Air-Fried Mashed Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make mashed potatoes, a staple side dish that goes with almost everything. The air fryer method is simple and affordable, and the results are creamy, fluffy, and delicious. You can use any type of potato, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes, and add your favourite ingredients like butter, cream, cheese, or herbs. The air fryer also eliminates the need for peeling and boiling, making it a quick and easy option for a hearty meal.

How to make mashed potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Potatoes (e.g. Russet, Yukon Gold, or Red potatoes)
• Butter (salted or garlic butter)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Chives
• Cream (optional)
• Milk (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Heavy cream (optional)

Method

• Wash and dry your potatoes.
• Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork.
• Place the potatoes on a piece of tin foil in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the foil over the potatoes.
• Air fry at 200°C (around 400°F) for 20-40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
• Remove the potato skins, if desired.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add butter. Mash until smooth.
• Add milk, cream, sour cream, or a combination of these, and continue to mash until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Chop the chives and sprinkle on top.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• You can add various ingredients to your mashed potatoes, such as cheese, bacon, herbs, or garlic, to suit your taste.
• If you want to reheat mashed potatoes in the air fryer, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 200°C for 3-4 minutes.

What type of potato is best for mashed potatoes?

When it comes to mashed potatoes, not all potatoes are created equal. The best type of potato for mashed potatoes depends on the texture you want to achieve.

For fluffy mashed potatoes, high-starch and low-moisture potatoes, like Russets, are recommended. This type of potato falls apart easily, and the starch they release can be easily rinsed off before mixing the potatoes with dairy. Russets also absorb dairy more readily than waxy potatoes, resulting in a lighter, fluffier mash.

On the other hand, if you're aiming for rich and creamy mashed potatoes, waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds are a better option. Yukon gold potatoes have a buttery texture and are not as starchy as Russets. They require more work to break down and release more starch in the process, making them ideal for creating a supple and creamy purée.

Other potato varieties that can be used for mashed potatoes include Idaho Russets, new potatoes, and yellow potatoes.

Can you make mashed potatoes from baked potatoes?

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes from baked potatoes in an air fryer. The process is simple and requires minimal prep.

First, wash and dry your potatoes. Then, wrap them in foil and place them in the air fryer basket. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 20-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. For extra flavour, you can add chives, cheese, garlic, bacon, or herbs.

This method of making mashed potatoes is a great option if you want to avoid the gluey or soggy texture that can sometimes occur when boiling potatoes. It's also a more energy-efficient way to cook mashed potatoes compared to using an oven.

How to make mashed potatoes in an air fryer without foil

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of potatoes (e.g. Yukon Gold, Russet, or baby potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of milk (or cream)
• 2 stalks of fresh chives
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

• Wash your potatoes and dry them thoroughly.
• Prick the potatoes with a fork all over.
• Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place the potatoes directly into the air fryer basket. No foil is needed!
• Air fry at 400°F for 20-40 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. They should be fork-tender when done.
• Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
• If desired, peel off the skins. Place the potatoes in a large bowl.
• Add butter, milk, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can add more ingredients to your mash, such as cream cheese, cheese, garlic, or herbs.
• If you want to reheat mashed potatoes in the air fryer, it will take about 3-4 minutes at 200°C.

How to reheat mashed potatoes in an air fryer

Reheating mashed potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy delicious, fluffy mash. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). It is essential to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and let it run for about 5 minutes before adding the mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Place the desired amount of mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish. If they have been in the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature first. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes to help them regain their creamy texture.

Step 3: Reheat the Mashed Potatoes

Place the dish of mashed potatoes in the preheated air fryer. Reheating should take around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the quantity of mashed potatoes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or dry out.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Once the mashed potatoes are heated through, remove them from the air fryer and give them a good stir. This will help ensure an even consistency and incorporate any added milk or cream. Then, simply serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results:

• For even heating, spread the mashed potatoes in an even layer in the oven-safe dish.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even reheating.
• If you're reheating a large batch of mashed potatoes, consider stirring them halfway through the reheating process.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions