There’s something so satisfying about the sizzle when a soft potato hits hot oil and garlic. These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes bring that same joycrispy edges, buttery centers, and loads of warm garlic aroma curling through the kitchen. They’ve gotten so popular lately because they’re the best kind of mash-up: part roasted potato, part chip, all comfort.
This recipe stars baby potatoes, a punchy garlic-parmesan coating, and the magic of the air fryer. A quick boil softens them up, then the smashing beginsjust enough to rough up the edges so they get beautifully crisp. It’s like your favorite roasted garlic potatoes got a crispy upgrade, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes with basic pantry staples. No peeling. No flipping. Just golden, crunchy bites with serious snackability.
I started making these back in the fall of 2020, during a long stretch of Sunday test kitchen days. The first batch disappeared before I could finish photographing themmy partner popped three in his mouth before saying a word. The key I’ve found? Smash while warm and let them dry for a minute before air frying. As a food photographer and test cook for over eight years, I can promise the results are every bit as good as they look.
Thomas Baker
Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Must-Try Recipe
These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect side dish. This recipe features the irresistible flavors of garlic and herbs, delivering a deliciously savory bite every time. A must-try for fans of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and anyone looking to elevate simple potatoes to a new level.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes approx. 4 small potatoes
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or margarine sub for cooking oil if preferred OR vegetable broth for oil free
3 cloves garlic peeled + minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Method
Scrub your potatoes very well since you’ll be eating the skins. Then place them in a pot and fill with water that covers one inch above the potatoes. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until a fork pierces the potatoes, but they still remain intact, approx. 18 minutes. Do NOT overcook, or they will break when you smash them.
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter (if using) in a small saucepot. Then mix in the minced garlic and seasoning and set aside.
Drain the potatoes and transfer to a cutting board to let cool for a few minutes, until easy to handle. Use a large fork or potato masher to carefully smash the potatoes until flattened to approx. half an inch thick. (Careful: do not overly smash them, or they may break.)
Brush both sides of the potato with your seasoned butter mixture and transfer to your basket, leaving plenty of space in between each one. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached.
Notes
Salt your cooking water OR use broth to boil your potatoes for enhanced flavour.
Use small potatoes for best results. Large potatoes will take longer to cook, they won’t get as crispy, and they’re more difficult to handle once smashed.
Position your potatoes in the basket with plenty of space in between each one, for proper airflow, and so you don’t need to flip them.
Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after boiling to make them easier to handle and smash without breaking them.
Why You’ll Love These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
These garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes truly hit all the right notescozy, satisfying, incredibly crispy, and bursting with fresh garlic goodness. This isn’t just another potato dish; it’s about to become your new favorite go-to side dish, and here’s why:
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have these on the table in just about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, all thanks to the effortless magic of the air fryer.
Perfect Texture: Imagine potatoes that are wonderfully fluffy and tender on the inside, yet shatteringly crispy and golden on the outside, with those irresistible craggy edges perfect for dipping.
Everyday Ingredients: We’re talking humble pantry staples like quality potatoes, fresh garlic, dried parsley, and a touch of butter (or your preferred fat) that transform into pure comfort-food harmony.
Customizable: Whether you’re a butter purist, prefer a rich olive oil, need a vegan alternative, or opt for an oil-free vegetable broth, these potatoes are wonderfully adaptable to fit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crafting these crispy, garlicky wonders starts with a few simple, quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Yukon Gold Potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680g): Their naturally creamy texture and delicate, thin skin make them absolutely ideal for boiling, smashing, and crisping to perfection. Small to medium-sized potatoes are best.
Melted Butter (4 tbsp / 60g, or Subs): This is key for that rich, savory coating that encourages crisping. Feel free to use good quality olive oil, your favorite vegan butter, or even vegetable broth for an oil-free optionall will yield delicious results.
Fresh Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): This is truly the star of the show. Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic depth that dried garlic just can’t replicate.
Dried Parsley (1 tsp): A vibrant pop of herby flavor and color that beautifully complements the robust garlic.
Seasonings:Sea Salt (1 tsp, or to taste) and Black Pepper (½ tsp, freshly ground) are essential to highlight and enhance those natural potato flavors. Adjust to your preference!
Pro Tip: Opt for smaller, more uniformly sized potatoes if you can. They cook faster, are easier to smash evenly, and get significantly crispier in the air fryer, ensuring every bite is golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these foolproof steps, honed through countless kitchen experiments, to achieve crispy, garlicky perfection every single time:
Prep & Boil the Potatoes: Give your potatoes a thorough scrub since you’ll be enjoying the skins (which get wonderfully crispy!). Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and generously salt the water (like the sea!). Bring to a boil and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape without crumbling.
Make the Garlic Butter: While the potatoes are bubbling away, melt your butter (or chosen oil/broth) in a small bowl. Stir in the freshly minced garlic, dried parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix and set it asidethis aromatic blend is going to coat every nook and cranny of those soon-to-be-smashed beauties.
Smash & Season: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them well and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they’re cool enough to handle. Working with one potato at a time, gently but firmly smash each one using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or even a large fork. Aim for about ½-inch thickjust enough to create plenty of rough, craggy edges without making them too thin. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they feel damp; this helps with crisping!
Brush & Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Generously brush both sides of each smashed potato with your seasoned garlic butter mixture. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s plenty of space between each potato. Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are deeply golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Depending on your air fryer and potato size, you might need an extra minute or two for ultimate crispness!
Pro Tip: Seriously, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Working in batches is crucial. Ample space ensures proper hot air circulation, which is the secret to achieving that coveted, maximum crispiness on all sides.
Key Timing Details
Achieving perfectly crispy smashed potatoes is all about timing. Here’s a handy chart to keep your kitchen journey on track and stress-free:
Step
Time
Boiling the Potatoes
18-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Prep
5 minutes
Cooling & Smashing
5-10 minutes
Air Frying
8–12 minutes
Approx. Total Time
30-40 minutes
Serving & Storage Tips
These garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes are not just incredibly versatile, they’re also a breeze to serve and store, making them perfect for any occasion:
Serving Suggestions: These potatoes are the ultimate chameleon! They’re perfect alongside a tender roasted chicken, flaky grilled salmon, juicy steak, or as part of a hearty Sunday dinner. They’re equally fantastic served on their own as a game-day snack with a creamy dill dip or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence, we warn you!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To bring them back to their crispy glory, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes. This method works far better than a microwave for restoring that desirable crunch.
Pro Tip: These potatoes are excellent for meal-prepping! Boil and smash them ahead of time, then just do the final air frying step right before serving. They even make a fantastic, quick breakfast side with scrambled or fried eggs!
Expert Insight: Mastering Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
As a seasoned cook, I’ve found that garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes are a testament to how simple techniques can yield extraordinary results. The secret lies in the synergistic effect of boiling the potatoes until tender before smashing, which creates maximum surface area for crisping, and then leveraging the air fryer’s intense, circulating heat. This two-stage process ensures a lusciously creamy interior while creating a deeply golden, shatteringly crisp exterior that’s superior to traditional roasting. It’s a precision approach to texture and flavor that truly sets these potatoes apart.
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The Journey to Perfect Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Ah, the journey to these perfect garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes was a delicious, if sometimes frustrating, one! I recall more than a few batches that were either too soggy or veered dangerously close to charcoal before I truly nailed the method. The breakthrough came not just from precise timing, but from understanding how to maximize those craggy edges for ultimate crispness, and, of course, balancing the vibrant punch of fresh garlic. Each flavorful trial taught me something new, and today’s recipe is the proud culmination of all those crispy experimentsa truly tried-and-tested favorite from my kitchen to yours.
FAQs ( Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes )
How do I get the potatoes crispy in an air fryer?
For crispiness, use small to medium potatoes and dry them well after boiling. Smash them evenly but not too thin to maintain firmness. Lightly coat with oil and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air circulation for golden, crispy edges.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can boil and smash the potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. For best results, air fry just before serving to restore crispiness. Reheating in the air fryer keeps them crunchy better than the oven or microwave.
What type of potatoes work best?
Small Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and thin skins. They hold up well during boiling and smashing and crisp nicely, perfect for this recipe’s balance of fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
How can I make it garlicier without overpowering the dish?
Use fresh minced garlic with the oil before air frying, or add a roasted garlic sauce on the side. This approach layers garlic flavor without making the dish too sharp, ensuring a balanced, savory bite every time.
Are these potatoes healthy for a regular diet?
This meal fits a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. Using an air fryer reduces oil usage compared to frying, and adding garlic brings antioxidants. Pair with veggies or lean protein for a nutritious plate.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes!
These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they’re a quick, delicious solution for transforming any meal. Coming together in just around 30-40 minutes, they deliver that irresistible crunchy edge and tender, garlicky center you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Simple to make and wonderfully rewarding, you’ll love how effortlessly they turn a regular dinner into something truly special.
For a little culinary adventure, try swapping butter for a good quality olive oil or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a cozy, earthy twist. And here’s a crucial tip I picked up from my test kitchen days: don’t skip the brief resting time after smashing; it makes all the difference in achieving that ultimate crispness! Leftovers store beautifullyjust pop them back in the air fryer to revive that fresh-out-of-the-basket crispiness.
Have you tried making smashed potatoes at home before? I’d absolutely love to see your photos or hear about your favorite seasonings in the comments below. Don’t keep this deliciousness to yourselfshare this recipe with someone who needs a little crispy, garlicky comfort in their life. Happy cozy cooking!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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