Serious Eats: Recipes
Ultra-Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
The key to super fluffy mashed potatoes is to remove as much starch from the spuds as possible. We accomplish this by peeling and dicing them before rinsing them in water and boiling them just until cooked. After cooking, they get a final rinse before heading to the ricer. Using a ricer or food mill prevents excess damage to the starch granules, helping the potatoes remain nice and light.
For a full read-up on the science, or if you prefer your mashed potatoes creamy, read the full article here.