This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes have a perfect crisp on the outside and are soft and fluffy on the inside. You are going to love making this recipe, because you only need a handful of ingredients, and the air fryer makes them in less than 15 minutes.
The beauty of these air fryer smashed potatoes is they are so versatile and can be made ahead of time as a side dish for a weeknight meal or a midday snack when you’re on the go. But they can also easily be your breakfast potatoes for a busy weekend morning.
I love making smashed potatoes when I need a delicious bite size appetizer dish for game day, a potluck or when I have company over for a BBQ. These potatoes are an easy dish to make and will be popular at any gathering.
For more easy side dishes, try these air fryer Red Robin steak fries, air fryer scallops, air fryer Babybel cheese, or these air fryer armadillo eggs.
Ingredients Needed
- baby gold potatoes-the main ingredients of the recipes, these baby potatoes are perfect for smashing.
- virgin olive oil- helps the potatoes soften while also helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes.
- kosher salt- adds extra flavor to the potatoes and enhances the other seasonings.
- garlic powder- adds a unique garlic flavor to the potatoes without overpowering the other spices.
- ground black pepper- adds just a touch of warmth to the flavor of the potatoes.
Optional for additional flavor: Lipton onion dip packet, spiced olive oil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegan butter, oil spice mix, fresh garlic, chili powder, garlic salt or your special spice mix.
How to Make Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, boil potatoes until they start to become soft, for about 10 minutes. Drain the water and then place the potatoes on a baking sheet or cutting board.
Step 2: Use the bottom of a glass or lid to gently apply pressure, smashing the potatoes flat into thin discs.
Step 3: Drizzle or brush both sides of potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with the seasonings. Place the smashed potatoes back into the air fryer basket, in a single layer and return basket to air fryer. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Air fry at 380 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Use a spatula to flip potatoes at least once during the cooking process. Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve while hot.
Optional dipping sauces: ranch dressing, sour cream and chives, hot sauce, garlic butter or blue cheese dressing.
Optional toppings: Top smashed potatoes with parmesan cheese, ranch dip, fresh or dry herbs, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley for garnish, favorite spices, marinara sauce or green onions.
I make this recipe in my Cosori air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may vary.
Tips
- Use Small Potatoes: Use small potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and become creamy inside when cooked.
- Boil First: Lightly boil or steam the potatoes until they’re fork tender before smashing.
- Gently Smash: Use a flat surface like the bottom of a cup or a potato masher. Press gently to smash them, or they may become like mashed potatoes.
Variations
- Parmesan Potatoes: For a fun cheese flavor, toss smashed potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese after air frying.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch: Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cooked crumbled bacon after air frying. Drizzle with ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Loaded Smashed Potatoes: After air frying, top with a small dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon for a loaded baked potato twist.
FAQ’S
Store leftovers in an airtight container, for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Because potatoes are so versatile, you can use Yukon gold potatoes, golden baby potatoes, red skinned potatoes and purple potatoes. For larger potatoes like a russet potato you will want to cut them in 3-4 horizontal slices to make the discs. Additional 3-5 minutes of cook time may be needed due to the difference in size.
This perfect side dish goes well with air fryer steak, chicken breast, salmon or lamb chops. For variety, serve with a tasty seasoning mix to make them into a fun afterschool snack for the kids.
More Air Fryer Appetizers
Appetizers
Air Fryer Hot Pockets
Dinner
Air Fryer Meatballs
Appetizers
Reheating Wings in the Air Fryer
Frozen Foods
Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
We Would Love to Hear From YOU! Let Us Know What You Think! Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. It lets us know how we are doing and lets others know they should try it!
Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your photos! We love to see your creations.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, boil potatoes until they start to become soft, about 10 minutes. Drain water and place potatoes on baking sheet or cutting board.
- Use the bottom of a glass or lid to gently apply pressure, smashing the potatoes flat into thin discs, about 1/4 inch in thickness.
- Next drizzle or spray both sides with olive oil and seasonings. Then, place smashed potatoes back into the air fryer basket, in a single layer and return basket to air fryer.
- Air fry at 380 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Use a spatula to flip potatoes at least once during the cooking process. Remove potatoes from air fryer and serve while hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
