Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes offer a delightful twist on classic potatoes by combining a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to achieve that perfect golden crunch with far less oil than traditional frying methods. Whether you seek a savory side dish or a comforting snack, these smashed potatoes will satisfy your cravings while keeping prep and cleanup easy. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to make it happen.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a favorite for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly simple to prepare and cook quickly, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The air fryer provides a crispy texture that you often achieve only through frying, but without all the unhealthy fats. You can customize the flavor with various herbs and toppings, making each batch unique. Whether you serve them as a side for roasted chicken or enjoy them topped with your favorite sauces, the satisfying crunch of the smashed potatoes will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby or new potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) for garnish, optional
- Grated cheese or vegan cheese, optional
Directions
- Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly, ensuring any dirt is removed. If you’re using larger potatoes, you can chop them into smaller chunks for even cooking.
- Place the clean potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- After the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and allow them to cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle.
- Once they are cool enough to touch, place the potatoes on a clean, flat surface. Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently press down on each potato to smash it to about half an inch thick.
- Transfer the smashed potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat all the potatoes evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once done, remove the potatoes from the basket and transfer them to a serving plate. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle with cheese before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Serve them warm as a delightful addition to your dinner plate alongside roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. You can also pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, ranch, or a spicy aioli, to elevate their flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, top them with some crumbled feta, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs to enhance the presentation and taste. These crispy treats are not only satisfying but also a visual delight, making them a conversation starter at any meal. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these smashed potatoes fit perfectly on the table, inviting your guests to dig in.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Achieving the perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes can be easily mastered with a few expert techniques. First, choose potatoes that are uniform in size for more evenly cooked results. Baby or new potatoes work best, but you can definitely use regular-sized potatoes cut into smaller chunks. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for about an hour before boiling can help remove excess starch and yield a fluffier interior once cooked. When smashing the potatoes, be gentle to avoid breaking them apart completely; the goal is to flatten them while maintaining some structure for a better crunch. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer’s performance, checking regularly for that perfect golden color. Finally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings based on your preferences, whether it be spicy, cheesy, or herbaceous flavors.
How to Store Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
To store leftover Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven for a similar effect. Avoid microwaving them, as this may result in a soggy texture. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, consider cooking them to the smashing stage, then refrigerating or freezing. When needed, you can finish the cooking process in the air fryer.
Variations of Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
While the basic recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. One popular variation is to add cheese directly to the smashed potatoes before air frying. Cheddar, feta, or mozzarella can add a creamy, savory element that enhances their flavor. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the seasoning mix. Mixing in herbs like thyme or dill can give them a fresh, aromatic quality. If you prefer a vegan option, try using nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a similar flavor boost. You can also experiment with toppings after cooking, such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of pesto for extra zest. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to reinvent for every craving or meal occasion.
FAQ about Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
What are Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are small potatoes that you boil until tender, smash down to flatten them, then air fry them for a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
How long do I cook Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?
Typically, you should cook them in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping them halfway to ensure even cooking.
Can I use different potatoes?
Yes! You can use larger potatoes, but make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to maintain even cooking.
Are Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes healthy?
Compared to traditional fried potatoes, Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes use less oil, making them a healthier choice. They still provide a savory and satisfying flavor.
Can I prepare Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes by boiling and smashing them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and finish cooking them in the air fryer just before serving.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby or new potatoes Uniform in size for even cooking.
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For drizzling over smashed potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Add more to taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper To taste.
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or parsley) For garnish, optional.
- Grated cheese or vegan cheese Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Place the clean potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
- Once cool enough to touch, smash each potato to about half an inch thick with the bottom of a glass or fork.
Cooking
- Transfer smashed potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle seasoning evenly. Toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange smashed potatoes in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with herbs or sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!