Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes 🥔✨
Golden, crackly on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside, these air fryer smashed potatoes taste like something straight off a restaurant menu — but they’re perfect for an easy American weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes
Place the baby potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–18 minutes, until fork-tender but not falling apart. - Drain and dry
Drain the potatoes and let them steam-dry for a few minutes. This step helps them get extra crispy later. - Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. - Smash the potatoes
Place the potatoes on a cutting board or tray. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press each potato until flattened but still intact. - Season
Drizzle or brush olive oil over each potato. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. - Air fry
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow.
Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy around the edges. - Serve
Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes 🔥
- Let the potatoes dry slightly after boiling before smashing.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — airflow is the secret to that crackly texture.
- For even more crunch, lightly spray with oil after flipping.
Serving Ideas
These smashed potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Air fryer chicken
- Steak or grilled meat
- Eggs for brunch
- Sour cream, garlic sauce, or melted butter on top
Crunchy or just lightly golden — how do you like yours? 😋
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