Description
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes provide the perfect combination of a crispy golden crust and creamy tender inside without deep frying. Made with simple pantry staples and cooked in under 30 minutes, they are a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative for a delicious side or snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (small red or yellow potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or parsley), for garnish
- Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick)
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill (for herb infusion)
- Fresh lemon zest and juice (for bright finish)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling your baby potatoes until they’re fork-tender, usually about 15 minutes. This softens the inside so they’ll smash easily and cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 200 degrees Celsius). Preheating helps to ensure a crispy finish right from the start.
- Smash the Potatoes: Place the cooked potatoes on a baking tray or sturdy surface. Gently press down using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass until each is about ½ inch thick.
- Season and Oil: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil on each smashed potato. Then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly across the tops to maximize flavor.
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Transfer the potatoes carefully to the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each. Cook for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- Uniform Size: Choose similar-sized potatoes so they cook evenly and smash uniformly.
- Semi-Dry Potatoes: Make sure potatoes are well drained after boiling to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each potato space in the air fryer basket to promote crisping on all sides.
- Flip Halfway: Turn potatoes over halfway through cooking to get an even crisp all around.
- Customize Seasoning: Feel free to experiment, but keep your oil-to-potatoes ratio balanced for the best crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: air fryer smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, quick potato recipe, healthy potato side, gluten free appetizer
