What types of potatoes can I use?

Select any that are considered mini or even fingerlings. You want them to be uniform in size for even cooking. Red and Yukon usually come in mini/new size. Just be aware red potatoes often have thinner skin and might not hold together as nicely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can do the first step of cooking the potatoes through ahead of time and then refrigerate. Let come to room temp for about 30 minutes before smashing and proceeding with the recipe.

Do I need to use parchment paper or an air fryer liner to make this recipe?

No, you can just place the potatoes right instead the air fryer basket to cook them.

Can I make smashed potatoes in a regular oven?

Yes! Instead of crisping them in the air fryer, leave them on the baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees F for 18-22 minutes.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound new or mini white, red, or gold potatoes, about 12-15 (ideally, they should be less than 2-inches in diameter)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Wash the potatoes and pat them dry.
Place the potatoes in your air fryer basket to cook them whole. Set the temperature to 400°F for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook your potatoes in an Instant Pot on the trivet with a cup of water for 10 minutes at high pressure with a 5 minute natural release. Or, you can boil the potatoes in water for 15 minutes until they are fork-tender.
After the potatoes are cooked, use tongs to transfer them to a clean sheet pan or large serving plate.
Use the bottom of clean glass or a potato masher to firmly smash the potatoes until they are flattened by about half their original size. I usual give each potato about 2 gentle whacks. Don’t flatten them completely or else they will fall apart.
Pour the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the potatoes and gently toss to combine.
Place the smashed potatoes back inside your air fryer basket and cook for an additional 15-17 minutes at 375°F. The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when they are done cooking. Be careful to not let them burn.
Serve hot, with an optional sprinkling of fresh chives.

Notes

Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Smashed potatoes can be re-heated in the air fryer or the microwave, although they won’t be as crispy as when they are first made.
This recipe can be doubled, but you may need to cook the potatoes in two batches to prevent over-crowding in the air fryer.
Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Dried rosemary would be great. You can also use onion powder or smoked paprika, or whatever seasonings you like on your potatoes.

Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 140
Sugar: 1.3 g
Sodium: 163.7 mg
Fat: 7.1 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 18.2 g
Fiber: 2.8 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg