The Best Easy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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Smashed potatoes in the air fryer are my new favorite thing since well, regular crispy air fryer potatoes. These air fryer smashed potatoes are crispy, delicious and full of flavor. And cooking them in the air fryer makes this process super quick and easy! It also helps cut out a lot of extra fat and oil. Making smashed potatoes in the air fryer gives you the perfect crispy golden brown smashed potato so much faster than the traditional way with boiling and baking. This recipe is also Whole30 compliant and gluten-free so it's great for those with some dietary restrictions. It’s a healthy real-food option that the whole family will love!

This recipe for crispy air fryer smashed potatoes is the best easy side dish! This recipe is made with simple ingredients and is paleo and Whole30 compliant. You can cook these in the air fryer or in the oven for the perfect crispiness! #airfryer #paleoreceipes #whole30

I LOVE my air fryer. Personally, it’s the kitchen gadget I use the most often. I use it for veggies like crispy brussel sprouts and buffalo cauliflower as well as for buffalo chicken tenders or fish sticks. The air fryer is also great for crisping up some baked chicken wings. It’s really such a useful tool. You can even use it to make toast! The air fryer I am currently using is this one from Gourmia.

And if you don’t have an air fryer – fear not! I have also added instructions below on how to get these crispy no-boil smashed potatoes baked in the oven as well!

What are smashed potatoes?

Smashed potatoes are essentially mashed potatoes with the skin on. Instead of the insides of a potato being blended together to create a "mash", you take a small potato and smash it gently downward so it's flattened. Then you can air fry it to a golden crisp and top with garlic, chives, parmesan cheese or whatever toppings you prefer!

Ingredients for Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes: I find the best potatoes to start with for the perfect air fryer smashed potatoes are Yukon gold potatoes or baby gold potatoes. These yield the best golden brown color. Red potatoes also work well in a smashed potatoes recipe.
Ghee or Olive Oil: I used ghee in the recipe to keep things lactose-free and Whole30 compliant but feel free to use some grass-fed butter or olive oil if you'd like.
Seasonings: this recipe calls for dried dill and salt and pepper but read the variations for some other seasoning blend ideas!

How To Make Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes. In order to get my potatoes ready to “smash”, I place them in a microwave safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. I nuke them for about seven minutes until they are tender enough to smash.

Step 2: Smash your Potatoes. I find it is best to smash your potatoes on parchment paper. I use the bottom of a glass cup or a measuring cup to gently push down. I press until the potato is about three quarters of the way smashed.

Step 3: Once your potatoes are flattened, it’s time to season them. Brush on a little melted ghee to each potato before adding the seasoning. Once the potatoes are seasoned they are ready to be “fried” in the air fryer.

brushing ghee on smashed potatoes — Lightly brush on the melted ghee to your smashed potatoes

Step 4: Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer in a single layer being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to air fry in two batches depending on how many smashed potatoes you will be making or the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. I check the potatoes around minute 8 or 9 before continuing

Step 5: Top with dried dill and chives and serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an appetizer or serve as a side for dinner.

Variations and Modifications

Change up your seasonings! Try some minced garlic or garlic powder for crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes
Use paprika, chili powder or chipotle to add a little spice to your smashed potatoes!
Change up the cooking fat. I use melted ghee but you can use regular butter or olive oil for a different flavor
Pair with your favorite condiment! The dill flavor is perfect when served with your favorite ranch! I love primal kitchen foods vegan ranch (use code "BEAUTY10" for a discount on their site!) I also love their regular and spicy ketchup with these smashed potatoes! Buffalo sauce is another of my favorites with this recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make crispy smashed potatoes in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you will still follow the same steps for this recipe. But instead of crisping your smashed potatoes in the air fryer you will roast them in the oven at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. You get a very similar result, the only major difference is that the air fryer is faster.

Are air fryer smashed potatoes healthy?

This recipe for smashed potatoes uses non processed foods and minimal ingredients. It fits dietary preferences for a gluten-free and Whole30 compliant diet. You can make these potatoes as healthy or as indulgent as you would like by changing up the cooking fat or your toppings!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These air fryer smashed potatoes are great as an appetizer or side to any meal. Here are few things that would pair well with them:

This recipe for air fryer smashed potatoes can also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table as an alternative to mashed potatoes! Or serve both because potatoes are life. I won’t judge!

The Best Easy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30)

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Author: Jen Lopez
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Sides, Air Fryer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These air fryer smashed potatoes are crispy, delicious and full of flavor. And cooking them in the air fryer makes this process super quick and easy! It’s a healthy real food option that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Yukon gold potatoes
2-3 tbs melted ghee (feel free to add more if necessary)
2 tsp dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Place potatoes in a microwave safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 7 minutes or until fork tender
When potatoes are cool enough to handle, lay out a piece of parchment paper and smash potatoes down gently using the bottom of a cup or glass
Brush on melted ghee or butter and then top with salt, pepper and dried dill
Set air fryer to 400 degrees and heat for 10-12 minutes.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

Oven Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and follow all steps above. After seasoning potatoes, roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes

Equipment

air fryer

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Notes

Make sure not to overcrowd potatoes in the air fryer

Check your air fryer after 8-9 minutes as air fryer temps can vary!

Nutrition facts calculated for 1 lb of potatoes and 2 tbs of ghee.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼th of recipe
Calories: 169
Fat: 6.5
Carbohydrates: 26
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

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