The Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a crispy and flavorful side dish that’s both gluten- and dairy-free. These potatoes are par-boiled for tenderness, smashed for a rustic texture, and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. With just a handful of simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, this recipe is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or as a snack, these potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried options.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Potatoes:
  • 2 lbs. red potatoes (medium size)
  • 4 cups water
• For the Olive Oil Mixture:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 rosemary sprig, chopped
  • 1 tbsp parsley flakes

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Wash the potatoes and place them in the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water. Boil the potatoes for 6 minutes to par-boil them. Alternatively, boil them on the stove for 8-10 minutes until tender but not fully cooked.
2. Smash the Potatoes:
   • Remove the potatoes from the pot and let them cool slightly. Using a spatula, fork, or potato masher, gently press each potato to flatten without breaking it apart.
3. Season the Potatoes:
   • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the smashed potatoes.
4. Cook in the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer, cooking them in batches if needed. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer. Add toppings like sour cream, grated Parmesan, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, assuming 6 servings)

• Calories: 154
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 194mg
• Potassium: 36mg
• Vitamin C: 48mg
• Iron: 7mg

Why Smashed Potatoes are a Crowd Favorite

Smashed potatoes have become a popular choice for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. They offer the perfect balance of textures—crispy exteriors and creamy interiors—while being highly customizable. The process of smashing the potatoes creates more surface area, which allows for better caramelization and crisping during cooking. This results in a side dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing with its golden, textured surface.

Additionally, these potatoes are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making them an inclusive dish that can accommodate various dietary preferences.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Achieving perfectly crispy smashed potatoes requires attention to a few key details:

1. Par-Boiling for Tenderness: Par-boiling the potatoes softens them just enough to be smashed without falling apart, ensuring they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Smashing Technique: Gently pressing the potatoes with a fork or masher increases the surface area for maximum crispiness while maintaining the integrity of the potato.
3. Seasoning with Olive Oil Mixture: A blend of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and parsley enhances the flavor and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
4. Air Frying at High Heat: Cooking at 400°F ensures the potatoes develop a golden, crispy crust while the interior remains soft and fluffy.

By following these steps, you’ll create smashed potatoes that are both flavorful and perfectly textured.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for This Recipe

The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying without compromising on taste or texture. For smashed potatoes, the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air crisps the potatoes evenly, creating a golden crust that rivals deep-fried versions. Here’s why the air fryer is ideal for this recipe:

1. Healthier Cooking: The air fryer uses significantly less oil, reducing calories and fat content while still delivering the crispiness we love.
2. Even Cooking: The air fryer’s consistent heat ensures that every potato cooks evenly, eliminating the risk of undercooked or soggy spots.
3. Quick and Convenient: With a shorter cooking time and minimal preheating required, the air fryer makes this recipe perfect for busy schedules.
4. Easy Cleanup: The non-stick surface of most air fryers makes cleanup a breeze, especially compared to traditional frying methods.

Flavor Profile: The Perfect Blend of Simple Ingredients

The beauty of Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes lies in their simplicity. A few carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor:

1. Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
2. Garlic: Infuses the dish with a bold, savory aroma and flavor.
3. Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and parsley bring an earthy, fragrant quality that complements the potatoes perfectly.
4. Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes without overpowering the dish.

This blend of ingredients ensures that each bite is flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying.

Customizing Your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences or the occasion:

• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, cheddar, or crumbled feta over the potatoes during the last few minutes of air frying for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the olive oil mixture for a hint of heat.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate freshly grated lemon zest into the seasoning for a bright, citrusy note.
• Toppings Galore: Top the potatoes with sour cream, crispy bacon bits, chives, or caramelized onions for a loaded version.

These variations make it easy to adapt the recipe to fit any meal or flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to inspire your menu:

1. With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
2. With Soups and Stews: Pair with creamy soups or hearty stews for a comforting dinner.
3. As an Appetizer: Offer them as a snack or appetizer at gatherings, accompanied by dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo.
4. As a Breakfast Side: Include them in a breakfast spread with eggs, bacon, and toast for a crispy, savory addition.

No matter how you serve them, these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

While indulgent in flavor, this dish also offers several nutritional benefits:

• Rich in Potassium: Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.
• High in Vitamin C: With a significant amount of vitamin C, these potatoes contribute to immune health and collagen production.
• Lower in Fat: Compared to deep-fried alternatives, these potatoes are lower in fat, thanks to the air fryer’s minimal oil requirements.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Naturally free of gluten and dairy, this recipe is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

These benefits make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes a guilt-free indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

To ensure your potatoes turn out crispy and flavorful every time, follow these tips:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Small red potatoes or baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and thin skins.
2. Don’t Skip the Par-Boiling: Par-boiling softens the potatoes just enough to smash them easily without falling apart.
3. Space Them Out: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer to allow for even cooking and crisping.
4. Flip Halfway Through: Turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
5. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the potatoes hot and fresh from the air fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and healthfulness. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and satisfyingly crispy, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, these potatoes are guaranteed to impress.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Side Dish

The Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients elevated to perfection. Their crispy edges, tender interiors, and flavorful seasoning make them a standout addition to any table. Easy to prepare, adaptable, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Whether you’re serving them with a weeknight dinner, at a holiday gathering, or as a snack during a cozy evening, these smashed potatoes deliver on all fronts. Give them a try and discover the joy of crispy, golden perfection made effortlessly in your air fryer!