Get ready to transform ordinary baby potatoes into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! These Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a crispy, herbaceous sensation that combines the magic of pressure cooking and air frying into one irresistible recipe. Whether you're a vegan foodie or just someone who loves mind-blowing flavors, this dish promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat them dry completely with paper towels.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot inner pot. Place the steamer rack inside and arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the rack.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook on HIGH for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes, until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the potatoes and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel.
- Gently press each potato with a fork or potato masher to create a slightly flattened, rustic appearance. Be careful not to completely break the potatoes.
- Switch the Instant Pot lid to the air fryer lid. Preheat the air fryer function to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Brush each smashed potato generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the potatoes for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and immediately drizzle with pesto, ensuring each potato is well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose small, uniform baby potatoes for consistent cooking and the best smashing texture.
- Make sure to pat the potatoes completely dry before smashing to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Don't be too aggressive when smashing - you want a rustic, slightly flattened look, not potato pancakes!
- Use high-quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor - homemade or a premium store-bought version works best.
- For extra crispiness, let the potatoes sit for a minute or two after air frying to allow the edges to crisp up even more.
- Experiment with different herb garnishes like parsley or chives if you want to mix things up.
- Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy texture and maximum flavor impact.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 395kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
