We're crushing on smashed potatoes, and here's why: They're ridiculously easy and oh-so crispy, made by boiling small potatoes, flattening them, and crisping the outsides in an air fryer or oven (preheated to 400°F/200°C for best results).
We once threw together a batch on a whim and it blew our minds. Grab your air fryer, some baby potatoes, and boom, deliciousness awaits.
Smashed potatoes are great for snacking, sides, or parties. Join us as we make these bite-sized wonders.
Ready to get smashing? Let's go!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
To prepare these crispy and satisfying smashed potatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Baby Potatoes: Small and uniform in size.
- Olive Oil: For drizzling over the potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: For extra flavor.
- Paprika: adds some smokiness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Such as parsley or chives for garnish.
For the Sauce (optional):
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangy dipping sauce, a thick, probiotic-rich base that helps bind flavors and pairs well with remoulade sauce basics and uses. For tomato-based swaps try tomato sauce alternatives for bold flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds freshness to the sauce; use about 1 tablespoon to brighten flavors without overpowering the yogurt.
- Garlic: Minced for added zing.
- Salt: To taste.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ensure your smashed potatoes turn out crispy and delicious with these tips:
If you prefer whole potatoes with fluffy centers, try air fryer baked potatoes for fluffy centers as an alternative side.
- Uniform Size: Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Smash Well: Press down firmly but gently to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness, using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or spatula for an even, thin smash.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Helps achieve that crispy exterior; preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
- Flip Halfway: To ensure they are evenly cooked and golden on both sides; for protein-friendly timing ideas see air fryer chicken wings tips for beginners.
Variations and Add-Ons
Customize your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with these tasty variations:
For a cozy pairing, serve smashed potatoes with moist cornbread variations for sides.
- Cheesy Smashed Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before air frying for a cheesy twist; about ⅓ cup shredded cheddar melts nicely without weighing them down.
- Spicy Smashed Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Herb-Infused Smashed Potatoes: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or basil for a flavorful boost.
Tasty Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Pot for boiling
- Potato Masher or Fork
- Mixing bowls
- Baking Sheet (optional, for smashing)
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs parsley or chives for garnish
For the Sauce (optional):
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or flat surface. Using a potato masher or fork, press down on each potato to flatten it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the smashed potatoes with the seasoned olive oil mixture on both sides.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
- For the optional sauce, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Serve alongside the crispy potatoes for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can boil the potatoes a day in advance and let them chill in the refrigerator overnight before smashing and air frying.
- Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the smashed potatoes in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to retain their crispiness before serving.
Nutrition
For a fancier, thinly layered crisp, try an air-fryer hasselback potato approach: air fryer hasselback potatoes for elegant sides. For complementary plates and serving ideas, consult a curated selection of options: 13 best side dishes for smashed potatoes.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
