What type of potatoes are best for air fryer smashed potatoes?

Small waxy potatoes like baby potatoes, fingerlings, or creamer potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. These mini potatoes hold their shape well when boiled and create the ideal texture when smashed. Their thin skin gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer while maintaining a fluffy interior. Avoid large russet potatoes as they tend to fall apart too much when smashed.

Do I need to boil potatoes before air frying?

Yes, you should boil the little potatoes first until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on size. This pre-cooking step ensures the inside becomes fluffy and creamy. After boiling and cooling slightly, you can gently smash them and then air fry for that perfect crispy exterior. Skipping the boiling step will result in potatoes that are crispy outside but still hard inside.

What temperature and time should I use for airfryer mini potatoes?

Air fry your smashed potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for optimal crispiness. Start checking at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook. The exact timing may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato pieces. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside with edges that look slightly charred for maximum flavor.

How do I get my smashed potatoes extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, make sure to pat the boiled potatoes completely dry before smashing and seasoning. Use a generous amount of olive oil or melted butter, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Press the potatoes down firmly when smashing to create more surface area for crisping. A light dusting of cornstarch before air frying can also help achieve an even crispier exterior.

Can I make air fryer smashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep these air fryer little potatoes partially ahead of time by boiling and smashing them earlier in the day. Store the smashed potatoes covered in the refrigerator, then season and air fry them when ready to serve. However, they're definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when the exterior is at peak crispiness. Reheating will work but won't quite match that initial crispy texture.

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Simple Mouthwatering Recipe

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Simple Mouthwatering Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb baby gold potatoes, about 8 - 10 small potatoes; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 2 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Salt, to taste; 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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I grew up watching Grandma crisp potatoes in her cast iron skillet, popping and hissing in a sea of butter. These Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes bring that same crunchjust faster and lighter. They’ve taken over TikTok and Pinterest for a reason: crisp golden outsides, fluffy mashed centers, and total crowd-pleasers. With just 10 minutes of prep, a few basic tools, and simple pantry staples, this side dish is beginner-friendly and irresistibly delicious.

This cozy, homemade recipe builds flavor and texture in every bite. Grab a bag of baby potatoes, add a drizzle of olive oil, melt in some butter, and sprinkle with your go-to seasonings. It’s like roasted potato meets mashedcrispy edges on the outside, soft comfort within. Keep reading for tips, tricks, and your new favorite way to make potatoes in the air fryer!

Though sourdough kickstarted my love of cooking, golden potatoes were the first thing I ever crisped on my own. I still remember that sizzle. Now, my air fryer does the workwith a tested method that brings Grandma’s magic home. And I found a secret that delivers that just-right crunch every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are a triple threat: ultra crispy, velvety inside, and incredibly easy to make!

Time-saving: The air fryer delivers golden perfection in just minutes.
Customizable: Play with the seasonings to match your mood or meal.
Family-friendly: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or weeknight side no one turns down.
Lighter crunch: All the crisp of Grandma’s skillet potatoes, minus the excess oil.

This is one recipe you’ll reach for again and againgreat for busy nights, potlucks, or just satisfying a craving.

What You’ll Need

Just a handful of staple ingredients and every kitchen’s favorite sidekickthe air fryer:

Ingredients for crispy air fryer smashed potatoes including baby gold potatoes, butter, olive oil, and seasonings on kitchen counter

Baby Gold Potatoes: Their creamy centers and thin skins make them perfect for smashing and crisping.
Melted Butter & Olive Oil: This combo guarantees an extra flavorful, golden finish while avoiding greasiness.
Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: These pantry MVPs boost the flavor while letting the potato shine.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but ideal for brightness, color, and a touch of herbaceous freshness.

Pro Tip: Choose evenly sized potatoes for uniform cookingno overcooked or underdone bites!

Ingredient	Amount
Baby Gold Potatoes	1 lb (about 8–10 small potatoes)
Melted Butter	1 tablespoon
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic Powder	½ teaspoon
Black Pepper	½ teaspoon
Salt	To taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
Fresh Parsley	2 tablespoons, finely chopped (optional)

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

This method is beginner-proof and guarantees crispy success. Here’s how:

Prep the potatoes: Boil the baby gold potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
Smash & season: Lay potatoes on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Use the flat bottom of a cup to gently press them until ½-inch thick. Drizzle with butter and olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
Air fry to golden perfection: Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are crisp and golden brown.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately while the potatoes are hot and crispy.

Pro Tip: Ensure space between potatoes in the air fryerthey’ll crisp more evenly with better air circulation.

Step	Time
Boil Potatoes	15 minutes
Smash & Season	5 minutes
Air Fry	12–15 minutes

Storage Tips and Reheating

Extra potatoes? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Fridge: Store cooled smashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not idealfreezing can make their texture mealy or soggy after reheating.
Reheating: Air fry again at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. They’ll crisp up like fresh.

Food Safety Tip: Let potatoes cool completely before sealing in the container and refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.

Storage Method	Time
Fridge	Up to 3 days
Reheating in Air Fryer	5–7 minutes

Serving Suggestions

These crispy smashed potatoes pair well with almost anything but easily shine on their own. Try them with:

Classic comfort: Alongside meatloaf, roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or seared steak.
Game day snack: Add shredded cheese or crumbled bacon, and serve with sour cream or ranch for dipping.
Weeknight quick fix: Pair with a leafy green salad and some lemon-dressed fish or veggie soup.

Your favorite protein just found its new best friend. Make them once, and you’ll never go back to plain boiled spuds again!

Expert Insight: Perfecting Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Achieving the ideal texture in crispy air fryer smashed potatoes relies on parboiling until tender but firm, then gently smashing to maximize surface area. This method ensures every bite has a satisfying crunch without sacrificing the creamy interior, making the CRISPY AIR FRYER SMASHED POTATOES both indulgent and approachable.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Journey to Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

I must have cooked these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes a dozen times before nailing the perfect balance of crunch and fluffy inside. One batch was almost burnt, another was too soggy. But with patience, trial and error, and Grandma’s voice in my head reminding me to “watch the heat,” the ideal method finally came togetherand now I’m sharing it with you.

FAQs ( Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes )

Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes served with herbs on white napkin ready to pin on Pinterest

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are effortless to make, delightfully crispy, and endlessly snackable. This quick-prep side dish brings out the best in humble ingredients and proves that comfort food can be light, golden, and wholesome.

Try a twist by swapping garlic powder for smoked paprika, rosemary, or adding grated Parmesan before air frying. From weeknight dinners to holiday tables, this cozy potato recipe will steal the spotlight.

I’d love to hear how you make them your ownshare your spins, your family’s verdicts, or what memories they bring to life. Pin it, pass it on, and keep the crispy goodness going!

CRISPY AIR FRYER SMASHED POTATOES on white napkin with herbs and golden crisp edges

Olivia Farnsworth

Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Simple Mouthwatering Recipe

Say hello to the crispiest air fryer smashed potatoes that are fluffy on the inside with buttery, crisp edges. This Mini Potatoes Air Fryer dish is an easy, flavorful, and garlicky Air Fryer Mini Potato Recipe you can make with just five ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 158

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb baby gold potatoes, about 8 – 10 small potatoes
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Boil the baby gold potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain and place potatoes on a lined baking sheet.
Gently smash each potato with a fork or potato masher to flatten slightly.
Brush the smashed potatoes with melted butter and olive oil.
Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt on top.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Remove potatoes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy your crispy smashed potatoes.

Notes

For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through cooking. These potatoes are best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.