Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a deliciously crunchy twist on traditional boiled potatoes. With a crispy exterior and tender inside, these make a perfect side dish or snack. Air frying keeps them light and crispy without deep frying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb baby gold potatoes (about 8 – 10 small potatoes)
• 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

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat and add in 2 teaspoons of salt. Wash and dry the potatoes, then add them to the boiling water and cook for 15–25 minutes, depending on their size, until they are fork-tender.
2. Step 2: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes until cool enough to handle.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly coat the basket with non-stick or olive oil spray.
4. Step 4: Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan and use the bottom of a cup or a fork to gently press down and “smash” them. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the smashed potatoes, followed by the olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, black pepper, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
6. Step 6: Carefully place the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap to ensure crispiness.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping during cooking to keep them intact.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and flakey sea salt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before air frying.
• Try using different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh twist.
• If you prefer, potatoes can be cooked in the microwave or air fryer before smashing to save time.
• Use russet potatoes for a fluffier interior and extra crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh baby potatoes work best for smashing and crispiness, but you can use thawed frozen potatoes if necessary. Make sure they are fully cooked and dried before smashing.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, keep the skins on for added texture and flavor. The skins become nicely crispy when air fried.

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 100 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender boiled baby gold potatoes that are smashed and crisped up to golden perfection in the air fryer. Flavored with garlic powder, black pepper, butter, and olive oil, these potatoes are garnished with fresh parsley for a fresh finish. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make a perfect snack or accompaniment for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 1 lb baby gold potatoes (about 8 – 10 small potatoes)

Seasoning & Oil

• 1 Tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt (to taste, approximately 2 tsp for boiling plus extra for seasoning)
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. 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 their size, until they are fully cooked and fork-tender.
2. Drain and Cool: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and allow them to sit for 5 minutes so they are cool enough to handle safely.
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Smash the Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan or flat surface. Using the bottom of a cup or a serving fork, gently press down on each potato to flatten it as thin as possible without breaking it apart. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will become.
5. Season: Drizzle the smashed potatoes first with melted butter, then with olive oil. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with garlic powder, black pepper, and about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Be generous with seasoning for the best flavor.
6. Arrange for Air Frying: Using a spatula, carefully place the smashed potatoes one by one into the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure that they do not overlap to allow proper crisping.
7. Air Fry: Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and super crispy. Do not flip the potatoes during cooking.
8. Serve: Once cooked, transfer the crispy smashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and optional flaky sea salt. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Potatoes can also be cooked by air frying or microwaving if preferred, but boiling gives the most consistent tenderness.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness on all sides.
• You can adjust seasoning quantities based on your preference for salt and pepper.
• Use a sturdy cup or fork to smash the potatoes for best results.
• If desired, experiment with adding other seasonings such as paprika or grated Parmesan for variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Air fryer smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, side dish, baby gold potatoes, garlic smashed potatoes