No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with these crispy, golden smashed potatoes – they are fun yet sophisticated. Cook them in your air fryer for a quick and easy side dish.
Smashed potatoes are the perfect crispy potato side dish. They’re fun and easy to make (no need to boil them first), and they have all the crispy, fluffy delicious potatoiness (that’s a word, right?) that you get with fries, but also a little bit fancy.
For some more popular air fryer potato recipes, check out air fryer roast potatoes, air fryer baked potatoes, and air fryer baby potatoes. Or check out all my recipes for air fryer potatoes.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card, or read on for all the details!
Ingredients notes
Potatoes
This recipe is made with whole baby potatoes. Any small type of potato will work for this recipe, though a starchy roasting variety like gold potatoes will give you the best results. Some good varieties to try are baby russet or golden baby potatoes. Choose ones that are around the size of a golf ball.
Oil
The recipe below uses light olive oil for this recipe, but you can use any cooking oil that you usually use in your air fryer. Use an oil spritz to reduce the oil needed for a calorie-light version, or add extra oil if you want to get them really crispy.
Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of your air fryer smoking.
How to make smashed potatoes in the air fryer
1
Cook until tender
Wash and dry the potatoes. Then, place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F/ 180°C for 12-15 minutes. They should be fork tender – stick a fork in the largest one to check. Larger potatoes may need longer, so air fry for an additional couple of minutes if needed.
Time-saving tip: you can microwave the potatoes for 5 -10 minutes instead of air frying if you are short on time.
2
Smash the potatoes.
Now the fun bit! Transfer potatoes to a plate or large bowl. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to squash the potatoes. You want them to split so that they are flattened, exposing the fluffy inside, so don’t smash them so hard that the completely fall apart.
Then, drizzle the smashed potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to coat.
3
Single layer in the air fryer.
Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try to leave space between them so the hot air can get the potato edges really crispy. You may need to use a layer accessory or cook them in batches.
4
Air fry smashed potatoes.
Cook the smashed potatoes in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time, or quickly flip with tongs to ensure they cook evenly.
The exact cooking time depends on a few factors, so air fry for an extra few minutes if required.
Serving ideas
- Top with garlic butter and fresh chives
- Drizzle with truffle oil and shaved Parmesan
- Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and green onions
- Top with caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese
Storing and reheating
Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, and use within 3 days.
You can reheat the potatoes in the air fryer, air fry for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Double air-fried smashed potatoes are insanely crispy and more delicious than the first time you cooked them!
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lb baby potatoes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons light olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F/ 180°C. Wash and dry potatoes. Place them in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Air fry for an additional couple of minutes if needed.
- Transfer potatoes to a plate or large bowl. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to squash the potatoes [Note 1].
- Mix the oil and seasoning in a small jug, then drizzle the mixture over the potatoes. Gently turn the potatoes to ensure they are fully coated in oil.
- Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket so that they are not touching [Note 2].
- Air fry smashed potatoes for 10-15 minutes. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through the cooking time. They are done when the potatoes are golden brown with crispy edges [Note 3].
Notes
- You want them to split so that they are flattened and the fluffy insides are exposed, but not to completely smash them so that they totally fall apart.
- You need to leave space between them so the hot air can get the potato edges really crispy. You may need to use a layer accessory or cook them in batches.
- Exact cook time depends on a few factors, so air fry for an extra few minutes if required.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
Very good recipe thanks! This is my new favorite way to cook potatos.