Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Crispy & Delicious Recipe

Air fryer smashed potatoes: Get ready to experience potato perfection! Imagine crispy, golden edges giving way to a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. These aren’t your average potatoes; they’re a flavor explosion in every bite, and they’re incredibly easy to make thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

While the concept of smashed potatoes isn’t new – variations exist in cuisines worldwide, often as a rustic side dish – the air fryer elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness and convenience. Think of them as a deconstructed, gourmet take on classic roasted potatoes, offering maximum surface area for that coveted crispy texture.

People adore air fryer smashed potatoes for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of crispy edges and creamy insides is a textural dream. Second, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite herbs, spices, and toppings, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the air fryer makes them incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Say goodbye to long roasting times and hello to perfectly cooked potatoes in a fraction of the time. Get ready to make these your new go-to side dish!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes, about 1.5-2 inches in diameter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh chives, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, hot sauce

Boiling the Potatoes

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to boil the potatoes until they’re nice and tender. This is crucial because it ensures they’ll smash easily and have that creamy interior we’re looking for.

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Give your Yukon Gold potatoes a good rinse under cold water. You don’t need to peel them – the skins will get wonderfully crispy in the air fryer. Just make sure to remove any dirt or blemishes.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water – this helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Cook Until Tender: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. You want them to be tender but not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes will be mushy and won’t smash well.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow any excess steam to escape. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer.

Smashing and Seasoning

Now for the fun part – smashing! This is where the magic happens, transforming those humble boiled potatoes into something truly special. And of course, we need to season them up to perfection.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: While the potatoes are cooling slightly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the air fryer is nice and hot when the potatoes go in, which is key for achieving that crispy exterior.
2. Prepare Your Smashing Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Smash the Potatoes: Place the drained potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or even a sturdy spatula, gently press down on each potato until it’s flattened to about 1/2-inch thickness. Be careful not to smash them too thin, or they might fall apart. You want them to be smashed, but still intact.
4. Season the Potatoes: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Drizzle and Season: Brush or drizzle the olive oil mixture evenly over the smashed potatoes, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This is where all the flavor comes from, so don’t be shy!

Air Frying to Crispy Perfection

This is where the air fryer really shines! It’s going to transform those seasoned, smashed potatoes into golden-brown, crispy delights. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!

1. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Carefully transfer the smashed potatoes to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the potatoes won’t crisp up properly.
2. Air Fry: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then flip the potatoes and air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time. You want them to be nice and crispy, but not burnt.
3. Second Drizzle (Optional): For extra crispiness and flavor, you can drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give them an extra boost of golden-brown goodness.
4. Check for Doneness: The potatoes are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender on the inside. You can test them with a fork to make sure they’re cooked through.

Serving and Topping Ideas

The best part? Serving these crispy smashed potatoes! They’re delicious on their own, but even better with your favorite toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic: Sour cream and chopped fresh chives. This is a simple, yet satisfying combination that lets the flavor of the potatoes shine through.
• Cheesy: Shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Who can resist the combination of cheese and bacon? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Spicy: Hot sauce and a dollop of sour cream. If you like a little heat, this is the way to go. The hot sauce adds a kick, while the sour cream cools things down.
• Loaded: Everything! Sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Go all out and create the ultimate loaded smashed potatoes.
• Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli adds a touch of sophistication and complements the crispy potatoes perfectly.
• Pesto: A vibrant pesto sauce brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory caramelized onions add depth and complexity to the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Enjoy as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
• Add them to a salad for a crispy and flavorful element.
• Simply eat them straight out of the air fryer – they’re that good!

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the potatoes from crisping up properly. Work in batches if necessary.
• Use the Right Size Potatoes: Small Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try adding rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Make Ahead: You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.

Storage:

Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven until crispy.

Enjoy your crispy air fryer smashed potatoes! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are truly a game-changer. They deliver that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior that everyone craves, but with significantly less oil and effort than traditional methods. Honestly, once you try making smashed potatoes this way, you might never go back to boiling and baking!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s incredibly simple, quick, and yields unbelievably delicious results. We’re talking about perfectly golden-brown, crispy edges that give way to a melt-in-your-mouth, creamy center. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze. It’s the ideal side dish for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking.

Looking for serving suggestions? These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are fantastic on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. But don’t stop there! Imagine them drizzled with a tangy garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a creamy blue cheese dressing. They’re also amazing topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded potato experience.

For variations, consider experimenting with different herbs and spices. A sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, or oregano before air frying adds a wonderful aromatic touch. You could also try using different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for slightly different textures and flavors. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try smashing the potatoes with a fork instead of a potato masher for a more rustic look and texture. You can even toss them with a little grated Parmesan cheese before air frying for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Another fun variation is to make mini smashed potatoes using baby potatoes. These are perfect as appetizers or party snacks. Simply follow the same recipe, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The beauty of these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes lies in their simplicity and the incredible flavor they deliver with minimal effort.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some potatoes, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to experience potato perfection. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your photos and comments. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you loved, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll enjoy. Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispy, delicious Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes!