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Air Fryer Reference

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How long to cook smashed potatoes in an air fryer

At 400 °F (204 °C) for 12 minutes, flip once at 6 minutes.

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature
400 °F
204 °C
Total time
12 min
per single layer
Flip at
6 min
flip once
Internal temp
use visual cue

Crispy smashed potatoes air-fry at 400 °F (204 °C) for about 12 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crunchy at the edges. Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender first, smash each one flat with a glass, then brush with oil and season before air-frying so the craggy edges crisp up.

Per serving

Approximate values for a single portion of smashed potatoes (USDA baseline, cooked, includes light air-fryer oil spray).

Calories
210 kcal
Protein
4 g
Fat
9 g
Carbs
30 g

Smashed Potatoes in popular air fryer brands

Adjusted for how each brand actually heats. Tap a brand name to see every food we calibrate for it.

BrandTempTime
Cosoribasket400 °F(204 °C)12 min
Ninjabasket400 °F(204 °C)11 min
Instant Vortexbasket400 °F(204 °C)12 min
Philips Airfryerbasket390 °F(199 °C)12 min
PowerXLbasket400 °F(204 °C)11 min
Brevilleoven385 °F(196 °C)13 min
Cuisinartoven390 °F(199 °C)13 min
Chefmanbasket400 °F(204 °C)12 min
GoWisebasket395 °F(202 °C)12 min

How to tell it’s done

The edges are deep golden and crunchy while the centers stay fluffy. Pale, soft potatoes need more time and a little more oil to crisp.

Step-by-step method

  1. 1

    Prep

    Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Brush or spray generously — oil on the smashed surface is what makes them crisp.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, Parmesan.

  3. 3

    Load

    Arrange about 1 lb of baby potatoes, serving 2–3. for best convection airflow.

  4. 4

    Cook

    Set the air fryer to 400 °F (204 °C) and cook for 12 minutes total, flipping once at 6 minutes.

  5. 5

    Check & rest

    Check the visual doneness cue and serve immediately for best texture.

  6. 6

    Store

    Best fresh; refrigerate up to 3 days and re-crisp in the air fryer.

Watch out for

  • Boil the potatoes until fork-tender before smashing, or they crack apart.
  • Smash them fairly flat for maximum crispy surface area.
  • Brush on enough oil — dry surfaces won't crisp.
  • Cook in a single layer so they crisp instead of steaming.

FAQ about smashed potatoes in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook smashed potatoes at in an air fryer?
Cook smashed potatoes at 400 °F (204 °C). The convection air at this temperature browns the exterior quickly without drying the centre.
How long do smashed potatoes take in an air fryer?
Smashed potatoes take 12 minutes total at 400 °F (204 °C). Flip the food once at 6 minutes so both sides cook evenly.
Do you need to flip smashed potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes — flip smashed potatoes once at 6 minutes. The side touching the basket grate develops a darker, more crusted surface; flipping evens out the cook so both sides match.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for smashed potatoes?
Preheating is optional for smashed potatoes — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.