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crushed potatoes on a white plate garnished with parsley.
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5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Discover this ultimate recipe for Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes! They are crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside and make a perfect side dish or snack. Ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: British, International
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 153kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 450 g (1lb) baby potatoes chop any bigger potatoes in half
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Thoroughly wash the baby potatoes and if using the air fryer method to pre-cook the potatoes, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

To Pre Cook The Potatoes By Boiling On Hob

  • Place the potatoes in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender but still firm.
  • Drain the potatoes, pat them dry with kitchen towel and let them cool for a few minutes.

To Pre Cook The Potatoes Using The Air Fryer

  • Add the potatoes in a single layer to the air fryer basket and cook for around 15-20 minutes until you can easily pierce the potato with a fork.

Preparing The Seasoning

  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Add the pre-cooked potatoes to the bowl and mix well, ensuring that all the potatoes are coated in the oily seasoning.

Cooking The Smashed Potatoes In The Air Fryer

  • Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Use the bottom of a mug to gently flatten each potato until it is about ½ inch thick.
  • Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, giving the basket a shake or turning the potatoes every 5 minutes. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy golden brown exterior.
  • Once the potatoes are crisp and golden, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking The Smashed Potatoes In The Oven

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200˚C / 400˚F.
  • Place the pre-cooked potatoes in a single layer on a non-stick baking tray.
  • Using the bottom of a mug, gently flatten each potato until it is about ½ inch thick.
  • Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until the potatoes have turned a golden brown colour. Flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serve immediately.

Notes

Top Tips
  • Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. This allows the air to circulate which helps the food cook evenly and to crisp on the outside. You can always cook the potatoes in two batches if needed.
  • Choose the Right Potatoes: Baby potatoes or small-sized potatoes work best for smashing and air frying. Their smaller size ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all around.
  • Use the bottom of a mug or small bowl to squash the potatoes. 
  • Dry Thoroughly: If you choose to pre-boil the potatoes, make sure to pat them dry with a kitchen towel after draining. Getting rid of excess moisture helps to achieve that crispy exterior.
  • Shake the air fryer basket a few times while cooking. This helps to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and lets the air circulate so you get that delicious crispy finish on the outside of the potato.
  • Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. I find fresh garlic tends to burn in the air fryer.
  • This recipe has been tested using an Instant Pot Vortex Plus Clear Cook air fryer and the specified temperatures and timings are specifically tailored for this model. It is important to note that various air fryer brands may cook differently, so it is advisable to regularly check the food's cooking progress to ensure the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
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