Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer

air fryer smashed potatoes on a green plate with a rosemary sprig.

Crispy delights await! Try our easy air fryer smashed potatoes recipe for a perfect side dish. Simple steps for maximum flavor – no pre-boiling needed!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 229kcal

Author Adina

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

1 lb small potatoes 450 g, Note 1
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter 30 g
1 large garlic clove grated
½ teaspoon rosemary Note 2
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
1-2 tablespoons chives or other herbs, chopped
flaky sea salt or kosher salt
ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare potatoes: Wash and pat them dry (don’t peel them).
Preheat the air fryer to 400F/ 200°C if necessary; some need it, and some don’t. Mine needs 3 minutes of preheating.
Air fry potatoes: Place potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Brush or rub them with the oil (I use my hands and rub them well all over). Air fry the potatoes for 12 -15 minutes or until fork-tender.
1 lb small potatoes / 500 g + 1 tablespoon olive oil
Smash them to about ½ inch thick (1.3 cm) using a potato masher, fork, or glass bottom. Don't squash them entirely; keeping them a bit chunky gives the best crispy texture.
Butter mixture: Make the butter mixture shortly before the potatoes are ready. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the grated garlic and the spices, and mix well.
2 tablespoons butter + 1 large garlic clove + ½ teaspoon rosemary + ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Brush the mixture onto the smashed potatoes. Return the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
Air fry again for about 5 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle them lightly with a bit of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
1-2 tablespoons chives + flaky sea salt + ground black pepper

Notes

Potatoes: Choose small potatoes, about the size of a golf ball, not bigger than 2 inches (50 mm) across. You can use small red or yellow potatoes. Fingerling potatoes, baby potatoes, and petite potatoes also work well here.
Spices: You can use other spices if you like; most anything goes. Try Italian or Cajun seasoning, garlic and onion powder, Garam masala, curry powder, etc.

Nutrition