Boil them soft first, then smash and roast in plenty of fat. The boiling cooks the creamy inside; smashing them flat exposes lots of surface, and a hot oiled pan crisps every edge — the best of mashed and roast in one bite.
Ad-free · ingredients first · no 2,000-word story.
Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurgeLevel Easy
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
Suits
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Straight Answers
Can you make Crispy Smashed Potatoes in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Crispy Smashed Potatoes? — Not ideal
You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.
Can you make Crispy Smashed Potatoes ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Crispy Smashed Potatoes gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Crispy Smashed Potatoes vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Baby potatoes
Small waxy potatoes, boiled whole until tender. Fresh, bought local.
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