Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
What You’ll Need
If this sizzling steak and shrimp combo has your taste buds singing, you’ll be thrilled to discover our full collection of hearty beef recipes, perfect for any occasion! Get ready to explore even more delicious ways to enjoy your favorite cuts.
Craving more air fryer magic? If you loved how these smashed potatoes turned out, you’ll be thrilled to discover our full collection of Air Fryer Recipes – from appetizers to desserts, we’ve got your air fryer cooking covered!
Variations & Adaptations
No-Waste Kitchen Magic
Every bit of these Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes can be put to good use, and nothing has to go to waste. The potato skins are edible and delicious, so there’s no need to peel them before cooking — they add texture and nutrients.
If you have leftover garlic butter mixture, store it in a small jar in the fridge and use it to top steamed vegetables, toss with pasta, or spread on warm bread. It keeps for about a week and adds instant flavor to just about anything.
Leftover smashed potatoes can be chopped up and added to breakfast hash, stirred into soups for extra heartiness, or even tucked into a breakfast burrito. They bring crispy texture and savory depth to so many dishes beyond the original side.
Save your potato cooking water for watering houseplants or adding to homemade bread dough — the starch helps feed plants and gives bread a lovely soft texture. It’s a small gesture, but it all adds up to a kinder, more resourceful kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions I get about making Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes, along with quick answers to help you feel confident in the kitchen.
What type of potatoes work best for air fryer smashed potatoes?
Small to medium-sized baby potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or red potatoes work best for smashed potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well when boiled and smashed, and their creamy texture creates a perfect contrast with the crispy exterior.
Do I need to boil the potatoes before air frying them?
Yes, you should boil or parboil the potatoes until they are fork-tender before smashing and air frying. This ensures the inside is fully cooked and fluffy while the air fryer creates a crispy golden exterior. Boiling typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on potato size.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to for crispy smashed potatoes?
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal crispiness. Cook the smashed potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning and maximum crispiness on both sides.
How flat should I smash the potatoes?
Smash the potatoes to about half an inch thick. They should be flattened enough to create lots of crispy edges and surface area, but not so thin that they fall apart. Use the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a fork to gently press down on each boiled potato.
Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time in the air fryer?
While smashed potatoes are best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can boil and smash them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with oil and air fry as directed. Reheating leftovers in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes can restore some crispiness.
Final Dish
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients and a little patience can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving them alongside a weeknight roast or bringing them to a potluck, these golden, garlicky bites are guaranteed to disappear fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
I hope you love making these as much as I do — don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with me in the comments or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your crispy, golden creations!
I’m Linda Sandra — a Charleston home chef and comfort-food daydreamer. Around here, cooking’s not about perfection — it’s about cozy vibes, creative twists, and food that feels like love.
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter melted, or olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Add the potatoes to a large pot or 5-quart dutch oven and cover with cold, salted water. Boil potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until fork tender. Alternatively, you can air fry, microwave or bake them.
- Drain the cooked potatoes into a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes, or until they can be handled safely.
- Make the seasoned butter mixture by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat with non-stick or olive oil spray.
- Transfer the potatoes to a large sheet pan and use the bottom of a cup or serving fork to gently “smash” them. You want to make sure the skin loosens and breaks, and the smashed potato is 1/2 an inch thick. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be.
- Brush or drizzle both sides of each smashed potato with the seasoned butter mixture.
- Transfer the butter coated smashed potatoes to either your air fryer basket or tray, being sure to leave a bit of space in between each potato. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are super crispy and golden. Do not flip them while cooking!
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt, if desired. Feel free to pair with a dipping sauce like ketchup or garlic aioli, enjoy!
