Smashed potatoes are a delightful and crispy alternative to traditional roasted or mashed potatoes. Cooking them in an air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) baby potatoes (red or yellow)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baby potatoes. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender but still firm.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until safe to handle.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Smash Potatoes: Place each potato on a cutting board and gently press down with the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until it’s about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. You want to flatten them without breaking them apart completely.
Step 3: Season and Air Fry
- Season Potatoes: Brush or drizzle both sides of the smashed potatoes with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Air Fry: Place the seasoned smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the crispy smashed potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer. These potatoes pair well with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
- Potato Size: Choose small baby potatoes for best results. You can also use larger potatoes, cutting them into smaller pieces before boiling.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika for added flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Ensure the potatoes are well-coated with olive oil to achieve a crispy exterior. Flip them carefully during cooking to ensure even browning.
- Serve Immediately: Smashed potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer to retain their crispiness.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Enjoy these crispy and delicious air fryer smashed potatoes as a tasty and versatile side dish for any meal!’