Looking for a quick and easy comfort food dish that will also allow you to get creative in the kitchen? Then look no further than these delicious air fryer smashed potatoes.
Golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, packed with flavor, and you are going to love them.
Using some staples found in just about every kitchen across America, these crispy smashed potatoes will be popular with everyone at your table, regardless of their dietary needs or taste preferences.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
The reason that you will love this air fryer smashed potato recipe, to begin with, is how incredibly easy it is to follow. Using 3 ingredients and less than a half hour of your time, you can create these deliciously crispy air fryer potatoes that are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Additionally, you will find that these golden brown air fryer potatoes are very versatile. Whether you want to pair them with a grilled steak, serve them on their own with your favorite dipping sauces, or with a light salad for a balanced lunch, these crispy smashed potatoes always have a place at the table.
And while these homemade potato snacks are already gluten-free and vegan-friendly, they are highly customizable to meet the needs of any personal tastes or dietary needs. Add some chili powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes to kick them up a notch in the heat department. Or you can add some brightness to the mix with some lemon zest.
Furthermore, these easy air fryer potatoes provide a healthier alternative to versions made outside of the air fryer. With less time and less oil required for the cooking process, the results end up being just as crispy as deep frying, but without all the added grease and calories.
As if you didn't have enough reasons to love this air fryer smashed potato recipe, once you taste them, you will. These healthy air fryer snacks are light and crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
When choosing potatoes for your air fryer smashed potato recipe, opt for medium-sized potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, for the best texture. Their thin skin and creamy interior work well for smashed potatoes in the air fryer. Before smashing, parboil the potatoes for approximately 10 minutes, until they are fork-tender but not fully cooked. This helps in achieving a soft inside and crispy outside when air-frying. Allow the boiled potatoes to cool for a few minutes before smashing. This helps in creating a crispier exterior
Seasonings:
While this recipe for crispy air fryer smashed potatoes uses a tasty selection of spices, you should feel free to experiment with various seasonings like coriander, cayenne, rosemary, chives, dill, or thyme for added flavor. Consider using a blend that complements your overall dish.
Olive Oil:
The olive oil is key to making these air fryer smashed potatoes so crispy. If you don't have any on hand, canola, vegetable, avocado, grapeseed, sunflower, and coconut oils all work well with this air fryer smashed potatoes recipe.
Add Ons:
While these are, quite possibly, the best air fryer smashed potatoes, there is room for you to get creative with your own version. Add ingredients like bacon bits, diced onions, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or balsamic reduction to create a bold flavor statement. You also can't go wrong by making your air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese such as parmesan, gouda, or cheddar.
How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Step One:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, turmeric, onion powder, paprika, salt, and garlic.
Step Two:
Add washed potatoes to a separate bowl and coat in olive oil mixture.
Step Three:
Using a potato masher or the bottom of a cup or jar, smash each potato and place them in a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
Step Four:
Air fry for 20 minutes at 350F, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Step Five:
Serve with fresh chopped herbs, and enjoy!
Tips
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the smashed potatoes inside. This allows you to get an even cook on your potatoes in less time.
- Arrange your potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. This may mean that you need to make multiple batches.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
This quick smashed potato side dish is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, or pork chops for a hearty and satisfying meal. These crispy air fryer potatoes also complement seafood dishes like salmon or shrimp with their crispy texture and savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, pair them with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced plate. Additionally, they can be served as a tasty appetizer or snack with dipping sauces such as vegan aioli, tzatziki sauce, or pico de gallo.
FAQs
Can these crispy smashed potatoes only be made in an air fryer?
No, crispy smashed potatoes can be made using various methods, but the air fryer offers a quicker and healthier alternative with its ability to achieve a crispy texture using less oil. However, other methods can also yield delicious results such as such as baking or pan-frying.
To bake your smashed potatoes, preheat your oven to 425F. Bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
To pan-fry smashed potatoes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a generous amount of oil. Place the smashed potatoes in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
How can I best store leftover air fryer smashed potatoes?
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months.
What is the best way to reheat leftover air fryer smashed potatoes?
The best way to reheat leftover smashed potatoes is to preheat your air fryer to 375F. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Flip halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-15 minutes on a baking sheet until crispy and heated through.
More Potato Recipes
Is there anything more comforting than a good potato dish? This collection of potato recipes will have you falling in love this this root vegetable all over again.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, turmeric, onion powder, paprika, salt, and garlic.
- Add washed potatoes to a separate bowl and coat in olive oil mixture.
- Using a potato masher, smash each potato and place them in a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 20 minutes at 350F, flipping halfway through cooking time.
- Serve with fresh herbs, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the smashed potatoes inside. This allows you to get an even cook on your potatoes in less time.
- Arrange your smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. This may mean that you need to make multiple batches.