Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
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These Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside! Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and crushed rosemary – you’ll love every bite! These are made a little quicker with a quick cooking hack!
What You Will Love About Smashed Potatoes
These are the perfect side for nearly any meal! The garlic and olive oil is a perfect combination and you get the crunch on the outside of a fry but the fluffy of a baked potato (in a lot less time!). I make these all the time!
Smashed Potato Ingredients
I like to use the baby Yukon Gold potatoes – but any small “petite” potato will work. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baby red or Yukon baby potatoes
- Olive oil – you could swap with butter if you like
- Coarse sea salt & Cracked pepper (add red pepper flakes if you want some spice)
- Minced garlic – you could also use garlic powder if you’re out of garlic
- Crushed fresh rosemary – use whatever herbs you like – I just love rosemary!
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Potatoes take a long time to cook – no matter how you make them. I’m using the microwave to speed the process up a little.
- Poke each potato with a knife
- Lay a damp paper towel on a microwave safe plate. Place potatoes on paper towel. Cover with another damn paper towel. Microwave for 5 minutes.
- You could also boil on the stovetop – I think this is easier.
- Place potatoes in your air fryer basket and air fry at 400º for 8 minutes. (Potatoes do NOT need to be in a single layer here.) Potatoes should be fork tender – if not – add a few more minutes.
- On a baking sheet covered with a sheet of parchment paper, lay out cooked potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp olive oil on potatoes and roll potatoes in oil to coat.
- Using the bottom of a drinking glass, smash each potato.
- Transfer smashed potatoes into air fryer in a single layer. Sprinkle with remaining olive oil. Top all potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary.
- Air fry at 400º for 10 minutes until nice and crisp! Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tips, Tricks & FAQs
The fun part of this is the smashing of course – but here’s a few questions people frequently ask:
Yes! This makes sure they don’t hold too much steam inside and explode.
No – you can boil them or microwave – or just put in the air fryer for the whole time. You’ll have to add time if you do that and then smash when they’re tender.
Yes – I’ve made them with in the oven! Here’s the recipe for oven smashed potatoes.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes – be sure to hit them with olive oil spray to refresh them!
Yes it is vegan – no dairy or animal products! It’s also gluten-free!
Variations
I love that you can change up your flavor with a few small tweaks – here are some easy changes that are also delicious!
- Seasonings – salt, pepper & garlic are classics – I added the rosemary because it’s a favorite of mine – but you could also:
- Potato Ole Seasoning – this is Taco Johns special seasoning mix – so good!
- Ranch seasoning – you can never go wrong with ranch!
- Simple blend of onion powder, fresh parsley & Italian seasoning
- Dipping Sauce – you can’t go wrong with a dipping sauce! Here are my faves:
- Make it in the Oven – yes you can bake this in the oven
More Potato Recipes
More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
- Carrot Fries in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Best Air Fryer Accessories
Here’s my ultimate list of best air fryer accessories – whether you have a basket- or oven-style! I’ve also included a price guide as well as my favorite recipes for those accessories.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 baby red or yukon potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp crushed rosemary
- 2 tsp minced garlic
Instructions
- Lay a damp paper towel on a microwave safe plate. Place potatoes on paper towel. Cover with another damn paper towel. Microwave for 5 minutes.12 baby red or yukon potatoes
- Move potatoes to air fryer and air fry at 400 for 10 minutes.
- On a cookie sheet covered with a sheet of parchment paper, lay out cooked potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp olive oil on potatoes and roll potatoes in oil to coat.2 tbsp olive oil
- Using the bottom of a drinking glass, smash each potato.
- Transfer smashed potatoes into air fryer and sprinkle with remaining olive oil. Top all potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary.2 tsp coarse sea salt, 2 tsp cracked black pepper, 2 tsp crushed rosemary, 2 tsp minced garlic
- Air fry at 400 for 10 minutes until nice and crisp!
