Say goodbye to bland side dishes! Get ready for a simple recipe that transforms humble potatoes into a culinary masterpiece. These amazing Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes boast an irresistible crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, all infused with savory garlic and herbs. Perfect as a versatile side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they will quickly become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Quick Preparation: Cooking baby potatoes and then finishing them in the air fryer makes this recipe surprisingly fast. You get restaurant-quality results in less time.
- Irresistible Crispy Texture: The air fryer works magic, creating unbelievably crisp edges that everyone craves. These smashed potatoes in the air fryer are never soggy.
- Flavorful & Garlicky Taste: Each bite is packed with savory garlic, butter, and olive oil, making them incredibly delicious. Research suggests that consuming olive oil may offer various health benefits for cardiovascular health.
- Versatile Side Dish: They pair perfectly with almost any main course, from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Enjoy these delicious potatoes without worrying about gluten, making them suitable for many diets. The Celiac Disease Foundation confirms that potatoes are naturally gluten-free.
- Easy Vegan Option: Simply swap butter for a plant-based alternative to make this recipe completely vegan-friendly.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own batch of delicious Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes, about 8 – 10 small potatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Baby gold potatoes are fantastic for their creamy texture, but small Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work wonderfully. For a dairy-free version, easily swap the melted butter for an equal amount of vegan butter or an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or a dash of chili flakes for a kick. Garlic powder is preferred over fresh minced garlic here because it distributes evenly and is less likely to burn in the air fryer.
Equipment
You don’t need much to create these crispy delights. Here is the essential equipment:
- Air fryer
- Medium pot
- Large sheet pan
- Measuring spoons
- Smashing tool (bottom of a cup, serving fork, or potato masher)
- Colander
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make perfectly crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and add in 2 teaspoons of salt. Meanwhile, wash and dry the potatoes, then add them to the boiling water. Cook for 15–25 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They should be fully cooked and fork-tender soft. Alternatively, you can air fry or microwave them (see FAQ for details).
- When the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes until they can be handled safely.
- Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat the basket with non-stick or olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and promotes crispiness.
- Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan. Use the bottom of a sturdy cup or a serving fork to gently “smashed” them. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be. Be generous with the smashing, but don’t break them apart completely.
- Drizzle the smashed potatoes with the melted butter first, followed by olive oil. Then, sprinkle generously with the garlic powder, pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. I recommend being liberal with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Using a spatula, carefully add the smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap or touch each other, or else they will not get uniformly crispy. You might need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are super crispy and golden brown. Do not flip them while cooking; let the hot air circulate and work its magic.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt if desired. Enjoy your perfectly crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes immediately!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Select potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly during boiling. For perfectly crispy air-fried smashed potatoes, smash them to an even thickness. Preheating your air fryer is crucial; it ensures immediate crisping when the potatoes go in. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket at all costs; air circulation is key for that signature crispness.
If you’re short on time, you can pre-cook the potatoes in the microwave until tender before smashing and air frying. Finally, don’t be shy with the seasoning – the potatoes absorb a lot of flavor.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Elevate your air fryer smashed potato experience with fresh garnishes like chopped chives, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Serve them with a side of creamy garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. These potatoes make an excellent side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple veggie burger.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
For variations, try adding dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper before air frying for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for these delicious smashed potatoes. Please note that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 8 mg |
| Sodium | 9 mg |
| Potassium | 497 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 260 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 19 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions
What potatoes work best for smashed potatoes?
Baby gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but small Yukon Gold or red potatoes also provide great results. Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
Can I microwave potatoes first instead of boiling?
Yes! Pierce potatoes several times, then microwave on high for 5-8 minutes until fork-tender. This is a great time-saver for these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
Can I air fry potatoes instead of boiling them first?
While possible, boiling first ensures a fluffy interior before crisping. Air frying from raw might result in a less creamy inside and longer cooking times. You could try a different air fryer potato dish like air fryer frozen french fries for convenience.
How thick should I smash potatoes?
Aim for about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Thinner potatoes will be crispier, but avoid smashing them so thin they completely break apart.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the melted butter with an equal amount of vegan butter or an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
Conclusion
You now have the ultimate guide to creating unbelievably crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. This recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and impressive side dish. With minimal effort, you achieve that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior every single time. Don’t wait—whip up a batch of these incredible Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes tonight and taste the difference. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring water to a boil with salt, then add washed baby potatoes and cook for 15-25 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain cooked potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and coat the basket with non-stick spray.
- Transfer potatoes to a sheet pan, gently smash them with a cup or fork, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle smashed potatoes with melted butter, then olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Carefully place smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure crispiness.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and super crispy; do not flip during cooking.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes do not overlap in the air fryer basket.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
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