If you’re a potato fan, you’ve probably already tasted the magic that is smashed potatoes. Thin, crispy and perfectly seasoned—dare I say they taste better than a bag of chips. I could eat them everyday if I could, but the thought of boiling and baking always stops me. But then I learned about air fryer smashed potatoes; you get the amazing crunch without the wait time or effort. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, they’re the easiest way to upgrade potatoes in 30 minutes. Plus, I’m sharing some key tips for that perfect smash. Here’s how to make them.
What are smashed potatoes?
@daenskitchen Replying to @bananna726 I’ll never get tired of these potatoes #crispypotatoes #smashedpotatoes #garlicgirl
Smashed potatoes are little potatoes that have been boiled, then gently smashed before being roasted or air-fried. Unlike mashed potatoes, where the goal is smoothness, smashed potatoes are all about keeping those little chunks and edges. It looks similar to a potato chip, but with a little more texture. The smashing process creates extra surface area, which gets deliciously crispy in the air fryer. Each bite is a mix of fluffy potato and crunchy skin, making them an irresistible snack or side.
How to perfect air fryer smashed potatoes
Air frying anything works a bit differently than a traditional oven. Here’s my step-by-step guide to ensuring your smashed potatoes come out great:
1. Choosing your potatoes
For smashed potatoes, you’ll want small, waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Golds. These varieties have a buttery texture and hold their shape well when smashed. Plus, their thin skins gets very crispy in the air fryer, adding to the overall crunch factor.
2. Prepping for air frying
Start by microwaving your potatoes until they’re just tender enough to smash. You don’t want them too soft, or they’ll fall apart in the air fryer. Then, lay them on a cutting board and use a glass or the bottom of a mug to gently press down on each one, flattening them just enough to break the skin and create craggy edges.
3. The perfect seasoning combo
Now for the fun part: seasoning. I like to go classic with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, but you can add any spices you love. A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme works well, or go bold with smoked paprika or Parmesan cheese. Drizzle or brush the oil and seasonings over each potato to make sure every inch gets coated.
4. Air frying your smashed potatoes
Preheat your air fryer if needed, and arrange the potatoes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and get that beautiful crunch. If you’re all about that crunch, try adding a second coating of oil midway through. This helps lock in even more crispiness.
Easy air fryer smashed potatoes recipe
I love how this recipe from Healthful Blondie takes just 30 minutes—so no waiting for water to boil! You also only need five ingredients that are all likely already in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes, about eight to 10 small potatoes
- 1 Tbs. butter, melted
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 Tbs. fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions:
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat with non-stick or olive oil spray.
- Add cleaned whole potatoes to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for about five to eight minutes until cooked. They should be fork-tender soft.
- Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan and use the bottom of a cup or serving fork to gently “smash” them. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be. Be generous with the salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with the melted butter first, followed by olive oil. Then, sprinkle with the garlic powder, pepper and ½ tsp. salt.
- Using a spatula, carefully add the smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Do not flip them while cooking. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and flakey sea salt, if desired.
Storing and reheating air fryer smashed potatoes
Air fryer smashed potatoes store well, making them a great make-ahead option. Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days.
For reheating, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for five to seven minutes to regain that crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven at the same temperature for about 10 to 12 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works, though they may lose some crunch.
