• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Salt & Spoon logo
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Christmas
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Baking
    • How To
    • Substitutions
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • A grey bowl full of Cowboy Caviar with tortilla chips.
      Zesty Southwest Cowboy Caviar (No-Cook Party Dip)
    • Tuna noodle casserole on a fork.
      Creamy, Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
    • A forkful of easy cheesy chicken tater tot casserole.
      Easy Cheesy Loaded Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    • Homemade copycat KFC famous bowl topped with cheddar cheese and green onions.
      Copycat KFC Famous Bowl
    • Overhead of a slice of lemon blueberry cheesecake.
      Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
    • Red velvet bundt cake with cream cheese frosting served on a white cake stand.
      Red Velvet Bundt Cake
    • Philly cheesesteak sliders with melty provolone cheese on a wooden board.
      Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
    • Strawberry pop tart baked oats served on a white plate.
      Strawberry Pop Tart Baked Oats
    • Chicken and chorizo pasta with a wooden spoon in a stainless steel pan.
      Chicken And Chorizo Pasta
    • A scoop of chicken pot pie with biscuits being lifted out of a cast iron pan.
      Chicken Pot Pie With Biscuits
    • A slice of marbled chocolate orange cheesecake on a white plate with a fork.
      Marble Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
    • Guinness shepherd's pie on a grey plate with a can of Guinness in the background.
      Shepherd’s Pie With Guinness
    Home » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Published: Aug 29, 2022 · Modified: Sep 3, 2022 by Jenna

    14 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Air fryer smashed potatoes are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish. Simply wash your potatoes, boil until soft, then toss them in the air fryer with a little olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings. Enjoy!

    A close-up shot of air fryer smashed potatoes on parchment paper.
    Jump to Recipe

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a commission on purchases and/or clicks (at no extra cost to you). Please read our full disclosure here.

    Air fryer smashed potatoes are a delicious and easy way to make a healthier version of the classic dish. Traditional smashed potatoes are deep-fried, but air fryer smashed potatoes are cooked in a fraction of the oil. This not only saves calories, but it also helps to preserve the nutrients in the potatoes.

    To make air fryer smashed potatoes, start by parboiling the potatoes until they are just tender. Then, smash them with a fork or potato masher and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Next, place them in the air fryer and cook them at a high temperature until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

    Contents hide
    1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    2 What You’ll Need To Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
    3 Step-By-Step Instructions
    4 Recipe Tips And Tricks
    5 Serving Suggestions And Substitutions
    6 How To Store Leftovers
    7 Frequently Asked Questions
    8 Tools And Equipment For This Recipe
    9 More Recipes You Might Like
    10 📖 Recipe
    11 Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    Move over, french fries! There's a new way to enjoy potatoes, and it's in the form of air fryer smashed potatoes. This delicious and healthy recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family. Here are just a few reasons why:

    • The air fryer gives the potatoes a crisp exterior while keeping the inside nice and fluffy.
    • You can customize the flavor of your smashed potatoes by adding different herbs and spices.
    • This recipe is much healthier than deep-fried potatoes because it uses considerably less oil.

    So what are you waiting for? Give this air fryer smashed potatoes recipe a try today!

    What You’ll Need To Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Ingredients for air fryer smashed potatoes.
    • Baby potatoes: Look for small, uniform potatoes for this recipe. If you can't find baby potatoes, you can use regular Yukon gold or Russet potatoes. I like to use baby Dutch yellow potatoes for this recipe.
    • Garlic: I like to add fresh garlic to my air fryer smashed potatoes for an extra boost of flavor. However, you can use garlic powder or omit it completely if you prefer.
    • Onion powder: This is another optional ingredient, but I find that it really enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
    • Dried parsley: This is my favorite dried herb to use in this recipe, but you can also use dried thyme or rosemary.
    • Dried basil: This is a great herb to use if you want to give your potatoes an Italian flavor. It pairs well with the dried parsley.
    • Avocado oil: You'll need just a little bit of oil to coat the potatoes before cooking. This helps to create a crispy exterior. I prefer to use avocado oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, but you can also use olive oil, canola oil, or any other kind of cooking oil that you prefer.
    • Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Follow these simple steps to make air fryer smashed potatoes:

    Step 1: Start by parboiling the potatoes. This softens the potatoes so that you will be able to smash them before adding them to the air fryer to crisp up. You'll want to boil your potatoes until you can pierce them easily with a fork - about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.

    Step 2: While the potatoes are boiling, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Potatoes and water in a blue Le Creuset saucepan.
    Potatoes in a white metal colander.

    Step 3: When the potatoes are tender, drain them and use a potato masher or a fork to squash them to roughly ¼ inch thickness.

    Step 4: Next, mix together the oil, crushed garlic, onion powder parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

    Smashed potatoes with a potato masher on a wooden board.
    Seasoning and oil mix in a small glass bowl with a whisk.

    Step 5: Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket and brush them with the oil mixture. Make sure that each potato is coated with oil and that you don't overfill the basket. It's best to cook these potatoes in batches so that they're not crowded in the air fryer. This will ensure you get lovely crispy potatoes.

    Step 6: Cook the potatoes for 8-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket and transfer to a plate. Cook the remaining potatoes in batches.

    Smashed potatoes brushed with oil and seasoning mix on a wooden board.
    Smashed potatoes in an air fryer basket.

    Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. I love to serve mine with a simple garlic aioli or sour cream and chives. Enjoy!

    Recipe Tips And Tricks

    Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best air fryer smashed potatoes ever:

    • Parboiling the potatoes before smashing and frying them helps to ensure that they'll be nice and fluffy on the inside.
    • Be sure to brush the potatoes with oil before cooking so that they'll be crispy on the outside.
    • If you want to add even more flavor to your potatoes, try sprinkling them with some grated Parmesan cheese before air frying.
    • If you want to make ahead of time, you can parboil the potatoes and then refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. Just be sure to brush them with oil before cooking so that they'll be crispy.
    • Make sure that you don't overcrowd your potatoes in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent them from getting crispy. If you want to make a larger batch, you can cook the potatoes in batches and then keep them warm in a 200-degree oven until they're all cooked.
    Air fryer smashed potatoes on parchment with a plate of potatoes in the background.

    Serving Suggestions And Substitutions

    Here are a few ideas for serving air fryer smashed potatoes:

    • As an appetizer with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, sour cream and chives, or ranch dressing.
    • As a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or pork.
    • As a main dish topped with grilled vegetables, shredded cheese, and a fried egg.
    • As a snack on their own!

    When it comes to substitutions, there are plenty of ways that you can change up this recipe to suit your needs. Here are a few ideas:

    • Feel free to use any kind of potato that you like. I prefer small Dutch yellow potatoes because they're nice and creamy, but you could also use red potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or even sweet potatoes.
    • If you don't have any dried herbs on hand, you can use fresh herbs instead. Just double the amount that the recipe calls for.
    • If you don't have any avocado oil on hand, you can use olive, canola oil, or any other kind of cooking oil instead of the avocado oil.
    • If you don't have an air fryer, you can also make these potatoes in the oven. Just preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes until they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
    Air fryer smashed potatoes on parchment with one potato on a spatula.

    How To Store Leftovers

    Leftover air fryer smashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or the oven until they're nice and hot. Enjoy!

    I don't recommend freezing smashed potatoes as they tend to get a bit mushy when they're thawed. If you do want to freeze them, I recommend cooking them first and then freezing them. When you're ready to eat them, just reheat them in the air fryer or oven until they're hot and crispy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What's the difference between mashed potatoes and smashed potatoes?

    A: The main difference is in the preparation and end product. Mashed potatoes are usually smooth and creamy while smashed potatoes are usually lumpier and have a more rustic and crispy texture.

    Q: Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

    A: You can parboil the potatoes and then refrigerate them until you're ready to cook in the air fryer. Just be sure to brush them with oil before cooking so that they'll be crispy.

    Q: Can I make these potatoes without an air fryer?

    A: You can also make these potatoes in the oven. Just parboil the potatoes as directed above, then preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes until they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

    Q: How long will these potatoes last in the fridge?

    A: Leftover air fryer smashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or the oven until they're nice and hot. Enjoy!

    Air fryer smashed potatoes on parchment paper on a wooden board.

    Tools And Equipment For This Recipe

    GoWISE USA 7-Quart Electric Air Fryer With Dehydrator: This is a great budget-friendly air fryer. It’s large enough to cook a decent-sized batch of smashed potatoes.

    Glass Mixing Bowls: These glass mixing bowls are super versatile. You can use them for mixing, storing, and serving. In this recipe, they can be used for mixing the oil, garlic, and herb mixture before brushing it onto the potatoes.

    Le Creuset Saucepan: This is my go-to pan for cooking small-batch recipes over the stove. It heats evenly and the enameled surface is easy to clean. It's great for boiling the potatoes before air frying them.

    More Recipes You Might Like

    Air Fryer Potatoes And Carrots
    These air fryer potatoes and carrots are a healthy and delicious side dish! The potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the carrots are perfectly cooked. This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Plus, it's a great way to get your veggies in!
    Check out this recipe
    Air fryer potatoes and carrots on a white platter with parsley.
    Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
    These air fryer butternut squash fries are the perfect healthy snack! They're made with just a few simple ingredients and come together in just minutes. The end result is a delicious, crispy fry that's packed with nutrients. Plus, they're a great way to get your daily dose of veggies!
    Check out this recipe
    An overhead shot of air fryer butternut squash fries on a marble background with a form, parsley, and a green napkin.
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
    This teriyaki salmon air fryer recipe is healthy and delicious! The salmon is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Plus, it's healthy and packed with protein!
    Check out this recipe
    Teriyaki salmon air fryer on a white plate with broccoli and rice.

    📖 Recipe

    Air fryer smashed potatoes on a serving board with one potato on a spatula.

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Author: Jenna
    Air fryer smashed potatoes are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish. Simply wash your potatoes, boil until soft, then toss them in the air fryer with a little olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings. Enjoy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 155 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound baby potatoes
    • 4 cloves garlic crushed
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon avocado oil

    Instructions
     

    • Start by parboiling the potatoes. You'll want to boil your potatoes until you can pierce them easily with a fork - about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
    • While the potatoes are boiling, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • When the potatoes are tender, drain them and use a potato masher or a fork to squash them to roughly ¼ inch thickness.
    • Next, mix together the oil, crushed garlic, onion powder parsley, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
    • Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket and brush them with the oil mixture. Make sure that each potato is coated with oil and that you don't overfill the basket.
    • Cook the potatoes for 8-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket and transfer to a plate. Cook the remaining potatoes in batches.
    • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 496mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

    * Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary based on brands of ingredients used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Bacon and cheese phyllo cups on a wooden board with green onions.
      Bacon And Cheese Phyllo Cups
    • Air fryer diced potatoes in a white bowl with a spatula in the background.
      Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
    • A stack of air fryer toasted cheese sandwiches on a wooden board with more sandwiches on a platter in the background.
      Air Fryer Toasted Sandwich
    • Sticky tofu topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
      Easy Sticky Tofu

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jenna!

    Welcome to my kitchen! I’m a self-taught cook, recipe developer, and food photographer with a passion for creating easy and tasty food for everyday life. My goal is to make cooking simple, delicious, and accessible for everyone.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Candy coated grapes dipped in crushed hard candy served in a white bowl.
      TikTok Candied Grapes (Jolly Rancher Candy Grapes)
    • Two banana bread muffins stacked on top of each other with bananas in the background.
      4 Ingredient Banana Bread Muffins
    • 3 ingredient pineapple dump cake served in a white bowl with a scoop of coconut icecream.
      3 Ingredient Pineapple Dump Cake
    • Air fryer potatoes and carrots on a white platter with parsley.
      Air Fryer Potatoes And Carrots

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Image Use Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Salt & Spoon

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.