Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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These Smashed Potatoes are EXTRA crispy, easy to prepare, and a fun activity to do with kids or friends. Popularized on TikTok, Smashed Potatoes are crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. This viral recipe has had over 1 million views on Instagram, so trust me – it’s good! You only need 3 ingredients and a dipping sauce to make this more-ish appetizer.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions & variations
FAQs
Expert Tips
Serving Suggestions
Storage and Reheating
Watch me make the recipe.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
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I’ve always been a fan of potatoes in all forms (who isn’t), but this recipe is a standout. Smashed Potatoes are like a delicious cross between a roast potato and a potato chip (or crisps, if you’re in the UK). Now I know what you’re thinking: how could a recipe with 3 ingredients be that different from regular baked potatoes? WELL, I’m glad you asked – it all comes down to the special preparation of the potatoes, which will give us that perfect contrasting fluffy and crispy texture. Read on to find out more!

Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics before I give away all my secrets. Here’s what you need for these Crispy Smashed Potatoes. There are only 3 ingredients, and I think it’s safe to bet you have 2 of these in the cupboard already, but here’s a shopping list just in case you need it:

Small potatoes (baby or any new potato will work great)
Olive oil
Sea salt

Instructions

Here’s the good part and how to make smashed potatoes! The essential step is par-boiling the potatoes with the skin on before baking. When these are broken, the surface becomes rough and messy (pressing them down with a glass). This uneven texture (that looks messy) will create lots of extra surface area to coat in olive oil and then get super crunchy. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on making mashed potatoes, but be sure to check out the detailed instructions and quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Potatoes boiling in a large pot of bubbling water on the stove.

Step one: Par-boil the potatoes until tender.

A glass presses down gently on a cooked potato to flatten it.

Step two: Gently smash them on a baking tray.

Olive oil being drizzled over flattened boiled potatoes on a tray.

Step three: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs and salt.

Golden smashed potatoes with crispy edges on a parchment-lined tray.

Step four: Bake until crispy and golden.

Substitutions & variations

If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps to keep your cooking stress-free.

No olive oil? Try avocado oil or vegetable oil. Any neutral or mildly flavored oil will do (avoid coconut oil as it will impart too much flavor).
Out of sea salt? Kosher salt is a great substitute.
Mix the flavors by sprinkling spices or dried herbs over your potatoes before baking. Rosemary, smoked paprika, or oregano are all classics that would taste great.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes on a white plate with small bowl of sriracha mayo in the centre.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

In part, yes. You can prepare and smash the potatoes ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to serve. I don’t recommend baking them in advance as their crispy exterior will gradually soften.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make them oil-free?

You can bake these without oil, but they won’t get as crispy. I haven’t tried it, but I expect you will get better results without oil in an air fryer rather than an oven. Try air-frying them at 370°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the difference between smashed and mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are peeled, boiled, and then mashed with milk and butter until they’re creamy and smooth. On the other hand, mashed potatoes are a crispy roasted snack with a rough texture between a chip and a roast potato. Smashed potatoes are first boiled (skin on!), then lightly pressed (or ‘smashed’), then coated with olive oil and salt and roasted to crispy perfection.

Why are my smashed potatoes falling apart?

If your potatoes are falling apart, you probably boiled them too long or pressed down on them too hard (or both). Don’t worry; lightly press the remaining potatoes and gently coat them in oil and salt. Once roasted, they will hold together enough to be picked up by hand, or they shouldn’t fall apart as much.

Expert Tips

Par-boil potatoes until just tender. Keep an eye on your potatoes and test them with a fork if needed, as overboiling can make them fall apart when smashed.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
Make sure to overcrowd the tray. Space each potato apart to ensure they become perfectly crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These are the perfect snacks on their own or with a dipping sauce and will impress your mates next time you’re hosting. They’d also be great for a BBQ appetizer with fresh dips like guacamole and hummus. I love to dunk them in Sriracha or Chipotle smokey mayo. They’d also be a fun twist on the classic roast potatoes at your next Sunday roast dinner.

Crispy smashed potatoes being dipped into a small bowl of sriracha mayo.

Storage and Reheating

For the best experience, I recommend eating these Smashed Potatoes immediately after baking. However, if you have leftovers, they’re still perfectly safe to chill and reheat, but the texture will be better. Here are some leftover storage options:

Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months.

Reheating for Best Texture

Oven: To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat in the oven at 390°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it’s also a quick option for reheating, and you’ll get an extra crispy finish. Set it to 350°F (175 °C) and heat it for a few minutes.

Watch me make the recipe.

I was introduced to this specific recipe by my friend and fellow creator, Katie White – here’s the viral video of us making this recipe together at my house.

I hope you are as obsessed with these Smashed Potatoes as TikTok is! Let me know if they’re worth the hype in the comments below.

Looking for more appetizer inspo? You have to try my other viral recipes like Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (nearly 800,000 views on TikTok!) and Oil Free Microwave Chips (1.2 million views on TikTok and almost 12 million on Instagram – wild!!).

Love potatoes? You might also like my Cheesy Potato Pancakes—crispy, golden, and loaded with flavor, or my Garlic Hasselback Potatoes for another simple, show-stopping side, and of course, my Salt & Vinegar Roast Potatoes. If you’re after more healthy vibes, check out my Air-Fried Hummus Potatoes, Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, or give my Oil-Free Sweet Potato Chips and Potato Chips a go — both are crispy, oil-free, and made right in the microwave.