Love starches in the air fryer? Try my air fryer baked potato, air fryer baked sweet potato, air fryer French fries, and air fryer sweet potato fries. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as when my plate is loaded with potatoes. Sign me up for sauteéd potatoes or stuffed baked potatoes any time of the day or year… I love ‘em all! But my crispy smashed potatoes are truly something special. Using a handful of ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, humble potatoes are transformed into a crispy, fluffy batch of smashed buds in no time.
Why I love this recipe
Only 4 ingredients! Besides the potatoes, all this recipe calls for are a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Air fried perfection. The circulating dry heat in the air fryer works its magic to crisp the boiled and smashed potatoes to perfection in less time than it typically takes in the oven. Crowd-pleasing snack or side. Like air fryer bagel bites, a platter of butter-brushed smashed potatoes always ‘wows’ my family and friends during dinner parties and game days. Versatile. This perfect side dish is all about simplicity, which gives you plenty of room to put your own spin on it. I’ve included tons of options in my “tips” section below.
Ingredients needed
Potatoes. I used creamer potatoes. Their thin and tender skins, creamy texture, and small size make them perfect for smashing. New potatoes (AKA baby potatoes), fingerling potatoes, red potatoes, and Yukon gold potatoes will all work too. Salt. I find that boiling potatoes in salted water seasons them from the inside out without relying solely on herbs and spices. Don’t skip it! Butter and olive oil. Yes, you need both! Coating the potatoes in a butter AND olive oil mixture not only makes them tastier but also creates a crispy, golden crust. Use vegan butter here to keep this dish dairy-free.
How to make crispy air fryer smashed potatoes
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. “So flavorful and delectable. Will definitely be sharing this recipe!” – Jaycee
Arman’s recipe tips
Don’t over-boil the potatoes. I found that boiling waxy creamer potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes was the sweet spot for fork tender, never mushy results. Dry potatoes = Maximum crispiness. After boiling and draining the water, pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. Dry potatoes will become crispier in the air fryer. Smash with care. I used the bottom of a heavy flat-bottomed cup to flatten the potatoes, but a potato masher will also do the trick. Try to flatten each potato to about ½-inch thick but don’t worry if they’re not perfect. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. In testing, I found that potatoes that were touching or overlapping cooked unevenly and didn’t become crispy. If your air fryer is too small to fit all of the potatoes, cook them in batches instead. Play with the seasonings. After brushing them with oil and butter, change the seasonings to whatever flavor or taste you like. Sprinkle some garlic powder, rosemary, black pepper, or other fresh herbs, or add some lemon juice
Storage instructions
To store: After the leftover smashed potatoes have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. No worries if you don’t own an air fryer! After boiling, smashing, and coating the potatoes in melted butter and olive oil, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the smashed potatoes in a 425°F oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway. For a truly impressive dish, I’ll top the platter of potatoes with a dollop of sour cream, chopped bacon, chives, and grated cheddar cheese. Then I’ll pop them under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Otherwise, I like to serve the crispy potatoes with a platter of dipping sauces. Spicy mayo, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, garlic yogurt sauce, ketchup, and hot honey sauce are all fantastic choices. To reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, and air fry for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy again.
Frequently asked questions
More air fryer recipes to try
Air fryer steak Air fryer chicken parmesan Air fryer stuffed peppers Air fryer crab cakes Air fryer coconut shrimp