Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The golden, crispy edges and soft, creamy centers will make your family beg for this better-than-takeout side dish. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Orange Blossom Semolina Pudding with Pistachios and Crispy Za’atar Roasted Chickpeas with Lemon Zest.
Why This Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy golden edges
- Fluffy creamy centers
- Better than takeout
- Easy and quick
What You'll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & 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
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Parsley (optional)
- Chives (optional)
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Shredded cheese
- Optional: Crispy bacon
- Optional: Green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used as well.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Air fryer — Evenly cooks potatoes for perfect crispiness. → See on Amazon
- Potato masher — Easily smash potatoes for even texture. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1.5-inch chunks. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Air fry potatoes: Dry potatoes, toss in olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Smash potatoes: Carefully remove potatoes from the air fryer. Use a potato masher to gently smash each piece, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Crisp potatoes: Return potatoes to the air fryer. Air fry for another 5-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Season and serve: Season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Top with parsley, chives, or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick
- Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crispiness.
- Common mistake and fix: If potatoes stick to the air fryer basket, lightly grease it before cooking.
- Tip: For extra crispiness, lightly spray or drizzle potatoes with oil before the final crisping step.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & 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 ahead of time, but crispiness will decrease over time.
Freezing Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with minced garlic before air frying.
- Best substitution: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be air-fried ahead of time, but crispiness will decrease over time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crisping, increase cooking time or lightly spray/drizzle with oil before the final crisping step.
Want to level up this recipe?
Air fryer — Saves time and calories compared to deep-frying. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Parsley (optional)
- Chives (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1.5-inch chunks. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Air fry potatoes: Dry potatoes, toss in olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Smash potatoes: Carefully remove potatoes from the air fryer. Use a potato masher to gently smash each piece, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Crisp potatoes: Return potatoes to the air fryer. Air fry for another 5-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Season and serve: Season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Top with parsley, chives, or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with minced garlic before air frying.
- Best substitution: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- Make-ahead: Potatoes can be air-fried ahead of time, but crispiness will decrease over time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If potatoes are not crisping, increase cooking time or lightly spray/drizzle with oil before the final crisping step.
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 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Potatoes can be air-fried ahead of time, but crispiness will decrease over time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & Quick FAQs
Yes, but the crispiness will decrease over time. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Ensure potatoes are dry before cooking and increase cooking time or lightly spray/drizzle with oil before the final crisping step.
No, frozen potatoes will not crisp up properly in the air fryer.
Toss potatoes with oil, salt, and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite stew.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – Easy & 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!
