy and delicious. Perfect for a weekend supper treat. thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Gloria

      November 30, 2022 at 3:08 pm

      5 stars
      I am a potato lover. These look delicious. Crispy without frying. Perfect for brunch and dinner too. Even as an appetizer.

      Reply
    4. Kathleen

      November 30, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This air fryer smashed potatoes are a perfect side dish.

      Reply
    5. Sisley White - Sew White

      November 30, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      Smashed potatoes bring me all the joy at dinnertime. Also I love how easy they are.

      Reply
    6. Beth

      July 05, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 06, 2021 at 1:38 am

        So great to hear that Beth. Thank you.

        Reply
    7. Jenn

      July 05, 2021 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      Love my air fryer and LOVE this recipe! The potatoes were so crispy, we gobbled them all up!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 06, 2021 at 1:38 am

        So happy to hear that, Jenn. Thank you.

        Reply
    8. Biana

      July 05, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! The potatoes look amazing, a perfect side dish.

      Reply
    9. Pam

      July 05, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      I am loving my air fryer and always on the lookout for something new to make in it, so thank you for this.

      Reply
    10. Kristen

      July 05, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      These potatoes are amazing. Thank you for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 06, 2021 at 1:37 am

        Thank you, Kristen!

        Reply
    11. Sarah

      June 30, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      These are so incredibly delicious and easy to make.

      Reply

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