Smashed Potatoes In Air Fryer

If you are looking for potatoes recipes, these smashed potatoes made in the air fryer are delicious, crispy, a great appetizer or party food, and a perfect side dish for your meals. They are very easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time as well.

These vegan smashed potatoes require very few basic ingredients and you can adapt them to use spices of your choice. They are a big hit in my family and the kids just love them. The best part is it takes very less effort and prep time to make this crowd-pleaser recipe.

Ingredients

Air fryer smashed potatoes are made using mini potatoes. I have used golden baby potatoes but red skin ones or other medleys will work fine as well.

For seasoning, some olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder are all you need to give it a great flavor. Optionally if you have herbs growing, you can also add some fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary instead of dried Italian seasoning.

Some black pepper or red chili powder, red pepper flakes, or paprika can be sprinkled as well if you like a hint of spiciness.

Since this is a dairy-free recipe, I have used olive oil, but if you like a buttery taste you can use butter or even vegan butter and if you like it cheesy you can sprinkle some cheese as well! They are absolutely versatile and taste great.

Instructions

Making smashed potatoes in the air fryer is a three-step process. The first step is to boil the potatoes, then smash them with a glass or a bowl, and finally, air fry them after coating a layer of seasoning on top of them.

Potatoes can be cooked in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a pressure cooker. I have pressure-cooked them for 10 minutes in the 6 qt. instant pot by pouring one cup of water into the liner and placing the potatoes inside the liner in a steamer basket.

Once the potatoes are cooked, smash them with the help of a bowl or glass. In a small bowl make a seasoning mix of olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. With the help of a basting brush, coat the top of the smashed potatoes with the seasoning.

Place them in an air fryer preheated at 390° F and air fry them for about 10 minutes. They will be crispy from the top and have a nice golden brown color. They should be fork-tender and that is a sign of doneness.

Smashed potatoes take about 10 minutes in the air fryer to be perfectly golden and crispy. However, the time may vary a little depending on the size of the potatoes, and your air fryer.

Variations

I have used olive oil to make this recipe vegan, but if you like a buttery taste you can use butter or even vegan butter and if you like it cheesy you can sprinkle some cheese as well! They are absolutely versatile and taste great.

Serving suggestions

Smashed potatoes are great as is or served with a dipping sauce like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard. It can be served as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish. It goes well as a side with many dishes like pasta, mac and cheese, pizza, soups, grilled cheese, and more.

Equipment

I have made these smashed potatoes in the 4 qt. Instant Vortex Plus air fryer. The baby potatoes are first cooked in the 6 qt. Instant Pot using a steamer basket.

A basting brush comes in very handy to spread the seasoning on the smashed baby potatoes.

Storage

Smashed potatoes are absolutely delicious and they will be gone in a matter of minutes once out of the air fryer. You may also like air fryer potato skins.. However, if you have any leftovers you can store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Before storing them, allow them to cool down completely and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge.

If you are planning to make a bigger batch of these crispy smashed potatoes for a party or an event, you can plan ahead of time by cooking and smashing the potatoes. There is no need to apply any seasoning. Just place them on a tray or a baking sheet and cover them with a food wrap.

They can be stored this way for about 2 days. On the day you want to roast them, simply apply the seasoning and air fry them. You can also bake them in the oven at 400° F for about 10-12 minutes.

If you have any leftover smashed potatoes stored in the fridge, you can reheat them in the microwave or in the air fryer at 350° F for 2-3 minutes. They will be crispy and delicious.