Air fryer smashed potatoes
Air fryer smashed potatoes are just plain delicious. Boil them, smash them, and let the air fryer do the rest; it really could not be easier to pull off. With garlic butter melting into the cracks and a golden cheese topping to finish, they work just as well as a snack as they do as a side for juicy meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
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600 g
Small new potatoes, cooked
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25 g
Butter
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1
Garlic clove, crushed
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Flaked salt
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About 75 g
Cheddar
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Give the cooked potatoes about 5 minutes to cool before smashing. This is enough time for the surface moisture to evaporate, so they are less sticky and easier to handle. It also firms up the flesh and stops it from crumbling, while still keeping the inside creamy and the edges ready to crisp up in the air fryer. Also, it allows the potatoes to soak up more of the garlic butter and cheese.
Adding cheese midway through air frying gives you the best texture and flavour without the risk of burning. Once the potatoes are almost crisp, add the cheese so it melts evenly and turns golden and bubbly. This way, it stays gooey enough to cling to the potatoes and complements their crispy edges. For this recipe, air fry the potatoes first, then add the grated Cheddar and Maasdam after 10–12 minutes, and finish cooking for another 3–6 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
You can cook the potatoes in advance and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to smash and air fry. Starting with cold, cooked potatoes actually makes them easier to press down, and it saves time when you want a quick side dish.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer smashed potatoes
We know air fryer smashed potatoes can raise a few questions – be it about the best potatoes for the job or the right way to smash them. That is why we have compiled all the answers for you below.
What kind of potatoes are best for air-frying smashed potatoes?
Small, waxy varieties like new potatoes, baby gold potatoes, or Yukon Golds are best for air-frying smashed potatoes. These types have a creamy inside and keep their shape well, even after flattening them. Their small size ensures that they cook simultaneously and have plenty of crispy surface area crucial for that golden, crunchy finish.
Do I need to boil the potatoes before air frying them?
Yes, you need to boil the potatoes before air frying them. It makes them tender enough to smash, which is important for getting that classic smashed potato texture. Normally, you would boil them in salted water until they are fork-tender, but you can also pre-cook them in the air fryer or microwave.
How do I smash the potatoes without breaking them apart?
To smash potatoes without breaking them apart, make sure they are fork-tender but not overly soft after boiling. Let them cool a bit so they firm up. Then, place the potatoes on baking paper in your air fryer basket to avoid sticking. Use the flat bottom of a glass or cup to gently press each one. Apply steady, gentle pressure until the potato is flattened to about 1–1½ cm. Stop if you feel resistance or see the skin start to split. Be careful pressing too hard, as it can break them apart.
How long do smashed potatoes take in the air fryer?
Smashed potatoes take about 15–18 minutes in the air fryer at 185 °C. Arrange them in a single layer so the hot air can circulate evenly. This gives you crisp, golden edges while keeping the centres soft and fluffy. Note that the cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them towards the end. In fact, start checking them at 12 minutes to make sure the cheese does not brown too quickly.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
943 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 7.8 gram fibers |
| Protein | 12.9 | 29.9 gram |
| Fat | 45.4 | 48.4 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 41.7 | 96.9 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Easy cheesy air fryer smashed potatoes
Put your air fryer to the test with these cheesy smashed potatoes. All you need are five everyday ingredients, and you can get started. First, you boil the potatoes, then you smash them. What comes out of the air fryer are fluffy little gems with crispy edges and a gooey cheese topping.
Smashed potatoes have become quite the food trend in recent years. They take the best parts of boiled and roasted potatoes and combine them into one addictive side dish. And while the oven version can take a while, the air fryer speeds things up without sacrificing taste or texture. Our crispy air fryer smashed potatoes may well be one of the best potato side dishes you will ever make.
Flavoured with garlic butter
Sometimes, simple flavours work the best. Melted butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt are all you need to take these potatoes from good to great. Melting the butter first allows the garlic to release its flavour and infuse the butter with a rich, aromatic taste. Brush it over the smashed potatoes, and it seeps right into all those cracks and creases, seasoning every bit.
It is also very convenient, as butter, garlic, and salt are things most of us already have at home. So even if you do not feel like going all out, you can stick to the basics and still end up with a seriously tasty side.
Crispy cheese topping
Cheese makes everything better, even when it comes to smashed potatoes. Sure, you could leave it out, but why would you? We like to use a mix of Cheddar and Maasdam. Cheddar gives that bold, tangy flavour and familiar melt, while Maasdam adds a sweet, nutty note and a lovely stretch.
They give the potatoes a gooey, slightly crispy finish. Of course, you can use other cheeses, such as mozzarella. It melts like a dream and is very mild in flavour. Gruyère and blue cheese are also great options if you like a stronger cheese flavour.
Savour with your favourite recipes
You can happily snack on these air fryer smashed potatoes just as they are, maybe with a spoonful of pesto. But they also deserve a few delicious companions. Pair them with ajuicy grilled ribeye steak, roasted chicken, or even air fryer roast lamb for dinner. Or serve them with poached eggs or crispy air fryer bacon for brunch.
They are also great alongside other dishes. Try them with air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus, a crisp potato salad from the air fryer, or simply your favourite dips like sour cream, garlic mayo, or spicy ketchup. A side this tasty really does go with just about everything.
Adjust the recipe to your liking
There is no single right way to make air fryer smashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chilli flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat, or stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also drizzle a bit of truffle oil just before serving to elevate the dish to gourmet levels.
Toppings are another place to get creative. Crispy bacon or a dollop of sour cream and chives all work beautifully. For a Mediterranean-inspired taste, top with crumbled white cheese and a sprinkle of oregano. Or go all out with a Tex-Mex version by adding jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream. The possibilities are endless, so you can try all sorts of combinations.
