One bite of these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes and I’m right back at Sunday dinnerMom’s roast in the oven, salt on the counter, everyone stealing the smallest potatoes. These cozy bites are blowing up on TikTok, and for good reason. Crunchy, golden, no peeling needed. Beginner-friendly. About 30 minutes. Already winning.
We’re talking buttery mini potatoes, a quick steam, a hearty smash, and off they go into the air fryer. All you need is olive oil, your favorite salt, and a pan to press ‘em. Whether you’re trying Creamer Potatoes Air Fryer style or love bite-sized snacks like Airfryer Mini Potatoes, full details in the blog!
I grew up smashing potatoes with a mugalways messy, always fun. Now I test these air fryer beauties to crispy perfection, no soggy middle here. Classic flavor meets a genius method. (Psst… the mustard seed crust? Tested. Trust me, it’s gold.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic comfort food with a twist: These crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are buttery, golden, and irresistibly crunchy, with minimal effort to boot.
Beginner-friendly: No peeling or fancy tools needed. Just smash, season, air fry, and enjoy!
Versatile side dish: Perfect for Sunday roast dinners, potlucks, or even snacking while catching up on your favorite shows. These little potatoes fit every occasion.
Healthier spin: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that deep-fried crispiness without the extra oil. Your taste budsand your heartwill thank you.
What You’ll Need
With just 5 simple ingredients plus a few pantry staples, you’re all set:
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Baby gold potatoes
1 lb
Look for Creamer potatoes or the smallest ones you can find for extra crisp edges.
Melted butter
1 tbsp
Adds rich, buttery goodness.
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Helps achieve that crispy finish.
Garlic powder
½ tsp
For a savory, garlicky flavor.
Black pepper
½ tsp
Freshly ground is best here.
Salt
To taste
Season generously for flavor.
Fresh parsley
2 tbsp
Finely chopped, for garnish.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes (Step by Step)
Prep the potatoes: Wash the baby gold potatoes and leave the skins on. Steam or boil in salted water for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.
Smash them: Drain the cooked potatoes and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Then, gently smash each one with the bottom of a mug or small panjust enough to flatten slightly without breaking apart.
Season generously: Arrange the smashed potatoes on a plate or tray. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the top.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy.
Finish with parsley: Serve hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of freshness.
Cooking Tips & Troubleshooting
Don’t overcrowd: If you’re cooking more potatoes, do them in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
Potatoes falling apart? They might be overboiled or smashed too forcefully. Be gentle when flattening!
Not getting crispy enough? Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated in oil, and don’t skip preheating the air fryer.
Quick Timing Chart for Cooking
Step
Time
Details
Steam/boil potatoes
12-15 mins
Until fork-tender.
Smash and season
5 mins
Be gentle to avoid breaking.
Air fry
12-15 mins
Flip halfway for even crispiness.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serving: Crispy air fryer smashed potatoes are dreamy alongside roasted chicken, tender steak, or even a fresh garden salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parsley before serving!
Make ahead: Boil and smash the potatoes earlier in the day. Then pop them in the air fryer right before mealtime.
Storing leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them back into the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 375°F to bring back that crispy texture.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating
Fridge (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Freezer
Not recommended
Potatoes lose texture after freezing.
Expert Insight: Mastering Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy air fryer smashed potatoes hinges on balancing moisture and oil. By gently smashing boiled potatoes before air frying, you increase surface area for crispiness without sacrificing the tender interiormaking these CRISPY AIR FRYER SMASHED POTATOES a smart, efficient way to enjoy a classic comfort snack with less fat.
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The Journey to Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Perfecting these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes took several rounds of trial and error, including one batch that stuck to the basket completely. Over time, I learned exactly how to balance crispiness with fluffy centers. Today’s recipe is the result of that patient, hands-on experiencereliable, simple, and just right every time.
FAQs ( Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes )
What type of potatoes are best for air fryer smashed potatoes?
Small waxy potatoes like baby potatoes, fingerlings, or creamer potatoes work perfectly for this recipe. These mini potatoes hold their shape well when boiled and create the ideal texture when smashed. Their thin skin gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer while maintaining a fluffy interior. Avoid large russet potatoes as they tend to fall apart too much when smashed.
Do I need to boil potatoes before air frying?
Yes, you should boil the little potatoes first until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on size. This pre-cooking step ensures the inside becomes fluffy and creamy. After boiling and cooling slightly, you can gently smash them and then air fry for that perfect crispy exterior. Skipping the boiling step will result in potatoes that are crispy outside but still hard inside.
What temperature and time should I use for airfryer mini potatoes?
Air fry your smashed potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for optimal crispiness. Start checking at the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t overcook. The exact timing may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato pieces. You want them golden brown and crispy on the outside with edges that look slightly charred for maximum flavor.
How do I get my smashed potatoes extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, make sure to pat the boiled potatoes completely dry before smashing and seasoning. Use a generous amount of olive oil or melted butter, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Press the potatoes down firmly when smashing to create more surface area for crisping. A light dusting of cornstarch before air frying can also help achieve an even crispier exterior.
Can I make air fryer smashed potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep these air fryer little potatoes partially ahead of time by boiling and smashing them earlier in the day. Store the smashed potatoes covered in the refrigerator, then season and air fry them when ready to serve. However, they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when the exterior is at peak crispiness. Reheating will work but won’t quite match that initial crispy texture.
Conclusion
These crispy air fryer smashed potatoes come together in about 30 minutes with minimal fuss, delivering that perfect crunchy edge and tender inside you’ll crave every time. Easy enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to steal the show at Sunday dinner. You’ll love how this simple method transforms those little potatoes into comfort food gold.
Try swapping in creamer potatoes air fryer style or tossing in a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a cozy twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, crisping right back up a trick picked up from kitchen pros. Whether you use these as a side or snack, these mini potatoes air fryer versions are seriously versatile and always satisfying.
Give this air fryer mini potato recipe a whirl and share your favorite tweaks or photosI’d love to see your cozy kitchen creations! Did smashing potatoes remind you of family dinners past? Don’t be shypass it on and make memories with this little dish that’s big on flavor and heart.
Joe Rooney
Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Simple Mouthwatering Recipe
Say hello to the crispiest air fryer smashed potatoes that are fluffy on the inside with buttery, crisp edges. This Mini Potatoes Air Fryer dish is an easy, flavorful, and garlicky Air Fryer Mini Potato Recipe you can make with just five ingredients.
1 lb baby gold potatoes, about 8 – 10 small potatoes
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Boil the baby gold potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain and place potatoes on a lined baking sheet.
Gently smash each potato with a fork or potato masher to flatten slightly.
Brush the smashed potatoes with melted butter and olive oil.
Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt on top.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Remove potatoes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy your crispy smashed potatoes.
Notes
For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through cooking. These potatoes are best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.
