It took me ages to finally try crispy smashed potatoes, but as soon as I did I was sold! Par-boil, toss in yummy Greek flavors, and squish and roast for the most amazing soft-in-middle crispy-on-the-outside potatoes. And if you happen to have an air fryer, they’re even easier!
What are smashed potatoes, anyway?
If you haven’t tried crispy smashed potatoes, you’re truly missing out on one of life’s most wonderful small pleasures.
Really, all they are is roast potatoes that have been squished a bit before roasting. The oil covers a larger surface area and they become ultra crispy.
I can certainly live with something like that in my life, and I’m sure you can too!
And how do you make them… with a Greek twist?
Here’s my magic formula for perfect crispy smashed air fryer potatoes – with a Greek twist, of course:
- Par-boil small potatoes. No need to peel them. Chopping larger potatoes into smaller pieces works too!
- Drain the potatoes into a colander and let them steam for a while.
- Tip your potatoes into a bowl and stir olive oil, oregano and lemon zest through them (add garlic too if you like).
- Tip the potatoes and juices onto a large baking tray and squish them lightly with a potato masher or fork. You want your potatoes to be flattened quite a bit, but not enough to break up. Don’t worry if they do break up a bit though. All the more crispy bits!
- Bake for about 40 minutes. Done!
The Greek twist is optional, but I love adding my lemon & oregano magic combo of flavors to my smashed potatoes!
Can you make them in an air fryer?
I was on the fence for ages about buying an air fryer. And then I was given one by a friend. Whoo-hoo!
I was afraid we’d use it a few times before relegating it to the back of the cupboard. But I’m happy to report that we use it at least a few times a week.
It’s wonderful for anything that you’d usually bake or reheat in the oven. Think anything covered in breadcrumbs, homemade french fries or sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, and even small cakes like small batch banana bread (recipe coming soon!).
It’s a great way to NOT turn on the oven on a 35 (or even 40!) degree Perth summer day.
An air fryer also happens to make the most amazing crispy smashed potatoes!
How do you make them?
To be honest the oven roasted and air fryer versions of this crispy smashed potatoes recipe aren’t too different.
The air fryer version is quicker – about twice as fast. You could also get away with using less oil to roast your potatoes if you make them in an air fryer. If you wanted to, that is. To be honest I tend to toss my potatoes in the same amount of marinade however I’m going to cook them.
When my oven’s on already I tend to make my potatoes in the oven. When I’m not planning to turn on the oven, I use my air fryer. Simple.
Use a spoon to place your potatoes into your air fryer. Sprinkle over some salt and pepper and cook for about 20 minutes for crispy, garlicky, lemony Greek perfection.
Whether you roast them in the traditional way in the oven, or you take a little air fryer short cut, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with these Greek style crispy smashed potatoes!
How do they taste?
Oh my goodness. These are DEE-LISH!
The potatoes stick to the baking tray and form a ridiculously addictive crispy crust. There are super crispy bits and bobs scattered all over from where you squashed some of the potatoes with the masher a bit too enthusiastically (if you’re me that is).
The insides of the potatoes are soft and creamy, but the next little bit of crisp and crunch is never far away.
The potato skins get crispy too and definitely add a certain je ne sais quoi.
The Greek flavors are subtle, but definitely there.
Are these the perfect potato side dish? Just maybe…
What to eat with crispy smashed potatoes
Hmmm. More or less anything.
We’ve eaten these potatoes with simple fish, chicken or steak, or once with this delicious Greek baked eggplant (you’ve got to try it!).
They’re also great with this easy crustless quiche (impossible quiche).
Last but definitely not least… have you tried cooking a whole rotisserie chicken in your air fryer? Try it, then while the chicken is resting, make these crispy Greek style smashed potatoes.
ANY protein and veggies goes well with these potatoes. Or why not serve them as a crowd pleasing side dish next time you’re having guests over?
Loving the crispy potato vibe in this post?
Try this amazingly delicious Greek chicken and potatoes next time you need an easy midweek meal – or even an easy meal for entertaining. You won’t believe how easy it is to make, but with a Greek salad and tzatziki on the side it’s a meal fit for a (Greek) king!
Need more show stopping potato side dishes?
- If you’re putting the oven on to cook something else, it’s worth making these Greek potatoes. They really are the best!
- These mini garlic and parmesan hasselback potatoes are worth the little bit of extra effort, especially if you’re entertaining.
- Make this potato bake with bacon if you’re a fan of dauphinoise potatoes. They’re just as delicious but without the cream! Goes perfectly with any kind of meat or fish.
- This cheesy roasted cauliflower mash is the BEST mashed potatoes. Enough said.
- One final ‘wild card’ option – these zucchini fries with tempura batter are a delicious alternative to regular potato fries!
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Greek style crispy smashed potatoes
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355F/180C.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then boil for about 15 minutes until soft but not falling apart.
- Drain the potaoes in a colander and let steam while you prepare the marinade.
- Whisk together the olive oil, oregano, and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
- Tip the potatoes into the bowl with the marinade and fold well with a wooden spoon until the potatoes are all covered with the marinade.
- Pour the potatoes and any excess marinade onto a large baking sheet. Squash/Flatten them slightly with a potato masher or large fork.
- Roast the potatoes for about 40 minutes or until they look golden and crispy.
Marie Czarnecki says
I thought you would put feta cheese on them after the smash job, that would taste great.
Helen says
Oooh yes, great idea! We usually serve them with a Greek salad on the side, which is why I didn’t think of it. But yes, go for it!!!
Ramsha says
Thank you for sharing an interesting recipe, I’ll try it soon for next Monday dinner.
Helen says
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them!
Lawrence says
It tastes DEE-LISH for potato addict like me. My favorite is butter-fried and fried mashed potatoes. Now I have an interesting recipe for my favorite dish.
Helen says
Thank you for passing by, Lawrence!
Tara says
Thanks for inspiring me to try out the air fryer function on my countertop oven — YUM!!!
Helen says
Ooh, so glad to have inspired you, Tara! Let me know how you get on!
Meagen Brosius says
I love making these potatoes! They’re so easy but everyone LOVES them! Definitely a fast favorite in our house!
Helen says
Hello Meagen. Thank you so much for letting me know you’re enjoying these. We make them all the time too!
Ann says
Yummo diddley oh. On the menu and I’ll possibly hate myself afterwards.
Happy Easter to you and yours.
Helen says
Happy Easter to you too, Ann!!! 🙂