Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The golden, crispy edges and fluffy insides will make your family beg for more. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Green Bean Quinoa Salad with Red Pepper and Feta and Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs.
Why This Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
- Easy and quick – ready in 20 minutes
- Healthier than fried or baked potatoes
- Perfect side dish for any meal
What You'll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Optional: Fresh chives
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Air fryer — Crispy texture without the oil → See on Amazon
- Potato masher — Easily smash potatoes for even texture → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Season: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Smash: Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato piece until flattened but still intact.
- Serve: Transfer smashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook potatoes in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy potatoes, toss them with a little more oil and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes after smashing.
- Pro tip: To make ahead, air fry potatoes without smashing, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before smashing and serving.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Potatoes can be air fried without smashing up to 1 day ahead. Reheat and smash before serving.
Freezing Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Using cold, soaked potatoes helps prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Best substitution: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crisping, increase air fryer temperature to 425°F (220°C) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
Air fryer — Healthier cooking with less oil and no hot mess → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chives
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Season: Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Smash: Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato piece until flattened but still intact.
- Serve: Transfer smashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Using cold, soaked potatoes helps prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Best substitution: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead tips.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crisping, increase air fryer temperature to 425°F (220°C) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be air fried without smashing up to 1 day ahead. Reheat and smash before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0.7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick FAQs
Yes, air fry potatoes without smashing, then reheat and smash before serving.
Ensure potatoes are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and are tossed with enough oil.
Yes, but the air fryer method results in crispier potatoes with less oil.
Try serving with Roasted Green Bean Quinoa Salad with Red Pepper and Feta or Easy Cherry Tomato Salad with Mozzarella and Fresh Herbs.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Easy and Quick and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
