Publised on 31/10/2023. Last Updated on 06/12/2024 by Richard
The best air fryer smash potatoes you'll ever make! So crispy, buttery and completely vegan.
There's something undeniably satisfying about perfect air fryer smash potatoes - crisp on the outside and wonderfully buttery on the inside. While traditional roast potatoes are a beloved side dish at many family gatherings, there's a twist to this classic that's taking the culinary world by storm (or so says my Mum) – Air Fryer Smash Potatoes!
Air fryers have quickly become a kitchen favourite, thanks to their ability to transform everyday recipes into quicker, easier, and just-as-delicious versions of themselves. When it comes to this recipe, the air fryer offers a game-changing technique for achieving that irresistible crunch and a heavenly soft interior. Serve with my tofu steaks and vegan peppercorn sauce why dontya?
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🧈 Air Fryer Smash Potatoes Ingredients
There are literally only THREE ingredients (besides salt and pep) for this super simple recipe. Can you believe it?? Crunchy crispy air fryer smash potatoes with just three ingredients? Nope, you're not dreamin babes!
Here's everything you're gonna need. As always, full recipe can be found at the bottom of the page!
Jump to Recipe- 900 g new potatoes
- 40 g vegan butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed to a fine paste or very finely minced)
- 2 tsp flaky sea salt
- Black pepper
🥣 How to Make Smash Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Here's how to make air fryer smash potatoes. The clue is in the name, right - you gotta smash them!
- Boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to be firm but easily pierced.
2. Place the slightly cooled potatoes on a baking sheet or a clean surface. Use a potato masher, the bottom of a glass, or even the palm of your hand to gently flatten each potato until it's about ½ to ¾ inch thick. The goal is to create a flat, smashed shape with slightly cracked edges.
3. Brush the smashed potatoes with vegan garlic butter and season them with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
3. Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook them in batches. Now air fry until super crispy and golden!
4. Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer, and let them cool for a minute or two. They'll be hot! Sprinkle with some parsley or chives and you're good to go!
🔪 Required Equipment
Super simple recipes call for super simple kitchen setups - and these air fryer smash potatoes are no exception! Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch.
- 1 air fryer
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 colander
- 1 fork or potato masher
🤷♀️ Some Quick FAQs
A: Yes, you can use various types of potatoes for this recipe. Smaller potatoes like baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes work particularly well because they're bite-sized and cook evenly. However, you can also use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into smaller, evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook through and get crispy.
A: Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to seasoning. In addition to the classic salt and pepper, you can get creative with your favourite seasonings. Try adding rosemary, thyme, paprika or even curry powder!
A: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, you have a few options:
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), and place the leftover smashed potatoes in a single layer. Heat for about 5-10 minutes or until they're hot and crispy.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the potatoes on a baking sheet, and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until they're hot and crispy.
Microwave: While this method won't maintain the crispiness, it's quick. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second increments until they're heated through.
Remember that reheated potatoes won't be as crispy as when they're freshly made, but they'll still be delicious.
Air Fryer Smash Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 colander
- 1 fork or potato masher
Ingredients
- 900 g new potatoes
- 40 g vegan butter melted
- 1 clove garlic crushed to a fine paste or very finely minced
- 2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley or chives finely chopped for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil and season well with sea salt.
- Add the potatoes and boil for 20 minutes.900 g new potatoes
- While the potatoes boil, preheat the air fryer to 220c (if your air fryer requires preheating).
- Drain the potatoes and leave to steam dry for 5 minutes in the colander.
- While the potatoes steam dry, mix together the vegan butter and garlic in a small bowl.40 g vegan butter, 1 clove garlic
- Transfer the potatoes to baking sheet and carefully crush each one individually with a fork or potato masher until just crushed - try to keep each potato in one piece.
- Carefully transfer the crushed potatoes to the tray or basket of your air fryer.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the garlic butter to each crushed potato individually.
- Sprinkle with the flaky sea salt and some black pepper then air fry until golden and crispy, around 20 minutes depending on the model of your air fryer.2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, Black pepper
- Remove from the air fryer and serve, topped with fresh parsley or chives.Parsley or chives
Terry
Hi Richard, I do not have an air fryer, so can I use your reheating method (175°C, place the potatoes on a baking sheet, and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until they're hot and crispy) to cook my potatoes?
Also wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog because you're absolutely hilarious. And I never skip your introduction 😁
Love from Malaysia ❤️
Richard Makin
Hey Terry
Thanks so much for this!
if you’re using a convection oven I’d recommend following the same cooking instructions as in the recipe - bake at 200c on a baking tray. You may need to extend the baking time by about 5 mins though.