Best Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Smashed potatoes in the air fryer will quickly become your new favorite potato recipe. It’s an easy recipe that needs a few simple ingredients and produces potatoes that are super crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, These crispy air fryer smashed potatoes make a great appetizer, delicious side dish, or even a yummy breakfast side.

Look no further because I have your new favorite side dish right here. These crispy smashed potatoes in the air fryer are every bit as good as they sound. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in the most flavorful melted butter mixture. Skip the french fries and make these instead!

This easy recipe is not only easy and delicious, but also super versatile! You can serve them with a dipping sauce as an appetizer, pair with a roast or burger for dinner, or even put them on the side of scrambled eggs and bacon.

There’s only a few simple steps and less than 30 minutes standing between you and this incredible recipe. So go ahead and get cooking because I can almost promise this will be a new favorite that the whole family is going to LOVE.

WHAT ARE SMASHED POTATOES?

They’re pretty much exactly what they sound like! Small potatoes that have been par-cooked, smashed down to produce rough, jagged edges, then brushed with melted butter or oil, seasoned, and finished in a hot oven (or air fryer in this case) to get them nice and crisp! It’s an easy recipe that needs a few basic ingredients and makes a great side dish that the whole family loves.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER SMASHED POTATOES

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Cup, potato masher, or fork
• Mixing bowls

Ingredients:

• Potatoes: I used Yukon gold baby potatoes because they get a crispy skin, but the inside stays fluffy
• Butter: I recommend using a high quality butter for these for the best flavor.
• Spices: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika

HOW TO MAKE SMASHED POTATOES IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Clean and dry your potatoes and place them into your air fryer basket
2. Cook at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until they’re fork tender
3. Dump them out onto a baking sheet and smash potatoes down with the bottom of a cup
4. Once they’re all smashed, melt your butter in a small pot on the stove and stir in seasonings. Brush the top of the potatoes with the seasoned melted butter
5. When they’re all coated in the butter mixture, place potatoes back into your air fryer basket in a single layer
6. Cook at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy
7. Use a flat spatula to take them out of the basket, serve, and enjoy!

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

Potatoes: Any kind of small potatoes will work. You can use baby red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or my favorite- Yukon gold

Butter: Vegan butter, olive oil, or avocado oil all will work and are great dairy free options

Spices: Use 2 cloves of fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons fresh herbs instead

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Toppings:

• Bacon bits
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Sour cream

Dipping Sauces:

Serving these with a dipping sauce makes for a delicious appetizer

• Buffalo sauce
• Avocado ranch
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Lemon garlic tahini sauce
• Spicy mayo

Main dishes:

This air fryer smashed potatoes recipe also makes for a perfect side dish

• Air fryer pork loin roast
• Air fryer chicken leg quarters
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Gluten free meatloaf

TIPS TO GET CRISPY SMASHED POTATOES IN THE AIR FRYER

• Don’t overcook the potatoes initially, you want them just to be fork tender
• Use the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a fork to smash them down
• Don’t melt the butter until the potatoes are done cooking
• Use a pastry brush to brush the seasoned butter on
• Line the bottom of your air fryer with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up
• Cooking time will vary based on the size of the potatoes
• Serve immediately, the longer they sit the more they’ll lose that crispiness

STORING AND REHEATING

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

To reheat, spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray and cook at 380 degrees F for 4-5 minutes to crisp the tops back up.

FAQs

Can I boil the potatoes instead?

Yes, you can boil potatoes instead of the 15 minute initial air fry. I just do that so there are less dishes

What kind of butter is the best?

For these, I LOVE to use a high quality butter like Vermont Creamery or Kerrygold. However, and butter your grocery store carries will work! Additionally, you can use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy free option

What is the best air fryer to use?

I love using my Cosori 5.8, and I can fit an entire pound of smashed potatoes in it!

MORE POTATO RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE

• Air fryer sweet potato fries
• Cajun potato salad
• Roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
• Air fryer potato skins
• Crispy air fryer baby potatoes with bacon

Did you make my crispy smashed potatoes in the air fryer? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy air fryer recipes.

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