Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer: The Ultimate Recipe

Are you ready to make crispy smashed potatoes with the convenience of an air fryer? This delicious side dish is a perfect blend of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this easy recipe is a must-try. The best part? It requires minimal effort and time compared to traditional oven methods.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Smashed Potatoes?

The air fryer has become a favorite kitchen gadget, known for producing crispy, golden results without the need for deep frying. But why should you use an air fryer for making smashed potatoes? Here are the key benefits:

Quick Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks potatoes faster than the oven, allowing you to prepare your crispy smashed potatoes in under 30 minutes.
Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying, making this a healthier option without compromising on taste and texture.
Even Crispiness: One of the best features of an air fryer is its ability to provide uniform crispiness all over the potato, ensuring that every bite is as crispy as the next.

If you’re looking for more air fryer recipe ideas, check out these air fryer recipes from Healthful Blondie, perfect for any meal.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer The Ultimate Recipe

Why Smashed Potatoes Are Ideal for Air Frying

Smashed potatoes are a great choice for the air fryer because of their texture. When boiled, the potatoes soften, and when they are smashed, they create more surface area for the air fryer to crisp up. The result is a beautiful contrast between a fluffy interior and a golden, crunchy exterior.

Maximum Crispy Edges: The smashing process allows more of the surface to crisp up in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Versatile Flavoring: You can season smashed potatoes with a variety of herbs and spices, including garlic powder, rosemary, or even some parmesan cheese.
Perfect for Customization: You can tailor the flavors to your preference by adding toppings or sauces after cooking.

Ingredients You Need for Crispy Smashed Potatoes

To make crispy smashed potatoes, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

Baby Gold Potatoes: The best type of potatoes for this recipe are small, waxy potatoes. These maintain their shape well after boiling and smashing. You can also use red potatoes or fingerlings.
Butter: For a rich flavor and to help achieve that crispy exterior.
Olive Oil: Adds crispiness and a slight nuttiness to the flavor.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These three seasoning staples are the key to flavoring the potatoes perfectly.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley work wonders for flavor.
Optional Vegan Substitutes: Use vegan butter and olive oil if you’re preparing a dairy-free version of the recipe.

Equipment You Need

Before you get started, ensure you have the following tools on hand:

Air Fryer: The star of the show! Make sure your air fryer is large enough to fit all the potatoes without overcrowding.
Medium Pot: For boiling the potatoes.
Colander: To drain the potatoes after boiling.
Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning measurements.
Spatula: For flipping and smashing the potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to achieve crispy smashed potatoes in your air fryer.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Begin by boiling the baby gold potatoes. This will soften them up and prepare them for smashing. Here’s what to do:

Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Place them in a medium pot, cover with water, and bring it to a boil.
Boil for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender but not too soft.
Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

While the potatoes are cooling, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the potatoes will crisp up right away when you place them in the basket.

Tip: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for even crisping, as it ensures that the air circulating in the fryer is at the right temperature.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Now it’s time to smash the potatoes! The goal is to flatten each potato so that more of the surface area is exposed to the hot air for crispy results. Here’s how to do it:

Place the cooled potatoes on a flat surface, like a cutting board.
Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each potato. Be careful not to smash them too much; you want to maintain some structure.
For extra crispiness, you can leave some potatoes slightly more smashed than others.

Step 4: Season and Add Butter

After smashing the potatoes, it’s time to season them:

Drizzle the olive oil and melted butter over the smashed potatoes.
Sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add any additional spices or herbs, like rosemary or parmesan cheese.
Toss the potatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the smashed potatoes in the preheated air fryer. Ensure there is some space between each potato so that the air can circulate and crisp them up.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Check the potatoes after 15 minutes; they should be golden and crispy. If you prefer extra crispiness, cook them for a few more minutes.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can result in uneven cooking and less crispy potatoes. If needed, cook in batches.
Use Baby Potatoes: These potatoes work best for this recipe because they have a higher moisture content and hold their shape after boiling.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the potatoes start cooking immediately when placed inside, contributing to a crispier texture.
Vegan Substitutes: For a vegan-friendly version, swap out butter for vegan butter and make sure to use plant-based oil.

What to Serve with Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Chicken: The crispy potatoes complement the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.
Steak: The rich texture of smashed potatoes enhances a perfectly cooked steak.
Dips: Try pairing them with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy ketchup.

Oven vs. Air Fryer: Which Is Better for Smashed Potatoes?

While the air fryer is undoubtedly the faster and more efficient option for making crispy smashed potatoes, some may still prefer the traditional oven method. Here’s a quick comparison:

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the smashed potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method: Cooks faster, generally taking only 15-20 minutes, and results in crispier edges.

Overall, the air fryer is the better option for those who want a quicker, healthier, and crispier result.

FAQs About Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Can I Use Any Type of Potato for Smashed Potatoes?

While you can use various types of potatoes, baby gold potatoes are the best choice for crispy smashed potatoes. Their creamy, waxy texture makes them perfect for getting that ideal balance of a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. Red potatoes can also work well, as they are similarly waxy and hold their shape after boiling. On the other hand, russet potatoes are more starchy, which may result in a fluffier interior but a less firm texture overall. If you prefer a crispy result, stick to waxy potatoes like baby golds for the best outcome.

What’s the Ideal Thickness for Smashing the Potatoes?

For the perfect crispy smashed potatoes, the ideal thickness is about ½-inch. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly in the air fryer and achieve maximum crispiness. A thicker smash will result in a softer, more potato-like texture, while a thinner smash allows for more surface area to crisp up. By achieving this perfect thickness, you give the air fryer enough room to work its magic, making each potato bite delightfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Can I Microwave the Potatoes Instead of Boiling Them?

Yes, you can microwave your potatoes if you’re short on time. Simply microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. However, boiling the potatoes generally results in a better texture for smashing. The boiling process helps to evenly cook the potatoes and makes them easier to smash, which ultimately contributes to the crispiness in the air fryer.

Can I Air Fry the Potatoes Without Boiling Them First?

Technically, you can air fry smashed potatoes without boiling them first, but it’s not recommended. Boiling softens the potatoes, making them tender inside while allowing the air fryer to crisp up the outer layer. Without boiling, the potatoes might be harder on the inside and less crispy on the outside, leading to uneven cooking.

Can I Make Them Vegan?

Absolutely! Making vegan crispy smashed potatoes is simple. Just swap out the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. These substitutions work just as well in achieving a crispy, golden exterior and flavorful potatoes, making this recipe a great dairy-free option without sacrificing taste.

What If My Air Fryer Basket Is Small?

If your air fryer basket is small and can’t fit all the potatoes at once, don’t worry! Simply cook the potatoes in batches. This ensures that each potato gets enough room to crisp up properly and ensures even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven results, so it’s always better to take your time and cook in smaller batches.

What Temperature Is Best to Air Fry Smashed Potatoes?

The ideal temperature for air frying smashed potatoes is 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden exterior. Cooking at this temperature ensures the potatoes crisp up quickly while keeping the interior tender. If you’re looking for an extra crispy result, you can cook them a bit longer, but be sure to check them frequently to prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Smashed Potatoes

If you have leftovers, store the crispy smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for that crispy texture to return.

Final Thoughts

Making crispy smashed potatoes in the air fryer is not only quick and easy, but it’s also a game-changer for those who love this classic side dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time while delivering that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, fluffy interiors, making it the ideal method for preparing smashed potatoes. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual weekday dinner or serving them at a more formal gathering, this recipe is incredibly versatile and guaranteed to impress.

One of the best things about crispy smashed potatoes is how customizable they are. You can experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or go all out with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for some extra heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile, while a drizzle of sour cream or ranch dressing makes for a delicious finishing touch. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe perfect for every occasion. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to side dish for any meal!

Crispy Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe – Quick & Delicious