Air-Fried Mashed Potato: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient and tasty way to cook mashed potatoes. The process is simple: first, pierce the potatoes with a fork, wrap them in foil, and place them in the air fryer. Then, cook at 400°F for 25-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a plate, remove the skins (if desired), and use a potato masher or fork to mash them. Finally, add butter, cream, cheese, chives, or other desired ingredients, and mix until combined. The result is a delicious, creamy side dish that can be served with gravy or enjoyed on its own.

What type of potatoes are best?

When it comes to making mashed potatoes in an air fryer, there are several types of potatoes that can be used, each offering a slightly different result. Here are some of the best options:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, which contributes to a creamy texture. They are often considered the best option for this dish.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice if you're looking for a nice balance between starchiness and creaminess. They have a naturally buttery flavour and a smooth texture, making them ideal for mashed potatoes.

Idaho Russets

Idaho Russets are another variety of russet potatoes that can be used for mashed potatoes. They share similar characteristics with regular russets, such as a high starch content, resulting in a creamy mash.

New Potatoes

New potatoes, also known as baby potatoes, are smaller and have a thin, delicate skin. They are a good option if you want to make mashed potatoes with a more rustic texture. They cook faster than larger potatoes and have a slightly firmer texture.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes have a similar texture to Yukon Gold potatoes, offering a creamy and fluffy mash. They also have a thin skin that can be left on for a more rustic dish.

Baby Gold Potatoes

Baby gold potatoes are another variety of small potatoes that work well for mashed potatoes. They have a buttery flavour and a soft, fluffy texture when cooked.

In general, it is recommended to use smaller potatoes when making mashed potatoes in an air fryer, as they cook faster and more evenly. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How long do they take to cook?

The cooking time for mashed potatoes in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the specific air fryer model being used. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times you can expect:

Cooking the Potatoes:

When cooking whole potatoes in the air fryer, the cooking time can range from 20 to 40 minutes at a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). The potatoes are typically done when they are fork-tender. However, it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as this can result in mushy potatoes. Smaller potatoes, such as baby potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Golds, are recommended for a creamier texture.

Boiling or Microwaving the Potatoes:

Some recipes suggest boiling or microwaving the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer to speed up the cooking process. Boiling the potatoes can take anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on their size. Microwaving is a quicker option, taking around 5 to 8 minutes for whole potatoes.

Mashing the Potatoes:

Once the potatoes are cooked, they need to be mashed. This step doesn't involve additional cooking time but is part of the overall preparation process. You can use a potato masher, fork, or even a potato ricer to achieve your desired consistency.

Reheating Mashed Potatoes:

If you're reheating leftover mashed potatoes in the air fryer, it will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes at a temperature of around 360°F (180°C). Preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes beforehand can help speed up the reheating process.

Cooking Other Potato Variations:

When making crispy smashed potatoes, where the potatoes are first cooked, then smashed and air-fried again, the total cooking time can be around 40 minutes, including the initial cooking step. The second air-frying step, after smashing, typically takes 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Should you peel the potatoes?

Whether or not you peel the potatoes is entirely up to you. Leaving the skins on can save you time and effort, and it can also add a rustic feel to your dish. However, some people prefer to peel their potatoes before mashing them, and this is perfectly fine too.

If you do decide to leave the skins on, it's worth noting that the type of potato you use may affect the taste. For example, the skin of russet potatoes can be bitter, so they might not be the best choice if you're leaving the skins on. Instead, opt for baby, red, or gold potatoes, which tend to have milder-tasting skins.

Additionally, if you're planning on using a potato ricer to mash your potatoes, be aware that the skin can clog up the ricer holes, especially if you're mashing a large quantity of potatoes. In this case, it might be easier to peel the potatoes beforehand.

If you do choose to peel your potatoes, it's a simple process. After air frying, simply transfer the cooked potatoes to a large plate or bowl and use your hands to remove the skins. They should come off easily. Then, use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.

Whether you peel them or not, making mashed potatoes in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this classic side dish.

How do you make them crispy?

To make crispy mashed potatoes in an air fryer, you'll want to follow these general steps:

• Boil the potatoes first: While you can cook the potatoes entirely in an air fryer, boiling them first will help you achieve a crispier texture. Boil a pot of water, adding two teaspoons of salt, and cook the potatoes for 15-25 minutes, depending on their size. You can also microwave or air fry the potatoes instead.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat it with non-stick or olive oil spray.
• Smash the potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan and use a cup or fork to gently smash them. The thinner you smash them, the crispier they will be.
• Drizzle with butter and oil: For extra crispiness, drizzle the smashed potatoes with a combination of melted butter and olive oil. This will add flavour and help achieve a crispy texture.
• Season generously: Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavour.
• Air fry: Carefully place the smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are crispy and golden. Do not flip them during the cooking process.
• Serve: Serve the crispy mashed potatoes hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary, if desired.

Tips for crispiness:

• Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes. This ensures they start cooking immediately and helps produce a more consistent, crispy result.
• Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent overcrowding. This allows each potato to crisp up evenly. If your air fryer is small, cook the potatoes in batches.
• Use a combination of oil and butter: The oil helps to achieve a higher smoke point, while the butter adds a rich flavour. Brush this mixture generously on the smashed potatoes before air frying for a balance of crispiness and taste.
• Opt for baby potatoes: Smaller potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, tend to work better for achieving a creamy texture.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy crispy and delicious mashed potatoes made right in your air fryer!

What can you add to mashed potatoes?

There are many different ingredients that you can add to mashed potatoes to elevate the flavour. Here are some suggestions:

• Butter is a classic ingredient to add to mashed potatoes. It adds flavour and moisture, improving the overall texture.
• Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that can be added to taste.
• Garlic is a popular addition, adding a subtle hint of garlic or a more intense flavour if more cloves are added.
• Milk can be added to make the mash creamier.
• Cream can be used to make the mash richer and creamier.
• Chives can be added for a pop of colour and a mild onion flavour.
• Cheese can be added to make the mash indulgent and tasty.
• Bacon can be added for a savoury kick.
• Chicken broth can be used to boil the potatoes instead of water for extra flavour.
• Sour cream can be added for a tangy taste.
• Cream cheese can be added for extra creaminess and tang.
• Spices such as rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, mustard, horseradish, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning or Everything Bagel seasoning can be added.

Frequently asked questions