If you’ve ever craved a crunchy, golden exterior and a fluffy, soft interior in your potatoes, then air fryer smashed potatoes are about to become your go-to recipe. This dish combines the best of both worlds – the crispiness of roasted potatoes and the tender creaminess of mashed potatoes. What makes this even better? You don’t need an oven for this! The air fryer does all the work in a fraction of the time, ensuring your potatoes turn out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
There’s so much to love about air fryer smashed potatoes. From the ease of preparation to the quick cooking time, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Let’s break it down:
-
Quick and Simple: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a savory snack or side dish in under an hour.
-
Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside: The air fryer ensures a perfect balance of crispiness on the outside, while the insides stay tender and fluffy, making every bite satisfying.
-
Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste, whether you prefer classic garlic, spicy chili, or even cheesy goodness.
-
Perfect for Various Diets: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can easily adjust it to accommodate different dietary needs by omitting or adding ingredients as you see fit.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, air fryer smashed potatoes are versatile, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Now, let’s dive into how you can make these crispy delights at home.
Ingredients and Variations
Before we get started with the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need for these crispy smashed potatoes.
Main Ingredients:
-
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They are small, tender, and have a thin skin that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. You can also use medium-sized potatoes, just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
-
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps achieve that crispy golden texture. You can also experiment with other oils like avocado oil or even a bit of melted butter if desired.
-
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
-
Turmeric: This spice not only adds a beautiful golden hue to your potatoes but also a mild earthy flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended for its color and taste.
-
Red Chili Powder: This provides a gentle heat and a touch of tang. Adjust the amount to match your desired spice level.
-
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to bring out all the natural flavors of the potatoes.
Substitutions:
-
Herbs: For added flavor, try sprinkling some dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley over the potatoes before cooking. Fresh herbs can also be used after cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor.
-
Spices: If you’re not fond of chili powder, try paprika, cayenne, or even a touch of curry powder for a unique twist.
-
Toppings: Add grated cheese, vegan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to make the potatoes extra indulgent.
Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
To ensure you get the best results, here are a few tips:
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers rely on hot air circulating around the food. If the potatoes are too close together, they won’t cook evenly. Leave a little space between each potato for the crispiest results.
-
Check for Crispiness: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer. Start checking around the 15-minute mark and flip the potatoes to ensure they’re golden brown all around.
-
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or replace it with paprika.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
While smashed potatoes are typically associated with indulgence, making them in the air fryer offers a healthier option compared to traditional frying. Here’s why:
-
Lower in Fat: Air frying requires much less oil than deep frying, which significantly reduces the fat content of the potatoes while still maintaining that crispy texture.
-
More Nutrients: By keeping the potato skins intact, you retain more of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are found in the skin.
-
Gluten-Free and Vegan: This recipe is naturally both gluten-free and vegan, making it accessible for various dietary restrictions.
Variations and Customization for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
While air fryer smashed potatoes are already a fantastic recipe on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to match your preferences or dietary needs. Let’s explore some variations that can elevate this dish and make it even more exciting.
1. Cheesy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
For a cheesy version of these crispy smashed potatoes, simply top the potatoes with grated cheese halfway through the cooking process. Cheddar, parmesan, or vegan cheese all work wonderfully. The heat from the air fryer will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, indulgent topping that pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes.
How to Make:
-
Once the potatoes are smashed and seasoned, place them in the air fryer.
-
After about 10 minutes, sprinkle your choice of cheese on top of the potatoes.
-
Continue air frying until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Spicy Smashed Potatoes with Jalapeños
If you enjoy a little heat, why not add some sliced jalapeños to your air fryer smashed potatoes? The spiciness of the jalapeños complements the richness of the potatoes, creating a fiery contrast that makes each bite exciting.
How to Make:
-
After smashing and seasoning the potatoes, top with fresh, thinly sliced jalapeños.
-
Air fry the potatoes as usual, and the jalapeños will cook up nicely, adding both flavor and heat.
3. Herbed Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
For a fresh, aromatic twist, try adding fresh or dried herbs to the seasoning mix. Rosemary, thyme, or dill are great options for air fryer smashed potatoes, adding a fragrant element to the dish.
How to Make:
-
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs (or fresh finely chopped herbs) into your olive oil mixture.
-
Toss the potatoes well to ensure they are evenly coated with the herb-infused oil before air frying.
4. Lemon and Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Lemon and garlic are a classic pairing, and they work beautifully with air fryer smashed potatoes. The citrusy brightness of lemon, combined with the savory flavor of garlic, creates a refreshing yet hearty side dish.
How to Make:
-
After the potatoes are smashed and seasoned, zest some lemon over the top.
-
Drizzle with lemon juice, and add a little bit of fresh garlic or garlic powder before air frying.
5. Vegan Sour Cream or Dipping Sauce
While air fryer smashed potatoes are amazing on their own, pairing them with a delicious dipping sauce can elevate the experience. A vegan sour cream or spicy aioli would complement the crispy potatoes perfectly.
How to Make:
-
For a simple dipping sauce, combine vegan mayo with a few drops of hot sauce or sriracha for a creamy, spicy dip.
-
Serve it alongside the crispy smashed potatoes for added flavor.
Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Air fryer smashed potatoes are not only delicious when freshly made, but they also store and reheat beautifully. Here’s how to keep them for later:
Storing Leftovers
-
After the potatoes have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
-
To keep the potatoes fresh, separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating
-
In the Air Fryer: Reheat the leftover smashed potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy again.
-
In the Oven: You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Tip: If you want to keep them extra crispy, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or spray some cooking spray on them before reheating.
Freezing Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
While fresh potatoes are best enjoyed immediately, you can also freeze your smashed potatoes for later use. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the air fryer, and you’ll have perfectly crispy potatoes in minutes.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe Card
Ingredients:
-
1 lb baby potatoes (or small red potatoes)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1/2 tsp paprika
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Optional toppings: fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or sour cream
Instructions:
-
Prep the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes. If using medium-sized potatoes, cut them in half or quarters. If using baby potatoes, you can keep them whole.
-
Cook the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This step will soften the potatoes so they can be smashed.
-
Smash the Potatoes: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato to about half-inch thickness.
-
Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed potatoes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the potatoes.
-
Air Fry Again: Return the smashed potatoes to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for another 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
-
Serve: Garnish with optional toppings like fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
-
Potato Variations: You can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even fingerling potatoes for this recipe.
-
Crispier Potatoes: For extra crispiness, spray the potatoes with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit more olive oil before the second round of air frying.
-
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Add chili powder for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
-
Calories: 175 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 30g
-
Protein: 3g
-
Fat: 6g
-
Saturated Fat: 1g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Sugar: 1g
-
Sodium: 150mg
-
Potassium: 540mg
-
Vitamin A: 50 IU
-
Vitamin C: 18mg
-
Calcium: 20mg
-
Iron: 1mg
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 175 per serving
Yield: 4 servings
