Smashed potatoes in the air fryer are a cheesy and decadent side dish that is so easy to prepare!
These potatoes are loaded with bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese and they make the perfect last-minute snack or appetizer! Or serve these with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own. Either way, they are sure to become a family favorite!
30 Min Easy Side or Appetizer!
- Using the air fryer is one of the best ways to cook potatoes without heating up the kitchen and clean up is a cinch!
- Make hot and hearty smashed potatoes in minutes with this recipe that’s so easy, that even the kids can help out!
- The air fryer makes crispy roasted smashed potatoes just in time for the big game, movie night, or as a side dish for a party or potluck!
Ingredients & Variations
POTATOES: Baby red potatoes are the perfect size to get evenly sized smashed potato portions, but other varieties like fingerlings or baby Dutch potatoes will work.
TOPPINGS: Sour cream, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onions are the go-to toppings for smashed potatoes. Salsa, pico de gallo, parmesan cheese, or jalapenos are fun, too!
SEASONINGS: The leftover bacon grease adds tons of flavor for cooking the potatoes! Stir in a little garlic powder, taco seasoning, or hot sauce for a spicier result!
How to Make Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
These potatoes are so cheesy and crispy and addictively delicious!
- Cook bacon and reserve bacon grease.
- Toss seasoned potatoes in bacon grease (as per the recipe below).
- Cook potatoes in the air fryer and smash the tops down.
- Add cheese and cook until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.
Other Air Fryer Potato Recipes
The potato and the air fryer are a match made in cooking heaven! The air fryer cooks them quickly and gives them a golden fried exterior that is so crispy. Try some air fryer potato wedges, air fryer twice baked potatoes, air fryer baby potatoes, mini air fryer Hasselback potatoes, or air fryer roasted garlic & rosemary potatoes.
Tips for Crispy Golden Potatoes
Always preheat the air fryer so the initial blast seals the outside of the potatoes, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Don’t overfill the air fryer basket because they will take up more space once they are smashed.
More Fun Side Snacks
- Air Fryer Pickle Chips – pickley and delicious!
- Crispy Air Fryer Pepper Rings – a fun healthy snack
- Air Fryer Smoked Sausage – only 2 ingredients
- Air Fried Cheese Curds – cheese fried goodness
Loaded Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 2 slices uncooked bacon
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 green onion sliced
- ¼ cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Place the bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-7 minutes or until crispy.
- Remove from the basket and place on a paper towel don't discard the bacon grease. Crumble the bacon and set aside for later.
- Toss the potatoes in a medium bowl with the seasonings and bacon grease.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-13 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Using the bottom side of a measuring cup or glass gently crush the potatoes and top with cheese.
- Cook for 2 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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