Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven) Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting yet vibrant side dish, look no further than these Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven). They combine crispy, golden potatoes with tangy feta cheese, fragrant rosemary, and bursts of briny capers or black olives, all brightened up by fresh lemon. The magic lies in the contrast of textures and flavors, making each bite a little celebration of classic Greek ingredients with modern cooking convenience. Whether you choose the air fryer or oven method, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispiness and creaminess that will quickly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential to capturing the authentic Greek spirit and wonderful textural interplay of this dish. Each element brings something unique—from the silky creaminess of feta to the herbal punch of rosemary, every item counts.

• Potatoes (8-12 medium roasting potatoes): Choose starchy roasting potatoes that crisp beautifully on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
• Feta cheese (200 g / 7 oz, crumbled): This salty, tangy cheese is the hero providing a creamy contrast to the crispy potatoes.
• Capers or sliced black olives (3 tbsp): Adds a burst of briny flavor that livens up each bite.
• Garlic (2 large whole cloves, sliced): Infuses a warm and aromatic note baked into the potatoes.
• Red onion (thinly sliced rounds): Offers a mild sharpness and a splash of color that pairs perfectly with feta.
• Rosemary (small sprig, torn): Brings an earthy, piney fragrance that elevates the dish’s savory profile.
• Lemon (cut into quarters): For roasting alongside the potatoes, it adds citrus brightness and a hint of acidity.
• Olive oil (to drizzle): The golden elixir that helps crisp the potatoes and carry all those wonderful flavors.
• Salt and pepper (to season): Simple but crucial to bring all the tastes into perfect harmony.

How to Make Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven)

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Start by rinsing the potatoes well, then pierce them all over with a sharp knife. This helps steam escape and allows faster cooking. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl covered with damp paper towels and microwave on full power for 7 to 12 minutes depending on your microwave’s strength. They should be soft enough to pierce easily but still hold their shape.

Step 2: Smash the potatoes

Transfer the cooked potatoes to your oiled skillet, roasting tray, or air fryer basket. Using a potato masher, gently press down to flatten them slightly, exposing the soft flesh while keeping them largely intact. This is the key step that creates delightful crispy edges and velvety interiors.

Step 3: Add seasoning and aromatics

Drizzle olive oil generously over the smashed potatoes, then season with salt and pepper. Scatter the sliced garlic and torn rosemary sprigs evenly on top. Nestle the lemon wedges around the potatoes—they will roast and release their juices to infuse subtle citrus aroma. This layering of flavors will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Roast the potatoes

If using the oven, place your tray or skillet in the oven preheated to 200°C (400°F) and roast for about 10 minutes, until the skins begin to crisp and color. If going the air fryer route, place everything inside the basket and roast under the same time and temperature for equally gorgeous results.

Step 5: Add feta, onions, and capers

Remove the potatoes carefully and sprinkle the crumbled feta, thin red onion rounds, and capers or sliced black olives on top. Return to the oven or air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes. The feta softens and warms, mingling beautifully with the roasted garlic and onions for a layered taste experience.

Step 6: Finish with fresh lemon juice and serve

Once cooked, squeeze the roasted lemon wedges over the potatoes for a final zing of acidity that perfectly offsets the richness. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy edges and creamy, tangy topping at their best.

How to Serve Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven)

To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or dill over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of additional good-quality olive oil and a few extra crumbles of feta can also add freshness and a lovely shine that invites everyone to dig in eagerly.

Side Dishes

These potatoes are versatile enough to complement a wide range of main dishes. Try pairing with grilled chicken skewers, lemony lamb chops, or a fresh Greek salad for a Mediterranean feast. Their savory, tangy nature provides a delightful contrast to simply grilled or roasted proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven) in individual small cast iron skillets for rustic charm at dinner parties, or mound them on a large platter alongside colorful grilled vegetables for a family-style spread. For a fun twist, pile them into lettuce cups and top with tzatziki for a handheld treat with layers of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover potatoes, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3 days, making for a convenient and tasty ready-to-reheat side.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these potatoes fresh, you can freeze fully cooked smashed potatoes. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container to avoid clumping. Use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven) in a hot oven or air fryer to restore that signature crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible since it tends to make them soggy. Reheating in a dry heat will bring back the delightful contrast between crunchy edges and creamy centers.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While roasting potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their fluffy texture and ability to crisp, varieties like Yukon Gold or even fingerling potatoes can work well too. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is air frying healthier than oven roasting these potatoes?

Air frying typically uses less oil and cooks faster, which can make it a slightly healthier and more energy-efficient option. However, oven roasting gives equally delicious results with a bit more hands-off cooking time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether and add extra olives and herbs to maintain the bold flavors and textures that make this dish special.

What can I use instead of capers?

If you don’t have capers, sliced black or Kalamata olives provide a similarly salty, tangy element. Pickled green olives are another tasty alternative that pairs beautifully with the Greek flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is naturally mild and relies more on savory and tangy notes rather than heat. If you want to add a little warmth, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on top before serving would be perfect.

Final Thoughts

Greek Smashed Potatoes with Feta (Air Fryer or Oven) bring together simplicity, comfort, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a way that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is bound to become a cherished go-to. Give it a try—you may find yourself craving these crispy, cheesy, lemon-kissed potatoes time and time again!

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