Loaded Smashed Potatoes In The Air Fryer

These cheesy air fryer smashed potatoes have become one of our favorite comfort-food side dishes because they’re easy to make. The air fryer gives the potatoes crispy edges much faster than the oven, while the fluffy centers and melted cheese make them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game day spreads alongside recipes like air fryer turkey spring rolls.

One thing I’ve learned after making smashed potatoes over and over is that smaller baby potatoes crisp up best and hold their shape better after smashing. We usually serve these loaded smashed potatoes with easy main dishes like air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs for simple dinners and honestly, they disappear almost every time before the main dish is even finished.

Why The Recipe Works💭

Crispy edges: Cooking the smashed potatoes in bacon grease and in the air fryer guarantees they come out crispy on the outside.

Air fryer: Though you can make smashed potatoes in the oven, the air fryer is insanely faster, making this an easy recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.

Reheating: Though they’re best fresh, you can actually reheat the cheesy bacon smashed potatoes and enjoy them the next day, too, which can be a time saver on busy sports nights.

Items and Substitutions

• Marble (baby) potatoes: The smaller the potato, the crispier they’ll get, and marble baby potatoes give an almost creamy interior too.
• Cooked chopped bacon: Ideally, you cook the bacon yourself and save the grease to use. It’ll be crispier this way and more savory than store-bought.
• Oil: For all air fryer recipes, I use avocado oil as it has the highest heat point. This is what I use for marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer, too.
• Bacon grease: It may sound weird, but honestly, it boosts the smoky flavor and adds extra richness to the crispy potatoes.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Flavors To Try

Below are a few ways to create new tastes with the loaded baked potatoes.

• 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.
• Spice it up. Sprinkle paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes before air frying for a little kick.

How To Make Loaded Smashed Potatoes In The Air Fryer

Step 1: Gently toss the potatoes in oil.

Step 2: Place the rosemary sprigs on a greased Air Fryer tray and add the prepared potatoes. Season them with salt and pepper and cook for 12 minutes until soft.

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Step 3: Place the cooked potatoes onto a parchment paper-lined sheet and smash them with the bottom of a glass.

Step 4: Add freshly grated cheddar cheese and bacon, and top them with more cheese before placing them back into the air fryer for 1-3 minutes.

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Step 5: Do this in batches until they’re all cooked. Then, serve the smashed potatoes with ranch dressing to dip.

Helpful Hints

• 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.
• 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.

How To Store Them

Storing: Store any leftover air fryer potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: 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.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese pair well with everything from easy family dinners to game day appetizers and BBQ spreads. Below are a few ways we’ve enjoyed them.

• Serve them alongside grilled meats or easy comfort-food dinners like air fryer pineapple chicken skewers.
• Add sour cream, ranch, or green onions and serve them as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or game day snack.
• Pair them with seafood dishes like air fryer teriyaki salmon bites for a crispy, cheesy side that balances sweet and savory flavors.

Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Potatoes FAQs

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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can! Just cut larger potatoes into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to smash. Baby or marble potatoes work best because their thin skins get extra crispy.

How do I know when the potatoes are ready to smash?

They’re ready when you can easily press them with a fork or the bottom of a glass without much resistance. If they still feel firm in the center, air fry for a few more minutes until tender.

Do you need to boil potatoes before air frying?

No, you do not need to boil potatoes before you air fry them. The air fryer is hot and will cook the potatoes fully in less time.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes For Busy Families

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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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BBQ Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer

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Keto Air Fryer Spicy Sauced Tenders

If you tried this Air Fryer Loaded Smashed Potatoes or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!