A super simple, crispy air fryer smashed potatoes recipe that you can make entirely in the air fryer with just six ingredients. So easy, you can make them from scratch in under 30 minutes!
I absolutely love crushed potatoes. By now, you probably know that I’ve shared two smashed baby potato recipes (masala smashed potatoes and oven-baked garlic smashed potatoes) already!
The recipe is really simple. Just cook, smash, season, and air fry the potatoes to golden perfection. Easy, isn’t it? Because we cook it twice, we also like to call them twice-roasted potatoes!
Jump to:
- 💛Why You'll Love Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
- 👩🏻🍳 Sandhya's Top Tips and Tricks
- 📋Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- 🔪How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?
- No Air Fryer? No Problem! Oven Method
- 🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Make Ahead Smashed potatoes for Holidays
- 🧂Storing Leftovers
- ❓Recipe FAQ's
- More Easy Vegetarian Air Fryer Potato Recipes
- Air fryer Smashed Potatoes (Easy & Crispy!)
💛Why You'll Love Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
- Budget-Friendly and Simple Ingredients: You only need potatoes, spices and oil!
- Ready in Just 30 Minutes
- Dietary Restrictions: These smashed potatoes are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets.
- Kid-friendly activity: They love smashing the potatoes and brushing them with seasoning. Safe to cook with adult supervision.
👩🏻🍳 Sandhya's Top Tips and Tricks
- Use Baby Potatoes: For the best results, go with mini or medium-sized potatoes. If you’re using larger ones, quarter them to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s enough space in the air fryer basket for the potatoes to crisp up. No need to flip them. Do in batches if needed.
- Brush the Seasoning Twice: For extra flavor, toss the potatoes in the seasoning mixture first, then brush any remaining seasoning into the crevices after smashing. It really enhances the taste!
- Check Roasting Time Every 5 Minutes: I’ve made these in three different air fryers—Philips, Instant Vortex VersaZone 8.5L, and Vortex 6-in-1 5.7L. From my experience, the cooking time varies, so be sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-roasting.
- Want extra crispy potatoes? Add one teaspoon of rice flour or chickpea flour to make the crispiest smashed potatoes ever.
📋Ingredients
- Potatoes: Choose small potatoes like baby or mini potatoes for bite-sized appetizers. If you’re using medium potatoes, go for Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. In the UK, I love using Rooster potatoes. They make delicious smashed potatoes in the oven too!
- Oil: I usually use olive oil or sunflower oil.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
- Spices: I use Kashmiri chili powder for a little spice and color. You can also add turmeric for a golden hue, or for a milder version, use paprika.
- Garlic: I’d go with two cloves of fresh garlic or substitute with one teaspoon of garlic powder. Use whatever you have on hand.
Substitutions and Variations
- Adjust the spices and flavors to your liking. For an Indian twist, try my masala smashed potatoes recipe.
- Want extra crispy potatoes? Add one teaspoon of rice flour or chickpea flour to make the crispiest smashed potatoes ever.
- Feeling cheesy? Try our rosemary and feta cheese smashed potatoes.
- Change up the flavor profile by adding Cajun spice, Chipotle seasoning, or Taco seasoning.
🔪How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?
Step 1: Precook the Potatoes
Scrub and wash the potatoes, then pop them into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 392°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
Tip: There is no need to boil or pressure cook like I do for my garlic mashed potatoes! For these smashed potatoes, we’re keeping it simple by cooking them directly in the air fryer, similar to my air fryer roast potatoes.
Step 2: Season
In a bowl, whisk together oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic. You want to make sure everything is smooth, with no lumps.
We’ll toss the potatoes in this mixture first, then brush more on after smashing. This guarantees every crispy bite is full of flavor!
Step 3: Smash the potatoes
Transfer to a chopping board. Using a fork or the back of a small bowl(like I do), gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still in one piece.
Tip: The pressure should be gentle, not too much. Just enough so you see some of the potato inside showing through the crispy skin—this is what makes them so irresistible!
Step 4: Transfer to air fryer basket.
Brush the remaining seasoning into the crushed potatoes. The spice mixture should go into the crevices.
Transfer to the air fryer basket, without overlapping each other.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Air fry at 392°F (200°C) for another 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to a serving dish ,drizzle lemon juice, garnish with herbs and serve with a creamy dipping sauce.
No Air Fryer? No Problem! Oven Method
- Parboil the potatoes until fork-tender, drain, and toss in the seasoning.
- Smash them slightly on a baking tray, drizzle with any leftover seasoning, and bake at 392°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs—or enjoy them straight from the oven—they’re that good!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- I love pairing smashed potatoes with my favorite dipping sauces like a cucumber raita or sour cream and chives dip
- For an Indian Fakeaway night, I like to pair with yellow split peas dal, brinjal bhaji, naan bread, crispy onion bhaji, kachumber salad and onion raita.
Make Ahead Smashed potatoes for Holidays
After roasting and smashing the potatoes, cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready, brush again with seasoning and air fry 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. This time-saving trick always works on holiday days. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
🧂Storing Leftovers
- In the fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer and air fry at 350°F(175°C) for 4-5 minutes or until crispy.
- In the freezer: For longer storage, store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or defrost in the microwave. Then air fry for 4-5 minutes or until crispy.
❓Recipe FAQ's
No, you don't have to boil the potatoes. Instead, simply place the mini potatoes in the air fryer and roast at 392°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
To freeze, place the cooled smashed potatoes on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Easy Vegetarian Air Fryer Potato Recipes
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 450 g mini potatoes 1 lb
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt or as needed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Serving (Optional)
- ½ Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Coriander leaves
Instructions
- Place mini potatoes in the air fryer basket and roast at 200 C for 15 minutes or until fork tender.450 g mini potatoes
- In a mixing bowl, prepare a seasoning mix with oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the roasted potatoes to the bowl and toss them together.2 tablespoon olive oil, ½- 1 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Use a fork or a small bowl to smash or crush the potatoes, keeping them in one piece.450 g mini potatoes
- Brush the remaining seasoning mixture into the crevices of the smashed potatoes.
- Transfer the smashed potatoes into the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C for 10 - 12 minutes or until crispy.450 g mini potatoes
- Once ready, transfer the potatoes to a serving platter, drizzle lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves.½ Lemon Juice, 2 tablespoon Fresh Coriander leaves
Notes
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smashed Potatoes
- Use Baby Potatoes: For the best results, go with mini or medium-sized potatoes. If you’re using larger ones, quarter them to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s enough space in the air fryer basket for the potatoes to crisp up. You don’t need to flip them, but give them space to move around. If you have more potatoes to cook, do them in batches for the best crunch.
- Brush the Seasoning Twice: For extra flavor, toss the potatoes in the seasoning mixture first, then brush any remaining seasoning into the crevices after smashing. It really enhances the taste!
- Cooking Time Varies: The cooking time depends on several factors, including the size of your potatoes and the model and size of your air fryer. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.
- Check Roasting Time Every 5 Minutes: I’ve make these in three different air fryers—Philips, Instant Vortex VersaZone 8.5L, and Vortex 6-in-1 5.7L. From my experience, the cooking time varies, so be sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-roasting.
Ned says
So freaking much yummy going on here! I can't wait to make it again! Thank you for an awesome recipe!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
So glad Ned! Smashed potatoes in the air fryer are simply the best. Super delicious..
Sara Welch says
Another great recipe for my air fryer! These turned out perfectly tender and moist with the perfect amount of crispiness! Easily, the best way to enjoy potatoes!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Absolutely. Smashed potatoes are a unique and easy way to enjoy crispy potatoes. Its always a winner with family.
Angela says
Oh my goodness, this is so good! My new favorite way to make smashed potatoes. Thanks for the great recipe!
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Always happy to help. Ever since I have started making smashed potatoes, it has been on the menu a couple of times a month. We vary the flavours to suit the occasion.
Diana Reis says
I love the way the skin crisps up. The air fryer does a great job of crisping the edges.
Mimi says
Wow, what a great recipe! I love smashed potatoes!
Liz says
These potatoes were so good! I loved how fast they cooked in the air fryer! I'll definitely make them again.
Janessa says
These turned out so crispy! I'll definitely make them again.
Tara says
Oooh, these potatoes look absolutely amazing. I love how easily they come together in the air fryer.