If you’re looking for a side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and so irresistibly buttery, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to enjoy potatoes — fluffy on the inside, perfectly golden and crisp on the edges, and loaded with garlicky goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made smashed potatoes any other way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives you unbeatable crispiness without deep frying or extra mess.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip this up — no complicated prep here!
- Perfectly Fluffy Inside: Smashed but not mashed, so each potato stays soft in the middle with a crunchy shell.
- Family Favorite: My own clan goes crazy for these, making them a regular request at our dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe are simple but work together beautifully. These baby gold potatoes steam up tender, and the garlic and butter make every bite deliciously savory. I always recommend choosing fresh parsley for that vibrant, fresh finish.
- Baby gold potatoes: Pick small or medium-sized for best results; they cook evenly and smash easily.
- Butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the edges crisp up gorgeously in the air fryer.
- Olive oil: Coats the potatoes and aids in creating that coveted crispy crust.
- Garlic powder: Brings just the right hint of garlicky warmth without overpowering the potatoes.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a subtle kick that complements the garlic.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning; be generous to enhance the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note at the end.
Variations
I love customizing this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe depending on the mood or season. You can play around with herbs or even add some heat if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Herb Variations: I’ve swapped parsley for rosemary or thyme for a woodsy twist — both work beautifully.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Adding freshly grated Parmesan just before air frying amps up the flavor and creates an extra crisp crust.
- Spicy Kick: Toss the potatoes with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder for a little heat my family can’t resist.
- Vegan Friendly: Simply omit the butter and use extra olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter substitute.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil Until Tender
The first thing you want to do is bring a pot of water to a boil with a couple teaspoons of salt — this seasons the potatoes from within. I like to get them just fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-25 minutes depending on size. If you poke them easily with a fork, they’re ready! Don’t overcook or they’ll be mushy and hard to smash just right.
Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer & Smash Potatoes
While the potatoes cool enough to handle for about 5 minutes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket lightly with olive oil spray for easy non-stick. Next, lay the potatoes out on a baking sheet and gently press down on each one with the bottom of a cup or a fork until they’re smashed flat but still intact. The thinner you smash, the crispier the edges get — I learned this trick after my first soggy batch!
Step 3: Season and Air Fry
Drizzle your melted butter followed by olive oil all over the smashed potatoes. Then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt — don’t be shy here, salt is your best friend! Use a spatula to transfer the slices carefully to the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap (crowding means less crispiness). Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Resist the urge to flip — they crisp up best by just sitting flat.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Hot
Once your potatoes are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and optional flaky sea salt. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Perfect Potato Size: I find baby gold or small red potatoes ideal—they cook quickly and smash easily without falling apart.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If they overlap, steam forms instead of crisping; do batches if needed for maximum crunch.
- Use Melted Butter & Olive Oil: Butter brings flavor, while olive oil helps crispiness—a combo I swear by.
- Resist Flipping: Leaving them undisturbed during air frying gives you that beautiful golden crust all over.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for the color and brightness it adds, plus a dusting of flaky sea salt to really make those crispy edges pop. Sometimes, I toss on a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra hit of savory goodness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully as a side with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. In my house, it’s a must-have whenever we’re barbecue-ing or making burgers — everyone loves that crunchy texture playing off the juicy main.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these smashed potatoes stacked on a wooden board topped with little ramekins of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup. It turns a simple side into a fun and shareable appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? No problem! I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the air fryer to revive that crispy exterior.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing these after cooking, and while the texture holds up reasonably well when reheated in the air fryer, it’s best to freeze the boiled potatoes before smashing and crisping if you want to prep ahead for convenience.
Reheating
To keep that crispy texture, I always reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F for about 5-7 minutes instead of the microwave. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! While baby gold potatoes are ideal because of their size and texture, you can also use small red potatoes or Yukon Golds. Just make sure they’re about the same size so they cook evenly. Larger potatoes may need extra boiling time and careful smashing.
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Is it necessary to boil the potatoes first?
Boiling ensures the potatoes are soft inside before smashing. You can air fry or microwave them initially, but boiling is the most foolproof method for tender insides and crispy outsides. I personally stick to boiling to get consistent results.
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Why shouldn’t I flip the potatoes while air frying?
Flipping can disturb the crispy crust forming on the edges and cause them to break apart. Letting the potatoes cook undisturbed allows the air fryer to create an even golden crust. You’ll get perfect crunch on one side, and since the bottoms are smashed thin, they crisp right through.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative or use additional olive oil. The texture and crispiness remain just as good, and you’ll still have a flavorful treat.
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How do I keep smashed potatoes crispy after cooking?
Serve them immediately for the best crunch. If you need to hold them for a short time, place them on a wire rack rather than a plate so steam doesn’t make them soggy. Reheating in the air fryer also helps bring back that crispiness.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe manages to deliver such incredible flavor and texture with so little fuss. When I first tried making smashed potatoes in my air fryer, I was blown away by how easy it was to get that perfect golden crust without firing up the oven or grabbing a pan. It’s become my go-to side dish because everyone in my family can’t stop asking for more. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much — so grab those potatoes and let’s make some magic happen!
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Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring tender baby gold potatoes smashed and air fried to golden, crispy perfection. With a flavorful combination of garlic, butter, and fresh parsley, they offer a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, making them an irresistible snack or accompaniment.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes (about 8 – 10 small potatoes)
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Wash and dry the baby gold potatoes thoroughly. Add them to the boiling water and cook for 15 to 25 minutes, until they are fork-tender and fully cooked.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes using a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes until they are cool enough to handle safely.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat the basket with non-stick or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on a large sheet pan. Using the bottom of a cup or a serving fork, gently press down each potato until it flattens to your desired thickness; thinner potatoes will become crispier. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Add Butter and Oil: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the smashed potatoes, followed by the olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt for enhanced flavor.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Carefully transfer the seasoned smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to allow even crisping. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Avoid flipping during cooking to maintain crisp edges.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve them hot. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and optionally flakey sea salt for an extra pop of flavor.
Notes
- These smashed potatoes are fluffy inside and crispy on the edges, making them a perfect side or snack.
- Only five main ingredients are needed to make these flavorful, garlicky potatoes.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure maximum crispiness.
- You can adjust the seasoning amounts to taste, especially the salt and garlic powder.
- For alternative cooking, the potatoes can also be cooked by microwaving or air frying whole before smashing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 9 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
