Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes – crispy smashed potatoes with tender fluffy insides loaded with delicious garlic butter flavor. The ideal side dish – goes with almost anything.
This easy side dish preps in minutes and cooks completely in the air fryer. No boiling the potatoes in a separate pot – your air fryer does the entire job!
Crispy edges outside, tender fluffy potato inside with an addictive garlicky-buttery taste. They’re irresistible!
Why this recipe works:
Quick and easy – no pre-boiling the potatoes before air frying.
Minimal ingredients – tons of flavor.
This potato dish goes with anything!
Ingredients in Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
- baby yukon gold potatoes
- olive oil
- melted butter
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- optional garnish: fresh parsley
What kind of potatoes are best for Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes?
For best results I recommend using small baby potatoes – red, golden or yukon all work well.
How to make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
Wash and dry the potatoes well. Add to a bowl then drizzle with olive oil tossing to coat well. Don’t wash this bowl – you’ll be melting butter in it in a minute.
Place potatoes in the air fryer basket then cook 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees or until soft and fork tender (cook time will vary with air fryers and the size of the potatoes).
Transfer the potatoes to a cutting board or large baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easier cleanup). Using a potato mashed OR the bottom of a small glass gently smash potatoes to keep them in one piece.
NOTE: thinner smashed potatoes will be crispier. Thicker smashes potatoes will be softer with lighter crisping.
To the bowl you had the potatoes and olive oil in, add butter then microwave for a few seconds to melt it. Stir in the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Transfer the potatoes back to the air fryer in a single layer then carefully drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top.
I like to give them an extra light sprinkle of salt (this is optional) then air fry another 10-12 minutes at 400° or until you reach your desired crispiness.
Best main dishes with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes:
Smashed Potatoes go with anything from steak to chicken to seafood. They also make a great appetizer too!
Subs and variations to this recipe:
This easy smashed potato recipe can easily be switched up. Here are a few suggestions:
- parmesan cheese
- red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
- onion powder
- fresh thyme, fresh rosemary or other fresh herbs
- dry Italian seasoning
- a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of fresh thyme over the top of each potato
- ranch dipping sauce or spicy mayo
What to do with leftover potatoes:
Cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer on the reheat setting.
More easy air fried potato recipes:
Twice Baked Potatoes – crispy potato skins packed with cheesy mashed potatoes with sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese and green onions. Faster than oven-baked!
Baked Potatoes – steakhouse style baked potatoes. Crispy skin with fluffy soft potato inside. A classic side that goes with anything.
Homemade French Fries – homemade french fries from fresh hand cut potatoes air fried to crisp outside, fluffy inside. Uses just one teaspoon of oil!
Potato Wedges – 15 minute potato wedges – enjoy plain OR loaded with ranch, melty cheese, bacon and sour cream.
Full details in the printable recipe card below. Enjoy!
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Easy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby yukons 14-16 depending upon size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped OPTIONAL garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes well. Add to a bowl then drizzle with olive oil tossing to coat well. Don’t wash this bowl – you’ll be melting butter here.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Place potatoes in the air fryer basket then cook 12-15 minutes or until soft and fork tender. NOTE: Cooking time will vary with air fryers and the size of the potatoes.
- Transfer the potatoes to a cutting board or baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easier cleanup). Use a potato mashed OR bottom of a small glass to gently smash potatoes. NOTE: thinner smashed potatoes will be crispier. Thicker smashes potatoes will be softer with lighter crisping.
- Add butter to the bowl and microwave for a few seconds to melt it. Stir in the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Carefully transfer the potatoes back to the air fryer in a single layer then drizzle the garlic butter evenly over the top of them.
- I like to give them an extra light sprinkle of salt (this is optional) then air fry another 10-12 minutes (400 degrees) or until you reach your desired crispiness.