Air-Fried Mash: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making mashed potatoes in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare this classic side dish. The air fryer method produces wonderfully fluffy, creamy, and buttery mash without the hassle of boiling and peeling potatoes. This technique is also more energy-efficient than oven-baking and doesn't heat up your kitchen like stovetop cooking.

Potato types: Yukon Gold, Russet, Red, or Baby potatoes

When it comes to making mash in an air fryer, there are several types of potatoes that can be used, each with its own unique characteristics and impact on the final dish. Let's take a closer look at four popular varieties: Yukon Gold, Russet, Red, and Baby potatoes.

Yukon Gold potatoes are a versatile option for air frying. They have thin, golden skins and a medium starch content. When cooked, they develop a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Yukon Golds will crisp up nicely, but their texture will be slightly softer than other varieties. The result is a creamy, rich mash with a buttery flavour.

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a high-starch option. They have a white flesh and thick skin, which makes them ideal for achieving a fluffy texture in your mash. When cooked, they turn a pale golden colour and deliver a soft, fluffy texture with a mild flavour.

Red potatoes are not recommended for mashing, as they have a higher sugar and lower starch content, which will result in a darker golden brown colour and a softer texture. However, they are a great option for air frying, as they roast well and hold their shape.

Baby potatoes, or new potatoes, are not a specific variety but rather young potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and are perfect for air frying, as they hold their shape and roast beautifully. They can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they deliver excellent results.

When choosing potatoes for your air fryer mash, consider the desired texture, colour, and flavour profile. Yukon Golds and Russets are excellent options for a classic mash, each bringing their unique qualities to the dish. Remember to adjust your cooking techniques, as starchy potatoes like Russets require gentle handling to avoid becoming gummy.

Potato prep: Wash, dry, and poke holes in the potatoes

Potato Prep

Wash your potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry the potatoes with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Pierce each potato with a fork two or three times—this will allow steam to escape while they cook.

Tips

• If you want to remove the potato skins before mashing, let the potatoes cool slightly after cooking, and the skins will peel off easily by hand.
• If you want to keep the potato skins on for a more rustic dish and added nutritional benefits, use gold or red potatoes. The skin of russet potatoes can be more bitter.

Air fryer settings: Temperature and time

The temperature and time settings for your air fryer mashed potatoes will depend on the type of potatoes you are using, as well as the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model.

For small to medium-sized potatoes, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 25 minutes. Check your potatoes after 25 minutes to see if they are fork-tender. If not, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

For larger potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Cook your potatoes for 30 minutes, then check if they are fork-tender. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are done. The total cooking time for larger potatoes can be anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.

If you are cooking baby potatoes, set your air fryer to 200°C/390°F and cook for 20 minutes. Check if the potatoes are fork-tender after the time is up. If not, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

When cooking garlic alongside your potatoes, air fry at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Remove the garlic head after 30 minutes.

For reheating mashed potatoes, set your air fryer to 360°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Reheating should then take about 5-10 minutes.

Mash method: Use a fork, potato masher, or potato ricer

Mash method: Using a fork, potato masher, or potato ricer

Once your potatoes are cooked, you can use a fork, potato masher, or potato ricer to mash them. If you want a smooth mash, a potato ricer is the best option. However, if you prefer a rustic texture, you can simply use a fork or potato masher.

Using a fork or potato masher

If you don't have a potato ricer, you can still achieve a smooth mash by using a fork or potato masher. First, transfer the cooked potatoes to a large plate or bowl. If you want to remove the skins, you can do so at this stage. Then, use a fork or potato masher to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.

Using a potato ricer

For the smoothest and fluffiest mash, a potato ricer is the ideal tool. Place the cooked potatoes in the potato ricer and pass them through into a bowl containing the butter and cream mixture. Then, gently stir the mixture until everything is well combined.

Tips for the perfect mash

• Don't over-mash the potatoes, as this can make them sticky and gluey.
• Make sure the potatoes and other ingredients are warm when mashing them together. This will help the potatoes absorb the butter and cream more easily.
• Add liquids gradually and taste the potatoes as you go to adjust the seasoning.
• If you want to add extra ingredients like cheese, bacon, or herbs, do so after mashing the potatoes and mix until combined.

Add-ins: Butter, cream, cheese, chives, and seasonings

Add-ins are a great way to elevate your mashed potatoes and make them even more indulgent and delicious. Here are some ideas for add-ins to try:

Butter

Butter is a classic ingredient in mashed potatoes and adds flavour and moisture to the dish. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If you want to keep the recipe plant-based, choose vegan butter.

Cream

Cream is another traditional ingredient in mashed potatoes and adds richness and creaminess to the dish. For the best results, use 35% cream, or if you prefer something lighter, you can use half and half or milk. If you want to make a vegan dish, choose a plant-based cream alternative.

Cheese

Cheese can add a lot of flavour to your mashed potatoes, and there are many different types of cheese you can use. Cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan cheese are all great options for adding tanginess and creaminess to the dish. You could also try cheddar cheese, which would make your mash extra indulgent.

Chives

Chives add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to your mashed potatoes. You can chop them finely and stir them into the mash, or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

Seasonings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your mashed potatoes. Salt and black pepper are the basics, but you can also try other seasonings like garlic, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning. If you want to add some spice, you can try red chilli powder or hot sauce. A pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add a lot of flavour.

Frequently asked questions