Are you tired of the same old bland potato side dishes? Add some pizzazz to your family meals or dinner parties with this easy recipe for air fryer smash potatoes.
Unlike most smash potato recipes, boiling the potatoes first is unnecessary. You can cook and smash them right in the air fryer, so there isn’t an extra pan to wash.
These little spuds are golden brown and the ultimate combination of crispy texture with creamy potato goodness. They’re a delicious side dish that will make your taste buds happy.
In this post, you will learn how to make smash potatoes in the air fryer, get serving ideas, find the best potatoes to use, and learn how to make them ahead of time. So elevate your potato game with this easy, low-effort recipe!
Want more air fryer potato recipes? Try air fryer hasselback potatoes, air fryer fingerling potatoes, or air fryer potato skins.
🥔Key Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Baby potatoes – Any color of potatoes work, although baby gold potatoes are my favorite.
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder – Or use fresh garlic for more garlicky potatoes.
- Salt
- Black pepper
🥣How to Make Smash Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Cook – Wash and dry the potatoes. Then put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them for 15 minutes until fork tender.
- Smash – Put the potatoes on a cutting board and use a flat bowl or spatula to smash the potatoes until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season – Place the potatoes back in the air fryer basket. Drizzle them with oil and sprinkle them with the seasoning.
- Air Fry – Cook the potatoes at 400 degrees F for another 15 minutes until they are crispy.
🍴Serving Ideas
Sprinkle the air fryer smashed potatoes with fresh parsley, green onion, or chives. These are the perfect side dish for all kinds of tasty dishes! I love to make them with Cracker Barrel meatloaf, Crockpot pork chops, or air fryer hot honey chicken.
But they go with almost any main dish because they are so versatile. Make some broccoli or carrots to complete the meal, and enjoy.
💭How to Store
If there are leftover smashed potatoes, store them in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can reheat them by air frying them at 450 F for about 5 minutes to warm them back up.
🧄Variations
- Change up the seasoning mix and try some other flavor combinations. Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for hot and spicy smash potatoes. Or try chili lime seasoning or Old Bay.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with some Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
- Add a dipping sauce and they make a delightful appetizer. Pesto or ranch dressing are both delicious with crispy smash potatoes.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You can use larger potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces. Large potatoes take longer to cook and are harder to smash.
- Use a bowl with a flat bottom, a spatula, or a potato masher to smash the potatoes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is room for the air to flow between the potatoes.
- You can flip the potatoes halfway through the second cooking for extra crispiness.
- Check the potatoes for doneness after 10 minutes of cooking. Air fryers differ, and some cook more quickly than others.
📝FAQ
Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, like many potatoes, these are easy to make ahead of time. You can cook and smash them 1-2 days earlier. Then refrigerate them until you are ready to finish them. To finish, put them back in the air fryer, season them with oil and spices, and air fry at 400 F for 10-15 minutes.
What kind of potatoes are best for smash potatoes?
Any baby potatoes work well in this recipe. I like to use yellow potatoes because they are the creamiest. Purple potatoes are fun to use for extra color.
Can you boil the potatoes instead of air-frying them?
Yes, that works fine. If you prefer, boil potatoes in a pot of salted water for 10-15 minutes. Then smash them and finish the recipe in the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Smash Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby golden potatoes or other small potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Clean potatoes by scrubbing them under cold water.1 pound baby golden potatoes
- Put them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Take the potatoes out and put them on a cutting board. Smash them with a flat bottom glass or potato masher. Ideally they should end up about ½ inch thick.
- Put the potatoes back in the air fryer basket and drizzle with oil. Season the potatoes liberally with salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have baby potatoes cut larger ones into pieces. Large potatoes take longer to cook and are harder to smash.
- You can also boil the potatoes in a saucepan or water for 15 minutes if you prefer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Change up the seasoning to suit your tastes.
- You can flip the potatoes halfway through the second cooking for extra crispiness.
- Check the potatoes for doneness after 10 minutes of cooking. Air fryers differ, and some cook more quickly than others.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
