Crispy and Delicious Smashed Potatoes in Air fryer

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

  1. 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.
  2. Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until safe to handle.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
See also  Air Fryer Pavlova

Step 4: Serve

  1. Garnish: Remove the crispy smashed potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
  2. 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!’