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    Home » Recipes » Sides & Appetizers

    Published: Dec 18, 2021 · Modified: Oct 20, 2022 by Petranka · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A photo of smashed potatoes with text overlay

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are simple and easy to make, with just 5 pantry ingredients! They're crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlic flavor!

    Air fryer smashed potatoes served on a white platter, topped with chopped parsley and sea salt.

    I love both mashed potatoes, and roasted potatoes, but smashed potatoes truly give us the best of both worlds. They turn out super crispy, especially when prepared in the air fryer, yet still remain fluffy inside.

    This recipe makes such a great side dish for any holiday but is also delicious as a part of a weeknight dinner. It's easy to customize with your favorite spices, and is naturally vegan, and gluten-free!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make smashed potatoes in the air fryer
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQ
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Gathered ingredients for making air fryer smashed potatoes.

    How to make smashed potatoes in the air fryer

    Step 1

    Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-high heat for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

    Step 2

    Drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander for 5 minutes, until they are fully dry.

    Step 3

    Add potatoes to a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and seasoning. Gently toss to coat.

    Step 4

    Add potatoes to a plate, and using the bottom of a cup or a jar, smash them, pressing firmly, but gently. They should become flattered but still remain in one piece.

    Step 5

    Preheat the air fryer to 350F (180C). Spray the basket with oil or cooking spray. Using a spatula and carefully transfer the smashed potatoes to the basket in a single layer.

    Step 6

    Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them in the last 5-6 minutes, so they bake on the other side as well. Serve right away!

    Expert Tips

    • Add potatoes to the pot first, then fill it with cold water. This helps them cook evenly. Don't add potatoes to already boiling water!
    • Don't overcook the potatoes. You need to boil them just until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. They should not be falling apart!
    • Let the potatoes drain well after boiling. This ensures your smashed potatoes will be extra crispy!
    • Apply light, but firm pressure. You don't need to completely crush the potatoes, but rather smash them into around ½-inch (1.30cm) thickness.
    • Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each smashed potato, and do not layer them on top of each other.

    FAQ

    What potatoes to use?

    It's best to use small potatoes like red or baby Yukon Gold potatoes. If you're using big potatoes, make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

    Do air fryer smashed potatoes stay crispy?

    Just like any baked potatoes, they also lose their crispiness as they cool. However, they crisp up again after reheating in the air fryer.

    Can smashed potatoes be made ahead?

    You can boil and smash the potatoes a few hours ahead of time, and air fryer them before serving. Leftovers keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge, but they're best enjoyed when fresh and warm.

    What to serve them with?

    We love to drizzle these smashed potatoes with some miso tahini dressing or a generous dollop of this jalapeno cashew sauce. If you're craving something more hearty, pair them with an air fryer beyond burger, or even grilled cheese on the side.

    A white platter filled with air fryer smashed potatoes, topped with chopped parsley.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Roasted Pecans

    Beyond Burger in Air Fryer

    Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings

    Provolone Grilled Cheese with Honey

    And check out these 20 Air Fryer Side Dishes!

    📖 Recipe

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are simple and easy to make, with just 5 pantry ingredients! They're crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlic flavor!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Gluten-free, Vegan
    Keyword: air fryer, garlic potatoes, new potatoes, smashed potatoes
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Petranka
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    Equipment

    • Stovetop
    • Air fryer

    Ingredients

    • 2.20 lbs (1 kg) baby Yukon Gold potatoes* (no need to peel)
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for more garlic flavor)
    • 1 teaspoon + ½ tsp salt, divided
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    Boil

    • Wash potatoes and add to a large pot. Fill with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon salt. Stir. Bring to a boil, and cook over medium-high heat for 20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
    • Drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander for 5 minutes to dry and cool a bit.
    • Transfer them to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Gently toss to coat,
    • Add each potato to a plate and smash with the bottom of a cup or a jar, to about ½-inch (1.6cm) thickness. The thinner, the crispier. Just make sure that the potato stays in one piece and doesn't fall apart completely.

    Air fry

    • Pre-heat air fryer to 350ºF (180ºC). Spray basket with oil or cookie spray.
    • Using a spatula, carefully transfer the smashed potatoes into the basket, placing them in a single layer, and leaving enough space between each one. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for 5-6 minutes more (larger potatoes will need 10 minutes on both sides). Once crispy and golden brown, transfer potatoes to a plate.
    • Repeat with the rest of the potatoes until all are done. Make sure to spoon the minced garlic and oil that are at the bottom of the bowl onto the potatoes!
    • Serve right away! Sprinkle with chopped parsley and flaky salt for more texture (both optional).

    Notes

    Storage
    Fridge: Let potatoes cool to room temperature. Transfer to a container and cover with a lid. Save in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    Freezer: This recipe does not freeze well.
    Reheat
    Air fryer: Pre-heat air fryer to 350F (180C). Spray basket with oil or cooking spray. Add smashed potatoes to the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through.
    Oven: Pre-heat air oven to 350F (180C). Add potatoes to a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
    *You can easily half this recipe if you want to make fewer servings.
    **Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 169kcal

    Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with third-party calculations without including the optional ingredients.

    Tried this recipe?Leave me a rating and a comment telling me how it went. Or tag me at @sunglowkichen and hashtag #sunglowkitchen on Instagram!

    More Sides & Appetizers

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    • Creamy Oyster Mushroom Soup with Thyme
    • Super Crispy Fried Silken Tofu (Vegan)
    • Vegan White Sauce Pizza with Spinach and Artichoke

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia says

      February 09, 2022 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      These may be the best potatoes I have ever made!

      Reply
      • Petranka says

        February 09, 2022 at 9:11 am

        So happy you liked them!

        Reply

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    Sunglow Kitchen is a food blog about delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes. We share easy-to-make and budget-friendly meal ideas that anyone can make at home! Cooking is a BIG passion of mine and I am excited to show you how simple it can be! More about me...

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