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Home » Meal » Sides

Published: Sep 5, 2022 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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Pinterest Pin showing Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes coated in rosemary lemon chili vinaigrette.
Pinterest pin showing air fryer smashed potatoes with a rosemary, chili, lemon vinaigrette.

These crispy smashed potatoes eliminate the need to boil and fry your potatoes by completing both of those steps in the air fryer. Crispy, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, these air fryer smashed potatoes are a versatile side for any meal.

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Smashed air fryer potatoes are shown dressed in lemon, rosemary, chili vinaigrette on a black plate with a green linen and a bunch of dill.
Jump to:
  • What You'll Need
  • How to Make
  • Variations
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • How to Store
  • How to Make a Meal
  • Recipes You'll Love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

This recipe features an optional savory, citrusy, and spicy vinaigrette with lemon, rosemary, and chilis. You'll also see instructions for a more traditional crispy smashed potato with just olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Try these potatoes with eggs and bacon, a piece of simply prepared chicken or fish, with grilled meats, salads, burgers, wraps, and more!

Overhead shot showing labeled ingredients: potatoes, salt, pepper, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, lemon, and fresno chili.

What You'll Need

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  • Baby Potatoes I recommend yellow potatoes. They have a creamy texture and hold together well when pressed.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil here is nice if you can. However, this will be great with whatever you have on hand.
  • Kosher Salt I always recommend using kosher salt in recipes. It is harder to oversalt as it's less concentrated than table salt and coats the food better. If you use table salt or sea salt, be sure to use less than the recipe recommends.
  • Black Pepper I like using 3 cranks of black pepper from a pepper mill.

Optional Vinaigrette

  • Fresh Garlic If you don't have fresh garlic, I would try a bit of fresh shallot in its place. A small amount of garlic powder is an option, but the vinaigrette will not be as fresh and lively.
  • Fresh Rosemary You can also try oregano, thyme, or an Italian seasoning mix. If using dried herbs, use half of the recommended amount in the recipe.
  • Lemon Juice I prefer the taste of fresh lemon juice, but if you can't find lemons, try bottled lemon juice.
  • Fresno Chilis You can generally find these in the produce aisle. If you can't find them, try substituting with Calabrian chilis, which you can find online here.
  • Other Fresh Herbs These are optional, but a great fresh addition. I like to use basil, parsley, or dill.

How to Make

Step One: Add the washed and dried potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, until the potatoes are cooked through and are easily pierced with a paring knife.

Raw baby potatoes are shown in an air fryer basket.
Roasted baby yellow potatoes are shown in the base of an air fryer basket.

Step Two Remove the potatoes and let cool for a minute or two on a cutting board. Use a sturdy, flat-bottomed object such as a mug or a spatula to press the potatoes into somewhat flattened disks.

Cooked smashed potatoes sit on a white cutting board.

Step Three Evenly coat with olive oil. I like to use an olive oil sprayer, but you can also brush with olive oil.

Smashed potatoes coated in olive oil and shown in an air fryer basket.

Step Four Return to the air fryer in an approximately even layer and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until crisp.

Step Five Optional but recommended: Add the thinly sliced chili, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper to a small bowl or glass jar and whisk or shake to combine.

Mixed rosemary, chili, and lemon vinaigrette is shown in a glass jar on a white marble counter.

Once the potatoes are finished, brush or toss in a bowl with the vinaigrette and top with fresh herbs. Serve right away.

Closeup of finished air fryer smashed potatoes on a black plate.

Variations

Traditional In place of the vinaigrette, just dress the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Dried Herbs You can use dried herbs in place of the fresh rosemary called for in the recipe. Try starting with ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme and add more if needed. I do not recommend dried rosemary, as the texture can be a bit pokey.

Fresh Herbs You can add fresh herbs to the final dish like parsley, basil, or dill. It will add lightness, freshness, and a depth of flavor that I love.

Cheese Try sprinkling the potatoes with a crumbled, salty cheese like goat cheese or feta for some added savoriness and creaminess.

FAQ

What is a smashed potato?

A smashed potato is one that, traditionally, is boiled, flattened into a disk, then fried in a pan or baked with olive oil. This recipe eliminates the need to boil or fry by completing all of those steps in the air fryer.

Can I use a different potato?

You can use the mixed baby potato blends with red, purple, and yellow potatoes. Check early to ensure all of the potatoes are cooking evenly and do not burn.

Can I freeze smashed potatoes?

I do not recommend freezing smashed potatoes. The best part is their lovely crisp exterior, so I recommend serving right away when possible.

How do I reheat these?

To reheat, place in some olive oil over medium heat on the stove. I recommend storing the potatoes and vinaigrette separately, then dressing once the potatoes are warmed and crisped.

Alternately you can just pop these in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. They will lose their texture, but still be delicious.

What can I use if I can't find Fresno chilis?

Try using jarred hot cherry peppers, Calabrian chilis, or thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers.

Expert Tips

  • For evenly cooked and crisped potatoes, try to ensure your potatoes are as close as possible to an even layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fryers can vary in size and temperature, just like ovens. Be sure to check the potatoes several minutes before the provided cook time to ensure they are cooking evenly and not getting too dark.
  • Be careful when handling the hot potatoes out of the air fryer. Use tongs or an oven mitt to transfer the potatoes in and out of the fryer to avoid injury.

How to Store

These potatoes are best right out of the air fryer when they are hot and crispy, but they are delicious as leftovers, too. You can store them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days safely.

Be sure to cool the potatoes and move to the fridge within 2 hours.

How to Make a Meal

These air fryer smashed potatoes can be served as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some ideas for using them:

Chicken Dinner Serve these potatoes alongside an Italian Chicken Cutlet with a simple green salad. Don’t eat meat? Try these delicious vegan drumsticks.

Breakfast Try potatoes with scrambled or poached eggs and bacon, sausage, or toast. Or try adding to an English breakfast with these Air Fryer Tomatoes.

Steak and Potatoes Grill up some Carne Asada and serve alongside these potatoes for a hearty steak and potato meal.

Fish and "Chips" Replace the traditional chips in a fish and chips meal with these potatoes and some keto tartar sauce.

Grain Bowl Try them in place of rice on this Grain Bowl with Goat Cheese and Greens.

Sandwich These smashed potatoes are amazing served with a variety of sandwiches, like this Blackstone Chicken Philly Cheesesteak.

They are also great as a snack!

Recipes You'll Love

Here are some other fantastic potato recipes to try:

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Calabrian Potatoes

Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Lebanese Potatoes

📖 Recipe

Smashed air fryer potatoes are shown dressed in lemon, rosemary, chili vinaigrette on a black plate with a green linen and a bunch of dill.

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These crispy air fryer smashed potatoes eliminate the need to boil and fry your potatoes by using the air fryer. Crispy, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, these potatoes are a versatile side for any meal!
5 from 38 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer, Easy Recipe, Easy Side, Quick
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 213kcal
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Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Microplane (Optional)

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 1.5 pounds yellow potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Vinaigrette

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic small, grated on a Microplane or finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice from about 1 small lemon
  • ½ to 1 Fresno chili sliced thinly, or 3 teaspoons chopped hot cherry or Calabrian peppers
  • ½ teaspoon rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt see note 1 below
  • black pepper fresh, to taste

Instructions

Potatoes

  • Add the washed and dried potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. The potatoes are ready when they are cooked through and easily pierced with a paring knife.
  • Remove the potatoes and let cool for a minute or two on a cutting board. Use a sturdy, flat-bottomed object such as a mug or a spatula to press the potatoes into somewhat flattened disks.
  • Evenly coat with olive oil. I like to use an olive oil sprayer, but you can also brush with olive oil.
  • Return to the air fryer in an approximately even layer and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through cook time.
  • If you are not using the vinaigrette, coat with a bit for olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Optional Vinaigrette

  • Add the thinly sliced chili, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to a small bowl or glass jar and whisk or shake to combine. Once the potatoes are finished, brush or toss in a bowl with the vinaigrette.
  • Top with fresh herbs if using and serve.

Notes

  1. If using table salt or sea salt in place of kosher salt, lower the amount of salt in the vinaigrette. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if needed.
  2. Calories are for the potatoes with vinaigrette. Without they are approximately 130 calories per serving. 
  3. If you are not using the vinaigrette and your potatoes seem dry, add a bit more olive oil.
  4. You can use the mixed baby potato blends with red, purple, and yellow potatoes in place of just yellow potatoes. Check early to ensure all of the potatoes are cooking evenly and do not burn.
  5. You can store them in the fridge for 2 to 3 days safely. Be sure to cool the potatoes and move to the fridge within 2 hours.
  6. I do not recommend freezing smashed potatoes. The best part is their lovely crisp exterior, so I recommend serving right away.
  7. To reheat from the fridge, place in some olive oil over medium heat on the stove. I recommend storing the potatoes and vinaigrette separately, then dressing once the potatoes are warmed and crisped.
  8. You can also can just pop these in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. They will lose their crisp, but still be delicious.
  9. Try using jarred hot cherry peppers, Calabrian chilis, or very thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers.
  10. For evenly cooked and crisped potatoes, try to ensure your potatoes are as close as possible to an even layer in the air fryer basket. You can work in batches if you have a very small air fryer.
  11. Air fryers can vary in size and temperature. Be sure to check the potatoes several minutes before the given cook time to ensure they are cooking evenly and not burning.
  12. Be careful when handling the hot potatoes out of the air fryer. Use tongs or an oven mitt to transfer the potatoes in and out of the fryer to avoid injury.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shilpa says

    September 06, 2022 at 5:59 am

    5 stars
    These smashed are so so good. Perfectly crispy yet soft inside. We loved it.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 06, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      I’m so happy you enjoyed them! Thank you, Shilpa!

      Reply
  2. Rosanna Stevens says

    September 06, 2022 at 8:15 am

    5 stars
    Loved these smashed potatoes! Thank you for the recipe we will definitely make them again

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 06, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks Rosanna!

      Reply
  3. Glenda says

    September 06, 2022 at 9:28 am

    5 stars
    You had me at smashed potato. But, this air fryer shortcut is genius! They turned out just as crispy as I hoped. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 06, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      I’m glad they turned out nice and crispy for you - thanks Glenda!

      Reply
  4. Mandy Applegate says

    September 06, 2022 at 5:20 pm

    5 stars
    I will never make smashed potatoes in anything but my air fryer now - perfect recipe!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 07, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks Mandy! I am so happy you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  5. Kim says

    September 06, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    I love smashed potatoes so I was excited to see an air fryer recipe! These turned out amazing and it was so simple. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 07, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      Thank you Kim! I'm so glad you liked them.

      Reply
  6. Shelby says

    September 06, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    Smashed potatoes make the perfect side dish! These came out crispy on the outside which made them even better!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 07, 2022 at 5:48 pm

      I'm glad they came out nice and crispy for you. Thanks Shelby!

      Reply
  7. Allyssa says

    September 09, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    5 stars
    This tasted so amazing! Thanks a lot for sharing this super easy to make recipe! Fam really loves it! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
  8. Scarlet says

    September 10, 2022 at 3:54 pm

    5 stars
    The air fryer works so great for smashed potatoes. I don't know why I never thought of it before. It makes the edges nice and crispy.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      September 19, 2022 at 3:13 am

      We love those crispy edges. Thanks Scarlet!

      Reply
  9. Glenda says

    November 10, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    Love! Love!! Love!!! These crispy smashed potatoes were a huge hit. The fact that I can make them easily in the air fryer makes them even better.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      November 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      Thank you so so much, Glenda! I'm so happy your family enjoyed them.

      Reply
  10. MacKenzie says

    November 10, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    These turned out perfect! My family loved them. Keeping this recipe and enjoying next week.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      November 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      Yay! Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Relle says

    November 10, 2022 at 9:30 pm

    5 stars
    I love my air fryer. Can't wait to try this.

    Reply
  12. Lisa says

    November 11, 2022 at 8:02 am

    5 stars
    These were so crisp and delicious... and super EASY to make! My husband has already made a request to serve them again.

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      November 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      That's wonderful! Thanks Lisa.

      Reply
  13. Kris says

    November 11, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    These were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Will make again!!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      November 16, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      So glad to hear it. Thanks, Kris!

      Reply
  14. Jere Cassidy says

    November 14, 2022 at 10:47 am

    5 stars
    No air fryer yet so I popped them in the oven. These potatoes are so YUM!

    Reply
    • Genevieve says

      November 16, 2022 at 5:20 pm

      Perfect! I'm so glad these worked out for you, Jere.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a certified professional cook, lifelong recipe creator, writer, editor, and food lover. I use my culinary knowledge to teach you how to utilize your ingredients and equipment to their fullest potential, turning ordinary meals into something exciting with bold, fresh, innovative ideas and flavors.

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