It starts with the sizzlehot garlic hitting olive oiland suddenly the whole kitchen smells like comfort. These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes turn humble spuds into crispy, golden bites with a buttery inside. They’ve been bubbling up in foodie groups everywhere lately, and for good reason: they’re easy, flavor-packed, and way more fun than plain roasted potatoes.
Small Yukon golds get gently smashed, kissed with garlic and parmesan, then crisped up in the air fryer until golden and crunchy. The outside crackles; the inside melts. Like thick-cut fries met garlic breadonly prettier and faster. No oven, no fuss. Just pantry staples, a little press of a potato masher, and about 20 minutes to magic. This dish also goes by crispy garlic parmesan air fryer smashed potatoes in some corners of the web, and yepit delivers every crunchy promise.
I started making these back in fall 2021, smack in the middle of game day snack season. My sister took one bite off the tray and said, “Wait. What is THIS?” The trick? You’ve gotta let the potatoes cool slightly before smashingthey hold their shape better and crisp up more evenly. After over a decade of sourcing and testing recipes, it’s still the simple ones like this that impress most. Cozy, crunchy magic with everyday ingredients.
Yesica Andrews
Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes: Must-Try Recipe
These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect side dish. This recipe features the irresistible flavors of garlic and herbs, delivering a deliciously savory bite every time. A must-try for fans of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and anyone looking to elevate simple potatoes to a new level.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes approx. 4 small potatoes
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter or margarine sub for cooking oil if preferred OR vegetable broth for oil free
3 cloves garlic peeled + minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Method
Scrub your potatoes very well since you’ll be eating the skins. Then place them in a pot and fill with water that covers one inch above the potatoes. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until a fork pierces the potatoes, but they still remain intact, approx. 18 minutes. Do NOT overcook, or they will break when you smash them.
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter (if using) in a small saucepot. Then mix in the minced garlic and seasoning and set aside.
Drain the potatoes and transfer to a cutting board to let cool for a few minutes, until easy to handle. Use a large fork or potato masher to carefully smash the potatoes until flattened to approx. half an inch thick. (Careful: do not overly smash them, or they may break.)
Brush both sides of the potato with your seasoned butter mixture and transfer to your basket, leaving plenty of space in between each one. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached.
Notes
Salt your cooking water OR use broth to boil your potatoes for enhanced flavour.
Use small potatoes for best results. Large potatoes will take longer to cook, they won’t get as crispy, and they’re more difficult to handle once smashed.
Position your potatoes in the basket with plenty of space in between each one, for proper airflow, and so you don’t need to flip them.
Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after boiling to make them easier to handle and smash without breaking them.
Why You’ll Love These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, they’re weeknight-friendly and perfect for last-minute sides.
Comfort food with flair: The crispy, garlicky edges combined with that soft, fluffy center offer all the indulgence we crave, yet they’re made with everyday ingredients.
No oven needed: Perfect for warm kitchens or when you want a hassle-free side dish without heating the whole house.
Customizable: From buttery richness to oil-free variations, you can tweak these to suit your pantry or preferences.
Yields: 4 servings
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe uses simple, commonly found ingredients with easy swaps to suit your diet or what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These small, creamy potatoes crisp beautifully while staying tender inside. If unavailable, red potatoes are a great alternative.
Melted Vegan Butter: Adds flavor and helps with crispiness. You can substitute cooking oil (like olive or avocado oil) or even vegetable broth if you want an oil-free version.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really shines here, imparting a robust aroma. Feel free to use dried garlic powder as a backup (about 1/2 teaspoon per clove).
Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and mild herbal flavor. Optional, but lovely for presentation.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate and make the flavor pop. Adjust to your taste.
Substitutions Table
Ingredient
Alternative
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Red potatoes
Vegan Butter
Cooking oil or vegetable broth
Fresh Garlic
Garlic powder
Step-by-Step: Making Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Boil the potatoes: Start by scrubbing your potatoes wellthey’re keeping their skins! Place them in a pot with enough salted water to cover them by an inch. Bring to a boil and cook for about 18 minutes, or until they’re just fork-tender but not falling apart. This ensures a fluffy interior without a mushy texture.
Prep your seasoning: While the potatoes boil, melt your vegan butter (or oil/broth) and stir in the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set asideit’ll take on this dreamy garlicky aroma, infusing the flavors.
Cool and smash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool for a few minutes on a cutting board. Then, gently press each one with a potato masher or the back of a fork until they’re about half an inch thick. Be careful not to over-smash, as this can make them dense instead of fluffy.
Season and air fry: Brush both sides of the smashed potatoes with your garlic butter mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place them in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for proper airflow. Fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Perfect Potatoes
Cool before smashing: Letting the potatoes cool slightly gives them structure and helps prevent breaking, making them easier to handle and ensuring a better smash.
Maximize crispiness: Avoid crowding the air fryer basket. If they’re too close, the potatoes will steam instead of crisp, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
Season your water: Salting the boiling water or using vegetable broth adds an extra layer of flavor right from the start, seasoning the potatoes from the inside out.
Quick Timing Reference
Step
Time
Boil potatoes
18 minutes
Cool and smash
5 minutes
Air fry
8–12 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Serving and Storage Ideas
Serving: These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are ideal beside roasted chicken, steak, grilled fish, or even veggie chili for a hearty meal. Serve immediately with an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.
Leftovers: Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to bring back that delightful crispiness.
Freezing: These are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze them after air frying. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes achieve their signature crispiness with tender interiors by leveraging precise boiling, gentle smashing, and high-heat air frying. This method enhances garlic’s aromatic qualities while creating a substantial, satisfying side dish that’s both quick to prepare and rich in texture and flavor.
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Perfecting My Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
After several rounds of testing, including one batch that was more crispy chips than fluffy potatoes, I finally nailed these garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes. The perfect balance of golden, crunchy edges with tender insides came from learning just the right boiling time, how much to gently smash, and how long to air fry to let that garlic flavor truly sing. This recipe reflects all those tasty lessons and ensures you get perfect results every time.
FAQs ( Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes )
How do I get the potatoes crispy in an air fryer?
For crispiness, use small to medium potatoes and dry them well after boiling. Smash them evenly but not too thin to maintain firmness. Lightly coat with oil and avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air circulation for golden, crispy edges.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can boil and smash the potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. For best results, air fry just before serving to restore crispiness. Reheating in the air fryer keeps them crunchy better than the oven or microwave.
What type of potatoes work best?
Small Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and thin skins. They hold up well during boiling and smashing and crisp nicely, perfect for this recipe’s balance of fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
How can I make it garlicier without overpowering the dish?
Use fresh minced garlic with the oil before air frying, or add a roasted garlic sauce on the side. This approach layers garlic flavor without making the dish too sharp, ensuring a balanced, savory bite every time.
Are these potatoes healthy for a regular diet?
This meal fits a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. Using an air fryer reduces oil usage compared to frying, and adding garlic brings antioxidants. Pair with veggies or lean protein for a nutritious plate.
Conclusion
Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes bring a simple, crispy comfort to your kitchen in just about 30 minutes. You’ll love how the garlicky, golden edges contrast with the soft, tender centersutterly satisfying and fuss-free for any weeknight meal or gathering.
Feel free to swap parsley for fresh thyme or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little twist if you’re feeling adventurous. These Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes store well, toojust reheat in your air fryer to revive that irresistible crunch. A tip I picked up from seasoned home cooks: don’t skip the cooling step before smashing; it really makes a difference for structure and texture.
Give this cozy recipe a tryand please share your photos or favorite variations! Did you grow up with a similar family-ready side? Pass this along to someone who’d love a quick, homemade spin on potatoes. Trust me, you’ll wanna make these again and again.
