Golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside, this recipe for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes is always a smash hit! Ready in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients with no parboiling required, these versatile smashed potatoes make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish, even on busy days.
Jump to:
- Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe
- Why air fry smashed potatoes?
- Ingredients
- Watch the Video
- How to Make Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
- Variations
- Recipe Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Freezing Instructions
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQ
- Air Fryer Potato Recipes
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Feedback
Smashed Potatoes Air Fryer Recipe
Have you ever had smashed potatoes? They're a tasty treat usually made by first parboiling potatoes, which is a process where you boil water to partly cook the potatoes, then smashing them into patties to fry or roast them in the oven until they're nice and crispy.
Following our air fryer smashed potatoes recipe, you won't have to boil your potatoes first. The air fryer does everything for you! First, you air fry the potatoes whole to cook them until they're fork-tender. Then, you smash the potatoes, brush them with seasoned oil, and fry them again until they're crispy. It's quick, easy, and honestly, fun!
Why air fry smashed potatoes?
- It's faster than other methods. When you make smashed potatoes in the oven, they typically take 1 hour or even longer to bake. Air frying cuts that time right in half!
- It gives you the best results. Seriously, this method makes the most crispy smashed potatoes with so much flavor for hardly any effort. The taste and texture of air fryer potatoes is unbeatable!
For the perfect side dish, you won't want to skip on this smashed potatoes air fryer recipe. It's easy and downright delicious!
Ingredients
- Baby Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold baby potatoes are the perfect size of potato for smashing, in addition to having a buttery, creamy texture. Baby red potatoes will also work well for this recipe, but avoid using russet potatoes! They are too large. Important Note: Clean the potatoes before air frying!
- Oil: Adds flavor and crispness. You can use light olive oil or avocado oil, whichever you prefer. We tend to prefer avocado oil. Don't use melted butter, as it will burn. You can always add butter later! Learn more about Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying.
- Seasonings: Our air fryer smashed potatoes are seasoned with a mix of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, as well as salt and black pepper. You can use whichever seasoning for potatoes you prefer, but the herb flavor of Italian seasoning pairs so well with crispy potatoes! Make sure not to use fresh garlic, as it will burn. You can, however, use fresh herbs, if you have them and would prefer to. Thyme and rosemary tend to be the best choice for potatoes.
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions (optional): Sprinkle chives or green onions on after air frying the smashed potatoes for a vibrant flavor boost! Chives have a mild, unique flavor that is famously delicious with potatoes, while green onions have a stronger onion flavor that adds nice contrast to the herb flavors of the seasoning. Alternatively, you can also optionally use chopped fresh parsley.
Watch the Video
How to Make Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Step 1 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply let it run at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until heated with nothing in the basket.
Step 2 - Place whole baby potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if they overlap a little, but don't overcrowd the air fryer, or they won't cook properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 3 - Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4 - While the potatoes are cooking, mix oil with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until completely combined.
Step 5 - Once the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Be careful, as they will be very hot.
Step 6 - Use the bottom of a cup to gently smash the potatoes into patties about ½-inch thick. Again, they will be hot, so do not use your bare hands to smash them.
Step 7 - After smashing the potatoes, brush them with the seasoned oil mixture. Place the potato patties back into the air fryer in a single layer. Make sure not to overlap them this time! You may need to cook them in batches.
Step 8 - Air fry again at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until crisp to your liking. Turn them over halfway through the cook time using a spatula or tongs.
Step 9 - Carefully remove the smashed potatoes from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, and set aside on a serving dish. Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
The following instructions are for toaster-oven style air fryer models with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. TIP: For easy clean up, line a small baking sheet with foil to place under the air fryer tray to catch any drips. Make sure the baking sheet fits in your air fryer oven.
- Place whole potatoes onto the preheated air fryer tray in a single layer.
- Air Fry at 400°F for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- While potatoes are air frying, mix oil with seasonings and stir to combine.
- Once potatoes are fork tender, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a cup to gently smash them. You want them to be about ½ inch thick.
- Brush the potatoes with the oil mixture and place back onto the air fryer tray in a single layer. Don’t crowd the potatoes. You may have to cook in batches.
- Air Fry at 400°F for 15 minutes until crispy. Turn over halfway through cooking using tongs or a spatula.
- Carefully remove the smashed potatoes from the air fryer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or your favorite fresh herb such as parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce & enjoy!
Variations
- Cheesy Potatoes: Add shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Potatoes: Sprinkle with chili powder or paprika for some heat.
- Herb-Infused Potatoes: Experiment with different dried herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for unique flavors.
Recipe Tips
- You will be leaving the skin on the potatoes for this recipe, so be sure to give them a good scrub to remove any dirt or debris before cooking.
- We recommend Baby Gold potatoes for maximum flavor, however, feel free to mix it up and try other baby potato varieties, such as baby red potatoes.
- We use garlic powder in this recipe instead of fresh garlic. Fresh garlic tends to burn in the amount of time needed to air fry the potatoes. Need a tasty garlic recipe? Try our Air Fryer Roasted Garlic!
- You can use your preferred vegetable oil. We recommend light olive oil or avocado oil. Do not use butter, as it will burn. Learn more: Air Frying Oils
- Cook time may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer model, as all brands vary.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
Storage Instructions
- Before storing, allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which will make the potatoes soggy.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container after cooling. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze smashed potatoes. See below for instructions.
- To reheat, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, if you're in a rush.
Freezing Instructions
- First allow your potatoes to fully cool to room temperature. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure none of the potatoes are touching each other, then place in the freezer.
- Allow the potatoes to freeze for 1-2 hours or until frozen solid. This step is called "flash freezing", and it helps prevent the potatoes from sticking together in the freezer.
- Once fully frozen, transfer the potatoes to an air-tight freezer-safe container such as freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Smashed Potatoes, you can cook them directly from the freezer. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen potatoes inside. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish for our Crispy Chicken Sandwich with a side of fry sauce for dipping!
- With Thin Chicken Breasts and a side of Broccoli. A simple side of sour cream makes a great dip with this pairing!
- As a side dish for Salmon Bites, with lemon squeezed over top.
- As cheesy potatoes with a Parmesan cheese topping, perfect for pairing with Steak Tips.
FAQ
Absolutely! While Baby Gold Potatoes work great, you can experiment with other types, such as baby red potatoes, for a different flavor.
Most air fryers have a non-stick surface, so sticking usually isn’t an issue. However, make sure to preheat the air fryer and brush the potatoes with oil. This will help prevent sticking and ensure a crispy texture.
These potatoes are a versatile side dish and pair well with various dishes. Serve them as a side dish for steak, sandwiches, burgers, salads, or simply enjoy them on their own with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Certainly! You can scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure that you have enough room in your air fryer basket to cook the potatoes in a single layer, and be prepared to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Yes! Air fryer smashed potatoes are completely gluten-free.
Air Fryer Potato Recipes
- Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Baby Gold Potatoes washed
- 2 Tablespoons oil such as olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chives or green onions chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. While it preheats, clean your potatoes if you have not already cleaned them. Do not peel the potatoes.
- Place whole potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if they overlap a little.2 lbs Baby Gold Potatoes
- Air Fry at 400°F for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- While potatoes are air frying, mix oil with seasonings and stir to combine.2 Tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Once potatoes are fork tender, remove them from the air fryer and use the bottom of a cup to gently smash them. You want them to be about ½-inch thick.
- Brush the potatoes with the oil mixture and place back into the air fryer in a single layer. Don’t crowd the potatoes. You may have to cook in batches.
- Air Fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Turn over halfway through cooking.
- Remove the smashed potatoes from the air fryer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or your favorite fresh herb such as parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!Chives or green onions
Notes
- You will be leaving the skin on the potatoes for this recipe, so be sure to give them a good scrub to remove any dirt or debris before cooking.
- We recommend Baby Gold potatoes for maximum flavor, however, feel free to mix it up and try other baby potato varieties, such as baby red potatoes.
- We use garlic powder in this recipe instead of fresh garlic. Fresh garlic tends to burn in the amount of time needed to air fry the potatoes.
- You can use your preferred vegetable oil. We recommend olive oil or avocado oil. Do not use butter, as it will burn.
- Cook time may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer model, as all brands vary.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
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