Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes: Can You Fry Them?

Air fryers are a great way to make mashed potatoes. They are easy to make, affordable, and delicious. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes, and add ingredients like butter, cream, cheese, and chives to make them creamy and tasty. Air fryer mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal and can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy holidays. They are also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, as you can form them into cakes or patties and air fry them to perfection.

How to make mashed potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Potatoes (e.g. Russet, Yukon Gold, Red)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Olive oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Chives
• Cream (or milk, sour cream, heavy cream, or cream cheese)
• Garlic (optional)

Method

• Prepare the potatoes: Wash your potatoes and lightly coat them with olive oil and salt. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times. You can also wrap the potatoes in foil to prevent the skins from crisping up.
• Air-fry the potatoes: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature to 350-400°F. Air-fry for 20-40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Cool and peel: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool until you can handle them. Peel the skins off, or skip this step if you don't mind the skins.
• Mash the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired amount of butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth, adding more milk or cream as needed. You can also add in chives for flavor and color.
• Serve: Enjoy your fluffy and delicious mashed potatoes!

Tips:

• You can reheat any leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave, oven, air fryer, or stovetop.
• If you want to add more flavor to your mashed potatoes, you can include ingredients like cheese, bacon bits, garlic, or various seasonings.

The best potatoes to use for air fryer mashed potatoes

Air fryer mashed potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. The air fryer helps to create a light and fluffy mash, without the risk of overcooking or waterlogging the potatoes.

When it comes to the best potatoes to use, there are a few varieties that are recommended:

Yukon Gold

Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for mashed potatoes due to their nice balance of starch and creaminess. They have a buttery texture and a sweet flavour, making them ideal for mashing.

Russets

Russet potatoes are another great option for mashed potatoes. They have a high starch content, which contributes to a creamy texture. They are often considered one of the best options for mashed potatoes.

Idaho Russets

Idaho Russets are a specific type of Russet potato that is grown in the state of Idaho in the United States. They are known for their large size and uniform shape, making them a good choice for mashed potatoes.

New Potatoes

New potatoes are young potatoes that have a thin skin and a waxy texture. They are smaller in size and cook more quickly than other types of potatoes, making them a convenient option for air fryer mashed potatoes.

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are small, thin-skinned potatoes that are often used in roasting or boiling. They have a creamy texture and a mild flavour, making them suitable for mashing as well.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes have a thin skin and a waxy texture, similar to new potatoes. They hold their shape well during cooking, but can also be mashed for a more rustic dish.

When choosing potatoes for air fryer mashed potatoes, it is important to consider the size, texture, and starch content. Smaller potatoes, such as new potatoes or baby potatoes, will cook more quickly in the air fryer. Potatoes with a higher starch content, like Russets, will result in a creamier mash. Ultimately, the best potato to choose will depend on your personal preference for texture and flavour.

How to reheat mashed potatoes in an air fryer

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can reheat them in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Ensure your mashed potatoes are not too runny or liquidy. If they are, you can add flour to thicken them. It is best to work with cold mashed potatoes that have been chilled in the fridge.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Most sources recommend preheating for around 5 minutes.

Step 3: Place the Mashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the mashed potatoes in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the potatoes to steam instead of reheat.

Step 4: Reheat the Mashed Potatoes

Reheat the mashed potatoes for 5-10 minutes. Check on them regularly to ensure they do not overcook.

Step 5: Add Extras (Optional)

If your mashed potatoes are looking dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate them. You can also add butter, cheese, chives, or other ingredients to enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Once the mashed potatoes are heated through, they are ready to serve. Enjoy!

How to make air fryer mashed potato cakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or flour of choice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (can substitute with Cheddar cheese or cheese of choice)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or seasoning of choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, scallions, or dill for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream, bacon crumbles, and/or chives for serving (optional)

Method:

• In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, egg, minced garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
• Divide the potato mixture into 8 equal parts and form them into patties, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
• Roll the patties in the Parmesan/breadcrumb mixture to coat them evenly.
• Spray the air fryer basket tray with oil or lightly brush it with oil.
• Carefully place the mashed potato patties into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry at 375°F/190°C for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the patties again with oil once you flip them.
• Let the potato cakes cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, sour cream, bacon crumbles, and/or scallions, if desired.

Tips:

• For the mashed potatoes, it is recommended to use potatoes that are high in starch and low in moisture, such as Idaho potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes.
• If your mashed potatoes are too runny, add extra flour to thicken the mixture.
• It is best to work with cold mashed potatoes that have been chilled in the fridge overnight.
• While boxed mashed potatoes may work, it is preferable to make fresh mashed potatoes from scratch.
• You can store leftover mashed potato cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to regain the crispy texture.

What to serve with air fryer mashed potatoes

Air fryer mashed potatoes are a great side dish to serve at dinners and can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer mashed potatoes:

Steak and Stilton Pie

A steak and stilton pie is a rich and indulgent main course that would pair well with the creamy and fluffy texture of air fryer mashed potatoes. This combination creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a winter dinner or a special occasion.

Salmon in Basil Lemon Sauce

For a lighter option, salmon in a basil lemon sauce is a delicious choice to serve with air fryer mashed potatoes. The freshness of the basil and lemon complements the richness of the potatoes, creating a well-balanced meal. This dish is perfect for a summer dinner or a light lunch.

Red Wine Marinated Steak

Another option for a hearty meal is red wine marinated steak. The robust flavour of the red wine marinade will be enhanced by the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner or a romantic date night.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you're looking for a dish that is both indulgent and convenient, air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a great option to serve with your mashed potatoes. The air fryer method for both the chicken and the potatoes ensures a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavour. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

For a true garlic lover's delight, try serving your air fryer mashed potatoes with roasted garlic. To do this, cut the top off a head of garlic, place it in aluminium foil, and drizzle with olive oil before adding it to the air fryer with your potatoes. The roasted garlic will take your mashed potatoes to the next level, and it's a great option for busy holidays or weeknights as it can be prepared ahead of time.

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