Smashed Potatoes: A Versatile Side Dish for Every Occasion

Want to make easy smashed potatoes perfect for a weeknight meal? Air fry them! They are satisfying and gluten-free too!

Why not harness the magic of potatoes for a side dish or everyday meal? These easy smashed potatoes are great to make on a weeknight and can even be prepared ahead so that all you have to do is smash them, add toppings, and put them in the air fryer!

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A crispy potato never really gets old, does it? Introducing my newest family favorite: Easy Smashed Potatoes recipe! They’re gluten-free and vegan too so all can enjoy.

Combine boiled baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Serve these with classic burgers, pork chops, or your favorite grilled protein for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients for smashed potatoes:

This easy smashed potato meal can be made with a variety of toppings: but I like to keep it simple! The baby potatoes are boiled for 12-15 minutes before they are cooled and smashed, so for a quick weeknight meal done in the air fryer, you’ll need to do some prep ahead of time.

Here are the seasonings and toppings to make these easy smashed potatoes:

• Potatoes-1-2 inch baby red potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Basic concept: smashed potatoes

The basic concept for an easy smashed potato? Prepare the baby red potatoes by boiling them ahead of time so you can feed everyone quickly on a busy weeknight.

The potatoes will cook for about 14 minutes. So you’ll boil the potatoes first, let them cool, then when you’re ready to eat, all you have to do is smash them and add the toppings. Here are the basic steps:

• Prep the potatoes by boiling them for 12-15 minutes.
• Cool potatoes – important if you want ultra-crispy smashed potatoes.
• Smash potatoes by gently pressing down on them with a potato masher or the bottom of a glass.
• Add toppings like olive oil and seasonings.
• Air fry for 10-14 minutes. It is as easy as that!

Ways to serve easy smashed potatoes:

While the potatoes get crispy in the air fryer, you’ve got time to cook your protein or get your accompaniments ready. This makes the meal more filling and complete.

Here are my top picks for making smashed potatoes a side dish for dinner:

• With a salad – when a salad for supper just isn’t enough!
• Burgers: These classic burgers are juicy and made with 7 simple ingredients.
• Grilled steak
• Chicken
• Ribs

Easy Smashed Potato Ingredients:

• 8 baby red potatoes + 1 tsp salt for boiling
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt
• pepper

How to make smashed potatoes:

1. Add potatoes to a pot and cover with water then add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes until fork tender.
2. Drain potatoes and let cool. This can be done ahead of time as long as you refrigerate them until ready to use.
3. Brush olive oil on a baking tray then lay the potatoes on top.

4. “Smash” the potatoes gently with a potato masher or the bottom of a glass until about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
5. Drizzle more olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. With a turner, gently pick up the potatoes and transfer to the air fryer basket.
7. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes then check them for crispiness. If you want them crispier, cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Gluten-free dairy-free toppings for smashed potatoes:

• Vegan sour cream
• Ketchup
• Salt and white vinegar (Malt vinegar is not gluten-free!)
• Mayonaise
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parsley
• Dill
• Basil
• Parmesan (vegan parmesan if you’re dairy-free)

These easy smashed potatoes are…

Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan when using vegan cheese as a topping.

Tips and Tricks:

• Wash and cook (boil) potatoes ahead of time so they’re ready for a quick weeknight meal. If not using them within a few hours, refrigerate.
• When boiling, add potatoes to cold water then allow the water to come to a boil for more even cooking.
• After boiling, let the potatoes cool until they stop steaming. This will make them crispier when air-fried.
• Large red potatoes can be used in this recipe, however, I like the smaller red baby potatoes.
• When using large potatoes, peel them first unless they are fresh from the garden. (fresh garden potatoes have thin skins which are more pleasant to eat).
• Vegan cheese can be substituted for regular cheese as an additional topping.
• Salt and pepper are my favorite seasonings, but garlic powder, basil, parsley, dill, and other herbs may be used as well.

• Turn this easy recipe into a smashed potato poutine by topping it with gravy and cheese.
• Depending on the size of the potatoes, the cooking time will vary. Always test the potatoes and cook until fork tender – when they can easily be cut with a fork.
• Store any leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Just pop them in the microwave to reheat for lunch the next day!
• Great for a hearty brunch too.

If you love these easy smashed potatoes, please give them a five-star review and help me share them on Pinterest.