Technically no, but you will still need to soften the potatoes in some way. If you don't want to boil, you will need to partially bake in a hot oven, in the microwave or in the air fryer prior to smashing the potatoes. If baking make sure to pierce some holes in the potatoes with a fork, or else the steam will have no where to go. If using the air fryer to bake before smashing, air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. If using the oven to bake before smashing, bake for 30-35 minutes at 425°F. If using the microwave to bake before smashing, microwave on high for 8 minutes. Either way, boiling or partially baking the potatoes is inevitable. Potatoes are hearty and tough, so they will need to be softened one way or another to give you the ability to smash them.