If you’re looking for a snack or side dish that’s both irresistibly crispy and perfectly fluffy, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a total game-changer—golden, garlicky, and with edges so crisp they crunch with every bite. I absolutely love how these turn out because they’re so simple yet have that deep, comforting flavor that everyone in my family craves. Stick around; I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this crispy masterpiece every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy Texture: Thanks to the air fryer and smashing technique, the edges become fabulously crunchy while the centers stay fluffy.
- Minimal Ingredients: You just need a handful of pantry staples and fresh parsley for a flavorful punch.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the garlic, herbs, or seasoning to suit your mood or what’s in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredients are. These basics work together to create layers of flavor and texture that’ll keep you reaching for more.
- Baby gold potatoes: Small and tender potatoes cook evenly and get perfectly crispy edges when smashed.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Olive oil: Boosts the crisp factor and adds a lovely, light flavor.
- Garlic powder: Provides that gentle garlicky aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best; it adds a subtle bite that complements the potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning – I recommend being generous because it brings out the best in every bite.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped finely for a burst of color and freshness at the end.
Variations
One thing I’ve learned is that this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe lends itself beautifully to customization. Play around with herbs, spices, or cooking methods—you’ll quickly find your favorite version.
- Herb Mix: I sometimes swap parsley for rosemary or thyme for an earthier flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef or chicken.
- Spice Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper turns these into a smoky, spicy treat that’s perfect for game day.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with extra olive oil or avocado oil to keep it dairy-free while still getting that golden crisp.
- Bigger Potatoes: If you can only find baby reds or fingerlings, they work too—just adjust boiling time until fork-tender.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil ’Em Till Tender
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil—that salt seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Drop in your baby gold potatoes and cook them for 15 to 25 minutes depending on size. I like to test with a fork—it should slide in easily with just a little resistance, no mushy failures here. A trick I discovered is that overboiling can make smashing tricky, so aim for tender but still firm.
Step 2: Time to Smash and Season
After draining, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Then, place them on a baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a cup or fork. The thinner and flatter they get, the crispier those edges will be—so don’t be shy! Next, drizzle melted butter and olive oil over them, and sprinkle a good dose of garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. When I first tried this, I was conservative with salt and quickly learned that generous seasoning is key to flavor.
Step 3: Crisp ’Em Up in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray with non-stick or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Carefully add your smashed potatoes in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap—crowding is the enemy of crispiness here. I learned the hard way that flipping is unnecessary and can cause the potatoes to fall apart, so just let them work their magic for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crunchy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once they come out, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a little flaky sea salt for some extra crunch and visual appeal. Serve right away to enjoy that amazing texture.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: I learned that crowding the potatoes in the air fryer prevents air circulation and results in soggy spots; give each piece space to crisp.
- Use Uniform Potato Sizes: Choosing similarly sized potatoes means they’ll cook evenly, so none are under or overcooked.
- Smash Thin and Even: The thinner your smashed potatoes get, the crispier they’ll be—go for about a ¼ to ½ inch thickness for the best crunch.
- Season Generously: I used to be timid with salt but discovered that these potatoes really shine with a good sprinkling before air frying.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness—plus it cuts through the richness nicely. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of parmesan cheese adds a fun twist. Dollops of sour cream or a little garlic aioli are heavenly dipping options I can’t resist.
Side Dishes
These crispy smashed potatoes make an incredible side to grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or a pan-seared steak. I’ve even paired them with roasted veggies and a simple green salad for a totally satisfying vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging my smashed potatoes in a pretty circle on a platter, adding various toppings like chives, grated cheddar, and crumbled bacon in small bowls for guests to customize. It turns this easy recipe into a fun, interactive appetizer that never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When they cool down, the crispiness fades, but don’t worry—you can easily bring them back.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze these because the texture can suffer, but if you want to try, flash freeze them spread out on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crisp, I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. It’s way better than microwaving, which just makes them soft and soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! While baby gold potatoes are ideal due to their size and texture, you can use baby reds or fingerlings too. Just adjust the boiling time so all potatoes become fork-tender before smashing.
-
Do I have to boil the potatoes, or can I cook them differently?
Boiling is the easiest and most reliable way to get tender potatoes ready for smashing, but you can also microwave or air fry them first until soft. Just ensure they are cooked through to achieve that perfect texture.
-
How do I avoid the potatoes sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil before adding your smashed potatoes. Also, avoid overcrowding to keep them from sticking together.
-
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can boil and even smash the potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate them. Reheat in the air fryer right before serving to regain crispness. This trick saved me many times when hosting dinners.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is super easy to throw together. Whether you’re unexpectedly feeding guests or want a cozy side, it doesn’t disappoint. Give it a try, follow these tips, and I promise you’ll find yourself making smashed potatoes again and again. Your family and friends will go crazy for them, just like mine does!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy crispy, buttery smashed potatoes made effortlessly in an air fryer. These baby gold potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed for extra crispiness, then air fried to golden perfection with garlic, butter, and olive oil, making a perfect side dish that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes (about 8 – 10 small potatoes)
Seasonings & Fats
- 1 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 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 the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on size, until they are fork-tender and fully cooked.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and let them sit for about 5 minutes until cool enough to handle safely.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray or coat the basket with non-stick or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the potatoes on a large sheet pan. Using the bottom of a cup or a serving fork, gently press down each potato until it is flattened to your desired thinness. The thinner you smash, the crispier the edges will be. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the smashed potatoes, followed by the olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt over the potatoes to enhance flavor. Be generous with your seasoning for the best taste.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Using a spatula, transfer the smashed potatoes in a single layer to the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure the potatoes do not overlap to allow for proper crisping. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Do not flip during cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optional flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- These smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with buttery, garlic-infused flavor.
- You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this flavorful and easy side dish.
- Make sure not to overlap the potatoes in the air fryer basket to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- You can also cook the potatoes using boiling, microwaving, or air frying methods before smashing, but boiling provides the best texture for smashing.
- If you want extra crispiness, smash the potatoes thinner.
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
