Air fryer recipes have taken the world by storm, and honestly, I can’t get enough of them! They’re so convenient and create that perfect crunch without all the extra oil. Now, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: air fryer smashed potatoes. These little gems are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor! I remember the first time I made them; I was so excited that I accidentally smashed a few too hard and ended up with potato mush instead of crispy bites. Oops! But even those turned out tasty! Trust me, once you give these a try, you’ll want to make them for every meal. They’re the ultimate side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your air fryer smashed potatoes!
- 1 pound baby potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are perfect for smashing and crisping.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds rich flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for that savory kick—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to your taste!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount for a little warmth and depth.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional): Think parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Making air fryer smashed potatoes is a delightful process that’s as easy as it is rewarding! Let’s dive into the steps together.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first—preheating your air fryer is crucial! It ensures that your smashed potatoes start cooking right away, locking in that crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the potatoes. This usually takes about 5 minutes, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Now, grab those baby potatoes and give them a good rinse. Place them in a pot of boiling water and let them simmer until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. You’ll want them soft enough to smash but not falling apart—keep an eye on them!
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are ready, drain them and let them cool for a minute. Now, here comes the fun part! Place each potato on a cutting board and gently smash it with a fork or the bottom of a glass. You want them to flatten a bit but still hold their shape—aim for about half an inch thick. Wow, look at those beauties!
Step 4: Seasoning the Potatoes
Drizzle those smashed potatoes with olive oil, making sure each one gets a nice coating for that golden crisp. Now sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on top. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking—you can even add a pinch of paprika for an extra kick!
Step 5: Air Frying
Finally, it’s time to air fry! Place the seasoned smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry them for 12-15 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes for that perfect crunch! Once done, you’ll have a plateful of deliciously crispy smashed potatoes ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
Here are my go-to tips to make sure your air fryer smashed potatoes turn out perfectly every time! First, don’t skip the preheating; it really makes a difference in achieving that crispy exterior. If you find some potatoes are thicker than others, try cutting them into halves or quarters for even cooking. And remember, if you’re making a big batch, it’s better to cook in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer—this helps them crisp up nicely. Lastly, taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to suit your palate, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite spices.
Variations
Want to mix things up with your air fryer smashed potatoes? You’re in luck! There are so many fun ways to customize this recipe. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar on top right before air frying. If you’re a spice lover, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor too—think rosemary or thyme mixed in with the seasoning. And for an even heartier version, toss in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed garlic before air frying. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes! They make a fantastic side for juicy grilled chicken or steak, adding that perfect crunch to your meal. If you’re having a cozy night in, pair them with a comforting bowl of chili or a rich beef stew—trust me, the flavors meld beautifully! Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve them as an appetizer with a zesty dip or alongside a fresh salad for a delightful crunch. They’re also perfect for holiday dinners, bringing a fun twist to your traditional sides. Enjoy these crispy delights anytime!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delicious air fryer smashed potatoes. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. One serving typically contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 1g
These values make air fryer smashed potatoes a tasty and satisfying side dish that fits into a balanced meal. Enjoy every crispy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect air fryer smashed potatoes? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use larger potatoes? Yes, but you’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Just remember to adjust the boiling time accordingly!
What if I don’t have garlic powder? No worries! You can use fresh minced garlic instead—just toss it in with the olive oil for a deliciously aromatic flavor.
How long should I air fry them? Aim for 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to reach your desired crispiness!
Can I make these in advance? Absolutely! You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just smash and air fry when you’re ready to eat!
What dipping sauces go well with them? Try serving with ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy ketchup for a fun twist!
Print
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: 5 Steps to Crispy Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer smashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil the baby potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Place the potatoes on a cutting board and gently smash each one with a fork.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on top.
- Place the smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Cook in batches if necessary.
- Try different spices for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy side dish
