These air fryer smashed potatoes are crispy, seasoned, and delicious. A wonderful side dish recipe to go with almost any dinner.
Let's talk about the real hero of so many family dinners: potatoes!
Potatoes are such a classic and beloved side dish. From busy weeknight dinners to special occasions like holidays and birthday dinners, potatoes make their way onto dining tables all over the world. They're so versatile, and always a crowd pleaser.
For our family of four, we like to enjoy potatoes in many different ways. From mashed potatoes to baked potatoes to potato salad, I love coming up with new recipes to keep these potato side dishes fresh and interesting.
This air fryer smashed potatoes recipe is our latest fave and I am so excited to finally share it with you so that you can try it, too!
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🌟 Why this recipe works
This potato side dish is awesome if you love crispy potatoes. I like to call these flat fries! Because that's sort of what they are.
We love them because they're:
- Easy - Oh my gosh these potatoes are super easy to make! I've included some step-by-step photos below to help you out as you make these delicious potatoes.
- The perfect texture - You control the texture of these potatoes based on how long you air fry them and how much you flatten the potatoes. Flatter potatoes and a longer cook time = crispier potatoes. Thicker potatoes and the regular cook time = potatoes that are crispy on the outside and slightly soft and fluffy inside.
- Flavorful - With just a few simple ingredients, these potatoes pack so much flavor in every bite.
- Versatile - I've included my family's favorite herbs and seasonings in this recipe. But you can easily switch it up to your own taste preference! See the Ingredient Notes section below for some ideas.
🛒 Ingredient notes
- Potatoes - Baby potatoes work the best in this recipe, as they are smaller and easier to smash down.
- Olive oil - Use your best quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Seasonings - Use ground paprika, chopped fresh rosemary, kosher salt and pepper to season the potatoes.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
Here are some step-by-step photos to show you just how easy it is to make these air fryer smashed potatoes. You'll find the ingredient measurements and detailed air frying instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Start by either cutting out parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket, or setting out pre-fitted air fryer basket liners.
- Add water in a large pot and add the halved baby potatoes. Bring to a boil and boil for about 10-12 minutes, just until the potatoes are fork tender in the centers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 2 minutes.
4. While it's pre-heating, drain the potatoes.
5. Place potatoes skin-side up on a cutting board. Smash gently using the bottom of a mug or heatproof cup. Remember: the thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be. Smash them down according to how crispy or crispy & soft you want them.
6. Use a thin spatula to transfer the smashed potatoes to the prepared parchment paper, in a single layer. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of each smashed potato with the olive oil seasoning mix.
7. Carefully lift the parchment paper with the smashed potatoes on top into the air fryer basket(s). You will most likely need to work in batches.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes. Check on the potatoes halfway through to gauge what your total cook time may need to be according to how crispy they already are and how crispy you want them to be. Adjust the air fry time as necessary to fit that.
👩🏻🍳 Air frying tips and recipe FAQs
Absolutely! We've made smashed potatoes in the oven with great success! Follow the directions but place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Then bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. We usually make enough to fill two baking sheets and rotate pans halfway through. Again, depending on how much you smash the potatoes, you'll want to watch them carefully as they bake and take them out when they reach your personal desired level of crispiness.
Store leftover smashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Reheat smashed potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. Watch them and be careful not to leave them in for too long as they may burn.
🍽 Serving ideas
These smashed potatoes go well when served with almost any main dish!
Try serving them with at your next BBQ with grilled bratwurst or Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
They would be great for any weeknight family dinner with Instant Pot chicken thighs, breaded chicken tenders, or salt and pepper wings.
I love to serve smashed potatoes with a side of dairy-free ranch dressing or honey mustard dipping sauce.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
Air frying potatoes is similar to frying them, and for this reason, I find sparkling wine to be a great wine pairing for air fried smashed potatoes.
You can also pair these potatoes with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- Air fryer
- Parchment paper
- Heavy-bottom mug
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Thin spatula
More potato recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pierce potatoes with a fork on all sides. Boil water and add potatoes. Boil 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
- When potatoes are fork tender, drain and place onto a cutting board. One at a time, gently smash down each potato with the bottom of a glass or mug. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will get. I like to smash them until they are between ¼ to ½-inch thick.
- Either spray the bottom of the air fryer basket(s) with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Using a basting or pastry brush, brush the olive oil mixture onto the top of each smashed potato.
- Place potatoes in a single layer in air fryer baskets, leaving about an inch apart. You may need to work in batches.
- Air fry at 400*F for 18-20 minutes, until the tops of the potatoes and edges are golden brown.
- Allow them to rest for about 1 minute in the air fryer before carefully transferring to a plate with a thin spatula.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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