Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these air fryer smashed potatoes! They’re seriously the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I mean, who can resist that? The best part is making them in an air fryer—it gives that golden, crunchy texture without all the oil that frying usually requires. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds! It just feels so satisfying to smash those little potatoes down and watch them transform into delicious bites of heaven. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive get-together, these air fryer smashed potatoes are sure to impress!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (washed and scrubbed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, like parsley or chives)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial! Preheating helps create that amazing crispy texture we’re after. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part—getting that air fryer nice and hot means your smashed potatoes will cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color.
Boil the Baby Potatoes
Now, let’s get those baby potatoes boiling! Fill a large pot with water, add a hefty pinch of salt (this flavors the potatoes beautifully), and bring it to a boil. Toss in the washed potatoes and let them cook until fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Make sure to test them with a fork; you want them soft but not falling apart. Once they’re ready, drain them and let them cool for just a minute, so you don’t burn your fingers later!
Smash the Potatoes
Here comes the fun part—smashing! Place the cooled potatoes on a cutting board and, using a fork (or the bottom of a glass for more leverage), gently smash each potato down. You want them flattened but not completely squished; this helps create those crispy edges while keeping a fluffy interior. Just a little pressure is all you need—think of it as giving them a little love tap!
Season the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are smashed, it’s time to add some flavor! Drizzle the olive oil over the top, making sure each potato gets a nice coating. Then sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste! If you love garlic, go ahead and add a bit more; it really elevates the dish!
Air Fry the Potatoes
Now, transfer those beautifully smashed potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches, but that’s okay—good things take time! Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, and if you like them extra crispy, give them a few more minutes! Once they’re done, serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. You’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—these air fryer smashed potatoes come together in just about 30 minutes!
- Deliciously crispy texture that will have everyone going back for seconds.
- Versatile seasonings—feel free to get creative! You can add your favorite herbs or spices to make them your own.
- Perfect for gatherings or family meals; they pair beautifully with just about everything and are sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for these delightful air fryer smashed potatoes. Keep in mind, this is based on typical values for the ingredients used, and serving sizes can vary a bit depending on how generous you are with portions. For one serving, you can expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
This little side dish is not just tasty but also packs in some good nutrition! Enjoy these smashed potatoes guilt-free—they’re a fantastic addition to any meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you get the absolute best results with your air fryer smashed potatoes! Here are my top pro tips to elevate your dish:
- Choose the right potatoes: Baby potatoes are fantastic, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you go bigger!
- Don’t rush the boiling: Make sure to boil them until they’re truly fork-tender. If they’re not soft enough, you won’t get that perfect smash, and they might not crisp up as well.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky kick, or some Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. The world is your oyster here!
- Adjust cooking times: Every air fryer is a little different. Start with the recommended 10-12 minutes, but keep an eye on them. If they’re not golden enough, add a couple of extra minutes for that perfect crunch!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is key for that crispy texture. If you have a lot of potatoes, cook them in batches to ensure they all get that beautiful golden brown.
- Let them rest: After air frying, let them sit for a minute or two before serving. This allows the exterior to crisp up even more and helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have the tastiest, crispiest air fryer smashed potatoes that your friends and family will rave about! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about making these scrumptious air fryer smashed potatoes? No problem! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my answers:
Can I use larger potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are my go-to for this recipe, you can use larger ones like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure they’re fork-tender before smashing!
What herbs work best for garnishing?
Fresh herbs add such a delightful touch! I love using parsley or chives for their bright flavor, but you can also try dill or basil if you’re feeling adventurous. Just sprinkle them on right before serving for that extra pop!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat and regain that crispy texture!
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the potatoes ahead of time! Boil and smash them, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just season and air fry them. Super easy!
Can I make these spicy?
Oh, for sure! If you like a little heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your seasonings. It’ll give those smashed potatoes an exciting kick that pairs perfectly with that crispy exterior!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious air fryer smashed potatoes, let’s talk about what to serve them with! They truly are the perfect side dish and can complement so many meals. I love pairing them with grilled meats like juicy chicken breasts or marinated steak—there’s just something about that crispy texture against the savory meat that makes my taste buds dance!
Thinking of going lighter? These potatoes also shine next to a fresh salad. A zesty mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the potatoes beautifully. You can even toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing crunch!
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty vegetable stir-fry. The crispy smashed potatoes add a satisfying element to any veggie dish, making it feel more complete and indulgent.
And let’s not forget about dipping sauces! A creamy garlic aioli or a tangy barbecue sauce can elevate those smashed potatoes to another level. Trust me, you’ll want to keep some on hand for your guests—or just for yourself!
Whatever you choose to pair with these air fryer smashed potatoes, I promise they’ll be a hit on your table. Enjoy the deliciousness!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Air Fryer Green Beans.
Print
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: 5 Crisp & Fluffy Wonders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and fluffy smashed potatoes made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place the potatoes on a cutting board and gently smash each potato with a fork.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on top.
- Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- For extra crispiness, air fry for a few more minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy potato recipe
