Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them perfectly crispy every time. The secret is to smash them just right and let them cook undisturbed in the air fryer. Keep reading for my best tips on how to make the best smashed potatoes in the air fryer. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings and Easy Roasted Potato Salad.
Why This Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
What You'll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Optional: Shredded cheese
- Optional: Bacon bits
- Optional: Green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Air fryer — Pays for itself in takeout savings → See on Amazon
- Potato masher — Mashes potatoes to the perfect texture → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil until tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Smash potatoes: Use a potato masher to smash potatoes until they're about 1/4-inch thick. Be careful not to mash them too thin.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss to coat.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
- : For extra crispy potatoes, toss them with a little cornstarch before seasoning.
- Common mistake and fix: If your potatoes are sticking to the air fryer basket, try spraying it with a little oil before cooking.
- : To make these potatoes ahead, smash and season them up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: These potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer.
Freezing Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with minced garlic or chopped herbs before cooking.
- Best substitution: If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these potatoes in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are not crispy enough, try cooking them for a few more minutes or increasing the temperature to 425°F.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked potatoes every time → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Parsley
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil until tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Smash potatoes: Use a potato masher to smash potatoes until they're about 1/4-inch thick. Be careful not to mash them too thin.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss to coat.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, toss potatoes with minced garlic or chopped herbs before cooking.
- Best substitution: If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these potatoes in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your potatoes are not crispy enough, try cooking them for a few more minutes or increasing the temperature to 425°F.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: These potatoes can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, see storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
See troubleshooting note above.
Yes, see best substitution note above.
These potatoes pair well with Easy Southern Peas and Dumplings or Easy Roasted Potato Salad.
Yes, follow the same instructions as above, adjusting cooking time as needed.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
