Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Hola! I’m Emma, and if you’ve ever wondered what happens when crispy meets fluffy in the coziest way possible, this recipe is it. Growing up in Orlando, my family always had potatoes on the table, but I’ll never forget the first time I learned to make smashed potatoes—golden, crunchy edges with a soft, buttery middle. Today I’m giving it a modern twist with the air fryer, making them lighter but still loaded with flavor. This smashed potatoes recipe is one of my go-to potato appetizers—simple, quick, and absolutely irresistible. Trust me, these will become your new favorite baby potato recipe!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 10 mins | 30 mins | 2 people | Easy | American | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy texture – The air fryer creates golden, crunchy skins without deep frying.
- Soft and fluffy inside – Each bite gives you a contrast of crispy outside and pillowy inside.
- Minimal oil needed – Just a touch of olive oil makes them healthier than fried potato snacks.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy them as a side, appetizer, or even a snack with dips.
- Family-friendly and customizable – Add more spices, cheese, or fresh herbs to match your taste.
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are golden on the outside, soft inside, and made with minimal oil. The perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 500 g baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing if needed.
2. Add potatoes to a pot, cover with salted water, and boil until fork-tender (12–15 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, mix oil, garlic powder, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Preheat air fryer to 200C/400F for 2–3 minutes.
5. Drain potatoes and transfer to a cutting board. Gently smash with a fork or masher.
6. Brush one side of each potato with seasoned oil.
7. Lightly brush the air fryer basket and arrange potatoes in a single layer.
8. Air fry at 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
9. Flip, brush the other side with oil, and air fry 5 minutes more until crispy.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, cook 2–3 minutes longer.
Top with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or chili flakes for variation.
Can be made ahead by boiling and smashing potatoes, then refrigerating before air frying.
Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 3508 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ingredients
- 500 g baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoon vegetable/olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Baby potatoes | Choose small, uniform ones so they cook evenly and smash nicely. |
| Olive/vegetable oil | Olive oil gives a richer flavor, while vegetable oil is more neutral. |
| Garlic powder | Can substitute with fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor. |
| Parsley | Fresh parsley works beautifully if you have it on hand. |
| Chili flakes | Skip if serving kids, or add extra if you love spice. |
| Salt & pepper | Always season generously for the best flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the potatoes – Wash baby potatoes thoroughly and scrub if needed.
- Boil until tender – Place them in a pot with salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Make the seasoning mix – In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic powder, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer – Heat at 200°C/400°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Smash the potatoes – Drain and place potatoes on a board. Gently smash each one with a masher or fork without breaking them apart.
- Season one side – Brush potatoes with the oil mixture.
- Air fry first side – Lightly oil the basket, arrange potatoes in a single layer, and air fry for 5 minutes.
- Flip and season – Brush the other side with oil and cook 5 more minutes or until crispy to your liking.
- Serve hot – Enjoy with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; potatoes need space for even crisping.
- Smash gently to keep potatoes intact while still flattening enough for crispy edges.
- Use parchment liners for easier cleanup.
- Taste the seasoning mix before brushing—adjust salt and spice as needed.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Parboil just right – Overcooking makes them too soft; undercooking makes them hard to smash.
- Oil lightly but evenly – Too much oil makes them soggy; a thin brush gives perfect crisp.
- Single layer only – Overlapping prevents proper air circulation and crisping.
- Serve immediately – They’re best hot and fresh, straight from the fryer.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy smashed potatoes – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan after flipping.
- Herb-infused potatoes – Add rosemary or thyme to the oil mix for aromatic flavor.
- Spicy kick version – Double the chili flakes or add smoked paprika for extra heat.
- Loaded smashed potatoes – Top with sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for a mini meal.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 2 days before air frying. For freezing, store smashed, pre-boiled potatoes in an airtight bag. When ready, air fry directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them as an appetizer with creamy dipping sauces, or as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. For parties, place them on a platter with multiple dips for a fun, shareable snack.
Pairing Ideas
These potatoes pair beautifully with ranch or garlic aioli. For drinks, enjoy with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade. They also go well with BBQ meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 180°C/360°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave reheating works but won’t give the same crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, but cut them into smaller chunks for faster cooking and easier smashing.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skins add extra crispiness and flavor, plus they’re full of nutrients.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dips go best with smashed potatoes?
Garlic aioli, ranch, sour cream with chives, or even spicy sriracha mayo.
Can I double the recipe in one batch?
Not recommended—cook in batches so each potato gets crispy edges.
Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?
They might be overcrowded in the basket, under-seasoned with oil, or need a couple more minutes of cooking.
Are smashed potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for dietary needs.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 319 kcal | 5g | 45g | 14g | 6g | 2g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These crispy smashed potatoes in the air fryer are the ultimate snack or side dish—golden, crunchy, and totally addictive. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll be a new favorite at your table.
