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top shot smashed potatoes on white plate
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Smashed Potatoes

How to make smashed potatoes in the oven or air fryer until wonderfully crispy outside with a fluffy, tender middle. A simple, delicious, gluten-free, vegan appetizer or side!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 3
Author Michaela Vais

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs small (900 g) potatoes
  • 1/2 tbsp salt for boiling + more for sprinkling
  • 1 1/2 tbsp oil for brushing
  • Fresh parsley to garnish
  • Onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper to sprinkle (optional)

Instructions

  • You can watch the short video for visual instructions.
    Heat water in a large pot, stir in the salt, and add the potatoes (they should be covered with water by 1 inch / 2.5 cm). Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes or until fork-tender, then drain the water. The time depends on the size of the potatoes.
  • If you plan on making the smashed potatoes in your oven, then also preheat your oven to 400 °F (205 °C).
  • Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large greased baking sheet and smash each potato using a glass.
  • Brush the smashed potatoes with the oil, sprinkle them with salt and bake for about 35-45 minutes or until golden (they might be done earlier, depending on your oven). Broil at the end for some minutes, for extra crispiness.
  • I prefer cooking them in my air fryer for 15-18 minutes at 380 °F (190 °C).
  • Sprinkle with black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder (optional). Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with this avocado pesto!

Notes

  • Salt the water liberally: Potatoes require a lot of salt to absorb a good amount of flavor, so don’t be shy.
  • Don’t skimp on oil: This will cling to all the fluffy smashed edges and help your roasted smashed potatoes become super crispy.
  • For the crispiest results: It can help to let the potatoes steam dry for some minutes before cooking them, as the lower moisture levels yields crispier skins.
  • Messy smashed potatoes are fine: All the extra ridges and fluffy bits will make it even crispier. I specifically recommend NOT smashing them too neatly!
Nutrition Facts
Smashed Potatoes
Amount per Serving
Calories
269
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
5
%
Sodium
 
393
mg
16
%
Potassium
 
1177
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
3.8
g
15
%
Sugar
 
1.9
g
2
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
6
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
60
mg
73
%
Calcium
 
38
mg
4
%
Iron
 
2.1
mg
12
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.