Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes are an essential dish to add to your dinner table. Easy and affordable, they taste delicious with gravy, or just salt and pepper! Whether you like them creamy, cheesy, or lumpy, making mashed potatoes in air fryer is super easy!

Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

The first time I made my mashed potatoes air fryer recipe, I was so impressed with how well they came out! Plus, they are much better than premade store-bought packages and only take minutes to make, all right in your handy air fryer.

I love making this in the summer — yes, I know mashed potatoes are traditionally made in the wintertime, but with your air fryer you don’t have to worry about heating up the whole house to make them. They pair so well with barbecue food!

I add butter, cheese, chives, and seasonings to highlight the natural flavors in the spuds, but you can feel free to get creative and add your own flair.

So, whether you plan to whip these up for your next backyard bash, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anything in between, you’re going to love just how easy it is to make air fryer mashed potatoes!

If you’re looking for even more Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes, some of my family’s favorites include AIR FRYER GARLIC ROASTED FINGERLING POTATOES, AIR FRYER SYRACUSE SALTED POTATOES, AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S FRIED RICE, and AIR FRYER LOADED TATER TOTS.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mash Potatoes

• So much faster than other methods
• Can be made all year round
• So versatile
• Incredibly easy and fast in the air fryer
• Full of tasty savory flavors
• Budget-friendly

Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Mashed Potatoes

You only need a few simple things to make this mashed potatoes air fryer recipe! I’ve included a few extras that I like to add to mine once the potatoes are cooked. Feel free to use your preferences.

For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as the nutritional information, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

• Potatoes: You can use this recipe for any type of baking potatoes. Russet potatoes are often considered to be the best for their high starch content and creamy texture. Yukon Gold, Idaho Russets, and new potatoes are a few other options!
• Butter: It wouldn’t be a good mashed potatoes recipe without a healthy helping of butter. Not only does it add flavor, but it also adds moisture which helps the overall texture.
• Salt & Pepper: Just your basic seasonings here. Remember, you can always add more if you’d like.
• Extras: I’m also using cream cheese to inject the air fryer mashed potatoes with more creamy richness, plus a bit of tang. I added chives too for a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor.

How to Make Mashed Potatoes in Air Fryer

Below you’ll find the easy, step-by-step instructions to air fry mashed potatoes! Your air fryer does much of the work — but you will have to use a fork or potato masher to actually mash up your spuds with the rest of the ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Step 1: Air fry the potatoes

Place a piece of foil on the countertop and add your potatoes. Wrap tightly to close and place in your air fryer.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and air fry the spuds for 25 minutes.

Step 2: Mash the potatoes

Transfer the cooked potatoes from the air fryer to a large plate. If you want to remove the skins, you can do so. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the spuds.

Step 3: Add the other ingredients

Place the mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and butter, and mix to combine. Sprinkle in the chives and continue to stir until everything is well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes Variations

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and other toppings.
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Replace the butter and cream cheese with non-dairy vegan alternatives.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes. Do note they will require a longer cooking time.
• Seasonings: Some great ones are Everything Bagel Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, and Cajun Seasoning.

Mashed Potatoes Air Fryer Pro Tips

• Potato Varieties: I recommend using smaller potatoes. They cook up a lot quicker.
• Season Generously: Always taste your air fryer mashed potatoes before you serve! A few more seasonings can often work wonders.
• Don’t hesitate to add more toppings. Refer to my list of suggestions above.
• No Preheating Needed: Some of my recipes call for you to preheat the air fryer, but not this one.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! If you add too many spuds at once, they will steam instead of roast.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking on your potatoes at around the 25-minute mark. If they’re fork tender, you can pull them out. The actual time will depend on the type of air fryer you have and how big your potatoes are!
• Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the spuds as they could become too mushy. Fork tender is ideal.

Storage

You can store any leftover air fryer mash potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. I usually reheat single servings in the microwave and large portions on the stovetop. A splash of milk or cream will help them fluff back up.

This is also a great make-ahead side dish if you plan on serving it for a large barbecue or get-together. The best way to do it would be to air fry the potatoes and then store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Then, reheat the potatoes and continue with the recipe as written.

Or, you could just make the entire dish and reheat it in the microwave or a saucepan!

Mashed Potatoes in Air Fryer FAQs

More Air Fryer Potato Recipes

• BREAKFAST POTATOES IN THE AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER EASY POUTINE FRENCH FRIES
• AIR FRYER SYRACUSE SALTED POTATOES
• AIR FRYER SPICY FRENCH FRIES
• AIR FRYER OVEN GOLD RANCH POTATOES
• AIR FRYER LOADED MASHED POTATO EGG ROLLS