If you’re looking for a crave-worthy side dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. These golden, crispy bites combine fluffy potato interiors with crunchy, crackly edges, all seasoned with a savory blend of olive oil, butter, and spices. Whether you serve them as a crowd-pleasing party snack or a cozy dinner side, their irresistible texture and customizable flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll see why Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes lies in a short but mighty ingredient list. Each element serves a special purpose, whether it’s creating crispy edges, adding depth of flavor, or making every bite pop with color and freshness.

Baby potatoes (1 ½ pounds, Yukon Gold or red): Their small size means tender creamy interiors and perfectly crispy skins—no peeling required!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This helps the potatoes turn golden and adds rich, Mediterranean flavor.
Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Butter mates with olive oil for a deeper, more luxurious taste and extra crunchy finish.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends a warm, aromatic punch that seeps into the cracks for delicious depth.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Balances out the garlic and brings subtle sweetness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the flavors—don’t skimp!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and a finishing touch of sharpness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkles on a salty, savory layer that melts and crisps up beautifully.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A handful of green brightens up the platter and brings a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing your baby potatoes into a pot of salted water. Crank up the heat and bring them to a lively boil. Let them cook for 15–20 minutes, until you can slide a fork through with almost no resistance. This step is key to creating that pillowy soft interior that contrasts so nicely with the crispy exterior later on.

Step 2: Cool and Smash

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, quickly drain them and allow a few minutes to cool. This makes them easier to handle (and less likely to burn your fingers!). Next, transfer them to a clean surface or sheet pan. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup, gently press each potato just until it cracks and flattens—ready for their crispy transformation.

Step 3: Preheat and Brush

Get your air fryer preheating to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush this savory mixture generously over both sides of every smashed potato, giving special attention to all the cracks and crevices where flavor loves to hide.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Line the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they have a little room to breathe (work in batches if you need). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping them halfway, until the edges are golden and crunchy. For that extra cheesy magic, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last two minutes of cooking, letting it melt and crisp up.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes have reached next-level crispiness, transfer them to a platter. A shower of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness. Serve them hot and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

How to Serve Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it delivers a shot of herby brightness that complements the richness of the potatoes. For special occasions, try a dusting of smoked paprika, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or even a drizzle of tangy pesto to customize the flavor to your mood or menu.

Side Dishes

Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes make a sensational partner to everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. They’re fabulous with burgers and sandwiches, and equally at home topping off a steak dinner or cozying up next to a big, crisp salad. Don’t be surprised if they become the highlight of your meal!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes into a dazzling appetizer platter by piling them high with toppings like crumbled feta, chopped chives, and dots of sriracha mayo. For a party twist, offer a “potato bar” with bowls of different dips and garnishes. Or simply mound them on a rustic wooden board for a crowd-pleasing, hands-on snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes, let them cool to room temperature before packing them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay good for up to 3 days without losing their signature crunch entirely.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. This clever trick keeps them from sticking together. They’ll be ready for a speedy snack or effortless side for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, pop chilled or frozen potatoes back in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until hot and crispy again. The oven works too, but the air fryer is truly your shortcut to reviving that fresh-cooked crunch!

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes! Just cut larger potatoes into thick slices or chunks. The key is to keep the pieces small and uniform so they cook through and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

How do I make the smashed potatoes extra crispy?

Letting the boiled potatoes air-dry for a few minutes before seasoning removes surface moisture, which helps them get crispier in the air fryer. Brushing both sides well with oil and butter also does wonders for that signature crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a versatile and safe choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your toppings to be sure.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the smashed potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 425°F oven until golden and crispy, flipping once. The results will still be delicious—even without an air fryer!

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! Just work in batches to avoid crowding your air fryer basket. Keep cooked potatoes warm on a tray in a low oven while you finish the rest, and assemble everything just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes are one of those unforgettable recipes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. They’re simple, satisfying, and seriously fun to make. Give them a try, and you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!

Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Air-Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a crispy and flavorful side dish that is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Baby potatoes are boiled, smashed, seasoned, and air-fried to crispy perfection, then topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Potatoes:

1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)

Seasoning Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil Potatoes: Place baby potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Smash Potatoes: Flatten each potato slightly with the bottom of a glass. Mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Brush the potatoes with the mixture.
Air Fry: Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden brown. Add Parmesan cheese in the last 2 minutes if desired.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.