Smashed potatoes in air fryer: Small potatoes are boiled, then gently smashed and drizzled with garlic oil before being air-fried until crispy. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
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This recipe for air fryer smashed potatoes is worth trying if you have an air fryer in your kitchen. However, if you don't own one, don't worry—I've included alternative instructions below.
These potatoes are so addictive—crispy outside, tender inside, bursting with garlicky, savory flavor. And the best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to make them!
In addition to being super delicious, these potatoes are light, too. The hot air from the air fryer cooks them fast and evenly, creating that crispy skin without using excess oil.
Ingredients You'll Need
Potato: small potatoes are crucial here; yellow and red varieties both will work.
Salt: For boiling the potatoes to ensure thorough seasoning.
Olive oil: Opt for pure or extra virgin olive oil. Using high-quality olive oil truly enhances the taste. You can also mix in some butter if you prefer.
Garlic cloves: fresh garlic cloves work best.
Rosemary: Just one sprig is sufficient.
Seasoning: Flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste, make everything pop at the end. Feel free to add any other flavors you enjoy.
How to make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Start by boiling the small potatoes in a pot of water with one teaspoon of salt until they're soft enough to pierce with a fork, typically around 15-20 minutes. Drain them and allow them to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the infused oil. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small pan or saucepan. Add the crushed garlic cloves and rosemary sprig. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on a cutting board lined with parchment paper. Place a square piece of parchment paper on top of each potato. Then, gently press down on each potato using the back of a flat-bottomed glass until it's about ¼-inch thick. The parchment paper helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and potentially breaking apart.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or 425°F for an oven.
- Then, brush the air fryer basket with the prepared oil. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching. Brush the top of the potatoes with the garlic oil.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and sprinkle them with freshly cracked black pepper and flaky salt to taste.
- Serve immediately while hot as a delightful side dish or snack. Enjoy!
Additions
While I like the basic recipe, feel free to mix things with various flavors and ingredients to make these smashed potatoes your own. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Top with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, thyme, or green onions.
- Additional Seasonings like dried oregano, thyme, parsley, paprika, and garlic salt would be great.
- Add chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated cheese after air frying. I like parmesan cheese and some sour cream, but you can use any cheese like swiss, cheddar, or gouda.
What to serve with Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes are versatile and complement a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a side to a salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with various sauces or dips like ketchup, aioli, or BBQ sauce. For a special twist, consider trying them with mayo-ketchup sauce, Wingstop ranch, Popeyes blackened ranch, or Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce.
Can I make these ahead?
These garlicky potatoes taste best right after you cook them. But if you need to plan ahead, boil the potatoes earlier, let them cool, and refrigerate until you're ready to finish them in the air fryer.
Important Tips
Cook the potatoes until they're soft enough but not too mushy; otherwise, they'll fall apart when smashed.
Gently press down on the potatoes when smashing them; avoid applying too much pressure.
If the potatoes are falling apart when you smash them, try placing them on the air fryer basket before smashing.
If the potatoes aren't getting as crispy as you'd like in the given time, try adjusting the cooking time or temperature to your liking.
Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded; you can make them in batches if needed.
More Potato Recipes
If you try the recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and rating. I love hearing from you and it also helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.
Recipe
Smashed Potatoes in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb small potatoes (9-10 count) 1.5-2 inches diameter
- 1 teaspoon salt for water
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves lightly crushed
- 1 sprig rosemary
For sprinkling
- black pepper freshly cracked, to taste
- flaky sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling the small potatoes in a pot of water with one teaspoon of salt until they're soft enough to pierce with a fork, typically around 15-20 minutes. Drain them and allow them to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the infused oil. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small pan or saucepan. Add the smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprig. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them on a cutting board lined with parchment paper. Place a square piece of parchment paper on top of each potato. Then, gently press down on each potato using the back of a flat-bottomed glass until it's about ¼-inch thick. The parchment paper helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and potentially breaking apart.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or 425°F for an oven.
- Then, brush the air fryer basket with the prepared garlic oil. Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching. Brush the top of the potatoes with oil.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they turn crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, if using an oven, bake for 25 to 35 minutes.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and sprinkle them with freshly cracked black pepper and flaky salt to taste.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the potatoes until they're soft enough but not too mushy; otherwise, they'll fall apart when smashed.
- Gently press down on the potatoes when smashing them; avoid applying too much pressure. If the potatoes are falling apart when you smash them, try placing them on the air fryer basket before smashing them.
- If the potatoes aren't getting as crispy as you'd like in the given time, try adjusting the cooking time or temperature to your liking.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded; you can make them in batches if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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