Air-Fryer Smash Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making mashed potatoes in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare a delicious side dish. With an air fryer, you can skip the traditional boiling or roasting process, resulting in potatoes that are fluffy, creamy, and full of flavour. The air fryer also eliminates the need for constant monitoring, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your potatoes cook to perfection. This method is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving as a tasty complement to your favourite mains.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

When it comes to air fryer smash potatoes, the type of potato you choose can make a big difference. The best potatoes for this cooking method are those that have a higher starch content and a creamy texture. Here are some recommended varieties:

• Russet potatoes: These are often considered the best option due to their high starch content and creamy texture.
• Yukon Gold: This variety is a nice mixture of starchy and creamy, making them a good choice for smash potatoes.
• Idaho Russets: These potatoes are similar to Russet potatoes and can work well for this dish.
• New potatoes: Smaller, new potatoes are also a good option as they cook quicker in the air fryer.

Size of Potatoes

It is generally recommended to use smaller potatoes when making smash potatoes in an air fryer. This is because they cook more quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Larger potatoes may take longer to cook and can be more difficult to get that perfect, crispy smash texture.

Potato Preparation

When preparing potatoes for smash potatoes in the air fryer, it is important to wash them thoroughly under cold running water. You can also choose to peel the potatoes, especially if you want a smoother mash. However, leaving the skin on can add a rustic element to your dish and provide some additional nutritional benefits.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size and variety of potato you choose. Smaller potatoes will cook faster, while larger potatoes may need more time. As a general guideline, cook your potatoes in the air fryer at around 400°F for 20-25 minutes. However, always check your potatoes with a fork to ensure they are fork-tender before removing them from the air fryer.

Remember, the key to choosing the right potato for air fryer smash potatoes is to select a variety with a higher starch content and a creamy texture. Smaller potatoes are ideal, and don't be afraid to leave the skin on for added flavour and nutrition. Adjust your cooking time and temperature based on the size and variety of potato you choose.

Preparing the potatoes for the air fryer

First, select the right type of potatoes. For mashed potatoes, starchy varieties like Russet, Yukon Gold, Idaho Russets, or new potatoes are ideal. These potatoes will give your mash a creamy texture.

Next, wash and dry your potatoes. It is important to remove any dirt or residue from the surface of the potatoes before cooking. Use cold running water to scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Now, you can prepare the potatoes for cooking in the air fryer. Place a piece of foil on your countertop and add the potatoes. Drizzle or brush the potatoes with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Creole seasoning, or red chili powder at this stage if you want to give your potatoes some extra flavour. Wrap the foil tightly around the potatoes.

Place the foil packet of potatoes into the air fryer basket. If you are cooking a large number of potatoes, ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will help ensure even cooking.

Set the temperature and time for cooking. For most air fryers, a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer, but it will typically range from 20 to 40 minutes. For smaller potatoes, 20-25 minutes should be sufficient.

During the cooking process, you may need to turn the potatoes over halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can also pierce the potatoes with a knife to check if they are done. The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced or have reached an internal temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. If you prefer to mash your potatoes without the skins, you can use this time to peel the skins off. They should come off easily by hand.

Now your potatoes are ready to be mashed and seasoned further!

Cooking the potatoes

There are a few different ways to cook your potatoes in the air fryer, depending on the type of potatoes you are using and the desired end result.

If you are using baby potatoes, red potatoes, or gold potatoes and want to keep the skins on, you can simply wash and dry your potatoes, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook at 200°C (390°F) for 20 minutes. You can then add butter and mash them, keeping the skins on for a more rustic dish with added nutritional benefits.

If you are using larger potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Gold, or if you prefer to peel your potatoes before mashing, you will need to cook them a bit longer. First, pierce each potato with a fork a few times, then wrap them in foil and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 25-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Alternatively, you can cook the potatoes without foil by placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, drizzling with oil, and adding a little salt. Cook at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Once your potatoes are cooked, you can remove them from the air fryer, let them cool, and then peel the skins off if desired.

Adding the ingredients

To make smash potatoes in an air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: You can use any type of baking potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, Idaho Russets, or new potatoes.
• Butter: This adds flavour and moisture to the potatoes. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
• Salt and Pepper: These are basic seasonings that can be adjusted to taste.
• Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy richness and a tangy flavour to the potatoes.
• Chives: These add a mild oniony flavour and a pop of colour to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Coating the potatoes with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat or light/fat-free sour cream can be used, depending on your preference.
• Milk: The type of milk used is up to you. You can also use plant-based milk or vegetable broth for a vegan option.
• Heavy Cream: This is optional, but it adds richness to the mashed potatoes.

Now, let's go through the steps for adding these ingredients to make smash potatoes in an air fryer:

Preparing the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Poke a few holes in each potato using a fork. This step is optional but helps the potatoes cook more evenly. You can also wrap the potatoes in foil before placing them in the air fryer, which prevents the skins from getting crispy.

Cooking the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For smaller potatoes, check for doneness after 20 minutes by piercing them with a knife or fork. They are done when they can be easily pierced or have reached an internal temperature of 185°F (85°C). If they need more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until done.

Mashing the Potatoes and Adding Ingredients

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or cutting board. If you want to remove the skins, let the potatoes cool slightly, then peel them off. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add melted butter, sour cream, and a splash of milk and heavy cream (if using). Start mashing the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency. Add more milk or cream as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Seasoning and Serving

Taste the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add chopped fresh chives or other herbs for added flavour and colour. Serve the smash potatoes immediately while they are still warm.

Reheating the potatoes

If you have any leftover potatoes, you can reheat them in the air fryer. This is the best way to reheat them, as it will keep them crispy. To reheat your potatoes in the air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Place your leftover potatoes in a single layer on the crisper tray of a convection-type air fryer or at the bottom of an air fryer basket.
• Heat the potatoes for around four minutes or until they are warmed through. There is no need to flip them.

You can also reheat potatoes in the oven or on a stove top. However, these methods will take longer and may not retain the crispy texture of your potatoes.

If you are short on time, it is best to avoid using a microwave to reheat your potatoes, as this will make them soggy.

Frequently asked questions