Let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: air fryer smashed potatoes! These little gems are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and they come together in no time. I love how the air fryer makes them perfectly golden without all the fuss of traditional frying. Plus, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, which means they’re super easy to whip up on a weeknight or even for a special occasion. Trust me, once you try these crispy delights, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for that perfect crisp
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, because garlic makes everything better
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, adds a nice depth of flavor
- Salt to taste, don’t be shy!
- Black pepper to taste, for a little kick
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional), like parsley or chives, to make it pop
How to Prepare Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Making these air fryer smashed potatoes is a breeze, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your kitchen! Let’s dive into the steps together, shall we?
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
First things first, you’ll want to boil those baby potatoes. Just pop them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart! Oh, and make sure all your potatoes are roughly the same size so they cook evenly—trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Once they’re boiled, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a minute—don’t want to burn your fingers! Now, grab a fork or a flat surface, and gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but not completely mushy. You want some texture here! Over-smashing can lead to a gooey mess, and we don’t want that!
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your smashed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to be generous with the seasoning, but feel free to adjust according to your taste! Give them a good mix until every potato is coated in that flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Air Frying
Now comes the fun part! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket—this helps them get that perfect crispy exterior. Air fry them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Nutritional Information
These air fryer smashed potatoes are not only delicious, but they also have a pretty decent nutritional profile! Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So, you can enjoy these crispy little bites without too much guilt! They’re perfect for a side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Crispy and golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside—pure potato perfection!
- Only a handful of ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Super customizable with your favorite seasonings or toppings.
- Perfect side dish for any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
- Made in the air fryer, so you can skip the extra oil and mess from traditional frying.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers—just reheat for that crispy texture!
- Kid-friendly and a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Tips for Success
Getting those air fryer smashed potatoes just right is all about a few simple tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure you nail this recipe every time:
- Uniform Size: Make sure your baby potatoes are about the same size. This way, they’ll all cook evenly, and you won’t end up with some mushy and some undercooked. It really does make a difference!
- Don’t Over-Steam: When boiling, keep an eye on those potatoes! You want them fork-tender but not falling apart. If you boil them too long, they’ll become mushy and won’t hold up during smashing.
- Smashing Technique: Use a fork or the bottom of a cup to gently smash the potatoes. You want to flatten them slightly, but they should still have some texture. This gives them the perfect crispy edges and fluffy centers!
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! The olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder should coat every potato. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. If you love spice, a dash of paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick!
- Single Layer in Air Fryer: When placing the potatoes in the air fryer, make sure they’re in a single layer. This ensures they get that beautiful golden brown crust all over. If your air fryer is small, you might need to do this in batches.
- Flip Halfway: Remember to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking! This helps them cook evenly and achieve that crunchy texture on both sides. You’ll thank me when you take that first crispy bite!
- Experiment: Feel free to get creative! Try different seasonings or toppings, like grated cheese, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The possibilities are endless, and you can make this dish your own!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the crispiest, most delicious air fryer smashed potatoes ever! Enjoy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve them with! They’re incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Grilled Chicken: The juicy, smoky flavors of grilled chicken are a perfect match for these crispy potatoes. Toss on some fresh herbs for a delightful meal!
- Steak: Whether it’s a juicy ribeye or a tender filet mignon, air fryer smashed potatoes make a fantastic side that can soak up all those meaty juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, serve these potatoes alongside a colorful medley of roasted veggies. The crunch of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the caramelized sweetness of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
- Salmon: Crispy smashed potatoes and flaky salmon create a lovely balance of textures and flavors. Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over both for a fresh touch!
- Salads: Add a side salad with your favorite greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the potatoes perfectly.
- BBQ Ribs: If you’re in the mood for something smoky and hearty, serve these potatoes alongside some BBQ ribs. The combination is nothing short of heavenly!
- Dips: For a fun twist, serve your smashed potatoes with dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy salsa. It’s a great way to enjoy them as a snack or appetizer!
These serving suggestions will elevate your meal to the next level! Trust me, once you experience the delightful crunch of these air fryer smashed potatoes with your favorite dishes, you’ll be hooked! Enjoy your cooking adventures!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of these delicious air fryer smashed potatoes, and now you’re wondering how to store those crispy leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! To keep them fresh and tasty, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tight to keep them from drying out!
When it comes to reheating, you’ll want to bring back that delightful crunch. I recommend popping them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive their crispy texture without making them soggy. You could also use the oven if you don’t have an air fryer handy—just spread them out on a baking sheet and heat for a similar time. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to turn crispy potatoes into sad, mushy bites.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your air fryer smashed potatoes just as much the next day as you did fresh out of the fryer. Happy snacking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love baby potatoes for their size and flavor, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the potato type and size.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake these smashed potatoes in the oven. Just spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can boil the potatoes in advance, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to smash and fry, just take them out, smash, season, and air fry!
How can I make these smashed potatoes spicy?
If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the seasoning mix. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over them before serving for an extra kick!
What’s the best way to get them extra crispy?
For that ultimate crunch, make sure you smash the potatoes just enough to break the skin, but not too much that they become mushy. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; giving them space helps with airflow and crispiness!
Can I freeze air fryer smashed potatoes?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can freeze them after cooking. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. To reheat, cook from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again.
Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes! These air fryer smashed potatoes are naturally gluten-free, so they’re perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet. You can enjoy them worry-free!
What can I do if my potatoes are too dry?
If you find your potatoes dry after cooking, don’t worry! Just drizzle a little extra olive oil over them before serving, or pair them with a creamy dip like ranch or garlic aioli to add moisture and flavor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: 7 Crunchy Delights Await
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are a delightful side dish.
Zutaten
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Anweisungen
- Boil the baby potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Using a fork or a flat surface, gently smash each potato.
- In a bowl, toss the smashed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure potatoes are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Air Frying
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 300mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 26g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish
