Air-Frying Mashed Potatoes: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook mashed potatoes in an air fryer! It's an easy, affordable, and quick way to make a delicious side dish. The air fryer gives the potatoes a roasted flavour and fluffy texture, and frees up oven space. You can use a variety of potatoes, including Russet, Yukon Gold, and sweet potatoes, and add your preferred seasonings, such as butter, cream, cheese, chives, and salt and pepper. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.

Air fryer vs boiling

Cooking mashed potatoes in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty alternative to boiling. The air fryer gives potatoes a roasted flavour and fluffy texture, without the need for constant attention or the risk of water boiling over. It is also a more energy-efficient method of cooking, as it frees up stove and oven space.

To make mashed potatoes in an air fryer, first, scrub and dry the potatoes. Then, pierce each potato with a fork a few times and wrap them in foil. Some recipes recommend seasoning the potatoes with oil, salt, and garlic before cooking. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20-40 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife or fork.

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the foil and, if desired, the skins. Place the potatoes in a bowl and add butter, milk, cream, salt, and pepper, to taste. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer to pass the whole potatoes through the butter and cream mixture before mashing.

Compared to air frying, boiling potatoes is a more traditional method that can result in gluey or soggy mash if the potatoes are overcooked. Boiling also requires more hands-on attention and can heat up the kitchen, especially in warmer months. However, boiling may be faster for larger potatoes, as air frying is most efficient for small to medium-sized potatoes.

Both methods are simple and affordable, resulting in delicious mashed potatoes that can be easily customised with various seasonings and add-ins. Ultimately, the choice between air frying and boiling comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour and texture of the mashed potatoes.

Potato varieties

Yes, you can cook mashed potatoes in an air fryer. The air fryer gives the potatoes a roasted flavour and makes them light and fluffy.

Now, for the all-important question: which potatoes to use?

The type of potato you choose for your mash can make a big difference in the final texture and taste. Here are some potato varieties to consider:

• Russets: These are high-starch potatoes that can make excellent fluffy and flavourful mash. However, they are more susceptible to turning gummy if overworked. They also absorb water more easily, so be sure to let them dry properly before mashing to avoid a soggy result.
• Yukon Golds: These potatoes are a good middle ground between waxy and starchy. They have a naturally buttery flavour and a dense, creamy consistency. Yukon Golds are less likely to turn watery, grainy, or mushy, making them a popular choice for mash.
• Dutch Cream: As the name suggests, these potatoes are creamy and buttery, making them suitable for mash.
• Australian Toolangi Delight: This purple-skinned potato variety can be used for mashing and frying.
• Desiree: Although slightly waxy, Desiree potatoes are creamy enough to be used for mash.
• Sebago: These white-fleshed, brown-skinned potatoes are good for baking, roasting, mash, and boiling.
• Savanna: These white, oval-shaped potatoes are ideal for boiling.
• Kipfler: These long, yellow potatoes are another good option for boiling.

When choosing potatoes for mash, it is generally recommended to avoid waxy potatoes like peewee, fingerlings, and red potatoes. These varieties tend to hold their shape when boiled, resulting in a less creamy mash.

Seasoning

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose can impact the flavour and texture of your mashed potatoes. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" or "early" potatoes, are recommended for several reasons. Firstly, they cook faster because of their smaller size. Secondly, baby potatoes are naturally more tender and creamy, which means you won't need to add as much milk and butter. However, if you prefer a different variety, you can also use red, russet, or golden potatoes.

Basic Seasonings

Salt and pepper are the most common and basic seasonings used in mashed potatoes. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences. If you want a more intense black pepper flavour, add it towards the end of the cooking process or after mashing the potatoes.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient to enhance the flavour of mashed potatoes. You can use a whole head of garlic, roast it, and then mash it along with the potatoes. Alternatively, use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic or prefer a milder flavour. Roasting garlic will give it a mellower taste.

Dairy Products

Butter, cream, and milk are commonly used to make mashed potatoes creamier and richer. When choosing butter, consider using unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in your dish. However, if you only have salted butter, you can adjust by adding less salt to the potatoes. For an even creamier texture, you can add cream cheese or sour cream. These ingredients will also add a tangy flavour to your mashed potatoes.

Herbs

Chives are often added to mashed potatoes for a pop of colour and a mild oniony flavour. You can also sprinkle chopped chives on top of the mashed potatoes before serving for added freshness. If you're looking for a different herb, green onions can be a great option. They add colour and flavour to the dish.

Creative Seasonings

While the above-mentioned seasonings are traditional, you can also get creative and experiment with different flavours. Some unique seasoning blends that you can try include Everything Bagel Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, and Cajun Seasoning. These seasonings can take your mashed potatoes to the next level and offer a variety of flavour profiles.

Reheating

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can reheat them in an air fryer. To do this, place the mash in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You should stir the potatoes halfway through. If you want to reheat mashed potatoes in the form of potato balls, this will take about 15 minutes in the air fryer.

If you are reheating mashed potatoes on a stovetop, place them in a pot and heat them on low heat. Stir the potatoes during reheating, and add in a little extra milk or cream if needed.

You can also reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or oven.

Sides and toppings

Air fryer mashed potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served with various sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your mash:

Sides

If you're looking for a hearty meal, consider serving your mashed potatoes with a juicy steak or a rack of ribs. For a more casual option, pair them with some crispy fried chicken or a juicy burger. If you're in the mood for something different, why not try making potato cakes, savoury pancakes, or use your mash as a topping for a pie or casserole? You could also serve them as a side dish for holiday meals, freeing up oven space for the rest of your feast. They go well with turkey, pecan pie, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and more.

Toppings

Now, let's talk about toppings! For a classic take, stick to butter, cream, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chopped chives or spring onions for a pop of colour and freshness. If you're feeling indulgent, mix in some cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle on some cheddar, parmesan, or any other cheese of your choice. If you're a fan of garlic, make some garlic mash by roasting a whole head of garlic in foil alongside your potatoes, then squeezing the roasted garlic into your mash. You could also add some crushed garlic to your butter for a garlic butter dressing. For a hint of spice, try a pinch of nutmeg, smoked paprika, or cinnamon. If you're feeling adventurous, why not add some wholegrain mustard, English mustard, pesto, grilled onions, or even bacon bits?

The great thing about mashed potatoes is that they're so versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions