Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Potatoes Recipe
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These air fryer loaded smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and topped with melted cheddar, bacon, and rosemary. A quick, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
I’ve always been a fan of comfort food that feels satisfying but doesn’t take forever to make, and these air fryer loaded smashed potatoes fit that perfectly. They’re crispy, cheesy, and topped with bacon, which is basically everything I love in one bite. What makes them even better is how simple they are to throw together, especially on busy nights when I still want something that feels homemade.
I started making these after realizing how often leftover baby potatoes sat in my kitchen unused. One day, I tossed them in the air fryer with a little oil and rosemary, and the smell alone had me hooked. After smashing them and adding cheese and bacon, they turned into a side dish that disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now, they’re one of my go-to recipes whenever we’re grilling or having friends over.
I also love how customizable these are. You can easily swap toppings based on what you have. Sometimes I add sour cream and green onions for that loaded baked potato vibe, or drizzle ranch on top when I’m craving something creamy. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit, which is why I keep coming back to this recipe. Once you try these air fryer loaded smashed potatoes, I promise they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer loaded smashed potatoes:
- Marble (baby) potatoes – Their small size and creamy texture make them ideal for smashing and crisping evenly in the air fryer.
- Cooked chopped bacon – Adds a smoky, savory crunch that enhances the overall flavor and makes the dish more indulgent.
- Fresh rosemary – Infuses the potatoes with a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Mild orange cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, flavorful topping without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors while helping the potatoes crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and depth that balances the richness of the dish.
- Olive oil – Helps the potatoes achieve a golden, crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside.
- Bacon grease – Boosts the smoky flavor and adds extra richness to the crispy potatoes.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy and delicious ways to customize this recipe:
- Switch up the cheese. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor or extra meltiness.
- Add more toppings. Load them with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the bacon and use crispy fried onions or roasted garlic for texture and flavor.
- Add protein. Turn it into a complete meal by topping with shredded chicken, ground beef, or crumbled sausage.
- Use different herbs. Replace rosemary with thyme, parsley, or chives for a fresh twist.
- Spice it up. Sprinkle paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes before air frying for a little kick.
- Go loaded deluxe. Add a sprinkle of parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Change the potatoes. Use baby red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes for a fun variation.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Pre-heat Air Fryer at 380°F (193°C). Set at 20 minutes.
Place marble (baby) potatoes in a bowl and drizzle oil all over, then gently toss to coat.
Place 4 rosemary sprigs on a greased Air Fryer tray and add the prepared marble (baby) potatoes. Season the marble (baby) potatoes with salt and black pepper.
Insert the Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber and Air Fry marble (baby) potatoes for 12 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender inside.
If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the marble (baby) potatoes onto the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit and follow accordingly.
Scatter 5 pieces of marble (baby) potatoes onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Smash air fried potatoes with the bottom of a glass, add freshly grated cheddar cheese, bacon, and top with more cheese.
Return to the Air Fryer cooking chamber and Air Fry for 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese has completely melted. Add 1 to 2 minutes more for golden crisp cheese. Do the same for the remaining batches of marble (baby) potatoes.
To speed up the cooking time of all the batches, use the second Air Fryer tray with the loaded smashed potatoes and insert it below the middle cooking chamber.
Immediately transfer Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Marble (Baby) Potatoes with flat kitchen tongs to a serving plate, garnish with the remaining fresh rosemary, and serve with ranch dressing on the side.
Note
Gently smash the potatoes just enough to flatten them without breaking them apart. This helps them get extra crispy on the edges while staying soft and fluffy inside.
Storage
Store any leftover air fryer loaded smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy. You can also warm them in the oven on a baking sheet at 375°F for around 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave if possible because it can make the potatoes soggy instead of keeping that crispy texture you love.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Dry for Crispiness!
For the crispiest results, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before tossing them in oil. Any excess moisture will keep them from getting that perfect golden crunch.
Additional Cooking Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Give the potatoes space so the hot air can circulate and crisp them evenly.
- Use freshly grated cheese. It melts smoothly and more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Flip or shake halfway. If your air fryer cooks unevenly, turn or shake the potatoes halfway through for even browning.
- Smash while hot. Warm potatoes are easier to flatten without falling apart.
- Line with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Add toppings last. Always melt the cheese and bacon at the end to prevent burning and keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer loaded smashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for just about any main course. They pair especially well with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. Try serving them alongside my Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan for a complete, crispy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress at both weeknight dinners and cookouts.
If you’re hosting a get-together, serve them as a fun appetizer or snack platter. Arrange the potatoes on a large serving tray, drizzle with ranch or sour cream, and sprinkle with green onions for a crowd-pleasing presentation. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to eat, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or potlucks where everyone wants something hearty and satisfying.
You can also pair these potatoes with seafood for a twist on classic comfort food. Serve them with my Teriyaki Salmon Bites for a sweet and savory combo that works beautifully together. The cheesy, smoky potatoes balance the tender, saucy salmon perfectly, making this duo a must-try for any meal.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Marble Potatoes
Ingredients
- 15 pieces marble baby potatoes
- 8 pieces cooked chopped bacon
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary divided
- 4 ounces mild orange cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
Instructions
- Pre-heat Air Fryer at 380°F (193°C). Set at 20 minutes.
- Place marble (baby) potatoes in a bowl and drizzle oil all over, then gently toss to coat.
- Place 4 rosemary sprigs on a greased Air Fryer tray and add the prepared marble (baby) potatoes. Season marble (baby) potatoes with salt and black pepper.
- Insert the Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber and Air Fry marble (baby) potatoes for 12 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender inside.
- If the Air Fryer uses a basket, add the marble (baby) potatoes onto the crisper plate, then insert the basket into the Air Fryer unit and follow accordingly.
- Scatter 5 pieces of marble (baby) potatoes onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Smash air fried potatoes with the bottom of a glass, add freshly grated cheddar cheese, bacon, and top with more cheese.
- Return to the Air Fryer cooking chamber and Air Fry for 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese has completely melted. Add 1 to 2 minutes more for golden crisp cheese. Do the same for the remaining batches of marble (baby) potatoes.
- To speed up the cooking time of all the batches, use the second Air Fryer tray with the loaded smashed potatoes and insert below the middle cooking chamber.
- Immediately Transfer Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Marble (Baby) Potatoes with flat kitchen tongs to a serving plate, garnish with the remaining fresh rosemary, and serve with ranch dressing on the side.
Notes
- Air Fryer Marble (baby) potatoes are deliciously fragrant with the addition of fresh rosemary sprigs. For a traditional loaded smashed potatoes, garnish with fresh green onions.
- Use freshly grated mild cheddar cheese as it melts better and easier.
Nutrition
Equipment
- Bowl
- Small glass
- Cheese grater
- parchment paper
- Baking tray
- Air fryer tray
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
