🥔✨ Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these smashed potatoes are buttery, garlicky, and ridiculously addictive. Perfect as a side or snack.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes (yellow or red)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
🧀 Optional toppings:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Sour cream or garlic dip
- Chili flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes
Place potatoes in salted water and boil for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain and let them dry slightly.
2. Smash
Place potatoes on a tray or plate.
Use the bottom of a glass or fork to gently press each one until flattened (but still intact).
3. Season
Brush or drizzle with oil or melted butter.
Sprinkle garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
4. Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place potatoes in a single layer.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, until:
- Edges are crispy
- Tops are golden brown
5. Finish
Sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs while hot.
🍽️ Serve with:
- Garlic aioli or ranch
- Ketchup or spicy mayo
- As a side to chicken, steak, or fish
🔥 Flavor profile:
- 🥔 Soft, fluffy interior
- 🔥 Crispy, golden edges
- 🧄 Buttery garlic flavor
- 🧀 Optional cheesy finish
🔄 Variations:
- 🧀 Cheesy smashed potatoes (extra mozzarella + Parmesan)
- 🌶️ Spicy version with chili flakes or hot sauce
- 🧄 Garlic butter herb potatoes
- 🥓 Bacon-loaded smashed potatoes
- 🍋 Lemon herb Mediterranean style
💡 Tips:
- Let potatoes dry before smashing for crispier texture
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Smash evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Add cheese at the end so it doesn’t burn
If you want, I can also give you a fully loaded smashed potato platter, oven-baked version, or a dipping sauce trio to go with them.