Why you should cook air fryer smashed potatoes
These potatoes have a great texture with a soft centre and very crunchy edges. Making smashed potatoes is faster than using a traditional oven. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste with different herbs or spices. It is a reliable side dish that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
How to get air fryer smashed potatoes ready
Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook for about fifteen minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain them well in a colander and let the steam escape for a minute.
Smash the potatoes: Place the boiled potatoes on a clean surface or a tray. Use the bottom of a flat glass or a potato masher to press down on each potato. You want them to be about one centimetre thick so they get crispy. Be careful not to press too hard or the potatoes might break apart completely.
Season the potatoes: Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to coat both sides of each potato with the oil mixture. This ensures that every part of the smashed potatoes becomes seasoned and golden. You can also add other dried herbs if you like more flavour.
Air fry: Place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding them. Cook at two hundred degrees for about fifteen minutes. Turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are even. Serve the potatoes immediately while they are at their maximum crispness.
Good advice for making air fryer smashed potatoes
For the best smashed potatoes, try to choose potatoes that are all roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Make sure the potatoes are dry before you add the oil as excess moisture can stop them from becoming really crunchy. If your is small, you might need to cook them in two batches to avoid overlapping. Overcrowding the basket will lead to soggy potatoes instead of crispy ones.
Letting the boiled potatoes steam dry for a few minutes is a simple trick that helps the texture significantly. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley or parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for extra flavour. If you want a spicier version, add a little paprika or chilli flakes to the oil mixture before brushing.
You can find more inspiration in
air fryer frozen chicken nuggets,
air fryer bagels or
air fryer burger patties.
