At AllFoody, we love a recipe that transforms the ordinary into something unforgettable. Chef André remembers Sunday lunches when a tray of crispy smashed potatoes came out of the oven, golden and crackling. But these days, we’re skipping the long bake time—and heading straight to the air fryer.
Air fryer smashed potatoes are buttery-soft on the inside, ultra-crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. They’re the perfect mix of comfort food and modern cooking. No deep fryer, no oven. Just perfectly smashed, well-seasoned, and quickly crisped in your favorite kitchen gadget.
This recipe is part of our beloved collection of Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics, and it’s a game-changer whether you’re planning a casual brunch, a weeknight dinner, or a vegan snack board.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make garlic smashed potatoes air fryer-style, get tips for baby potatoes air fryer prep, and discover why crispy air fryer smashed potatoes might just become your new obsession.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed with Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The Irresistible Crunch Everyone Craves
There’s a reason food lovers are trading in roast potatoes for smashed potatoes in air fryer recipes: that unbeatable crispy edge. The hot circulating air crisps every crevice, giving you golden-brown, crunchy goodness that oven-roasting rarely achieves without excess oil or time.
Unlike fries or wedges, smash potatoes air fryer style keep their fluffy interior while delivering a shattering crunch around the edges. It’s that contrast that makes them so addictive. You can even level up with rosemary garlic smashed potatoes air fryer style, adding aromatic herbs for a more gourmet bite.
Are air fryer smashed potatoes really crispy?
Yes—and then some. Especially when you start with waxy baby potatoes or buttery Yukon Gold varieties. These hold their shape after boiling and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
This method delivers far better texture than microwave or stovetop versions, and it takes less time than baking. Add a touch of garlic, and you’ve got the best air fryer smashed potatoes recipe for parties, brunches, or snacking straight from the tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need & Potato Prep Tips
Garlic, Herbs & Perfect Potatoes
One of the best parts about making air fryer smashed potatoes is how simple the ingredient list is. You don’t need anything fancy—just the right potatoes, a few aromatics, and your air fryer.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold | 1½ lbs (about 680 g) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary or thyme | 1 tablespoon (chopped) |
| Salt & cracked black pepper | To taste |
| Optional: grated parmesan | 2 tablespoons |
We recommend baby potatoes for the crispiest results, but Yukon Gold smashed potatoes air fryer style are incredibly creamy and satisfying too. The key is to use small or medium waxy potatoes that hold their shape well after boiling.
Want to keep things dairy-free? Just skip the parmesan—these become excellent vegan smashed potatoes air fryer snacks with olive oil and fresh herbs.
Boil, Smash & Set Up Your Air Fryer
Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water for about 10–12 minutes, just until fork-tender. You don’t want them falling apart—just soft enough to press.
Let them cool slightly, then gently smash each one to about ½-inch thick. Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher.
Toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Want extra crunch? Lightly brush the tops with more oil before cooking.
🧠 Food safety tip: Always rinse vegetables before prep. Follow the USDA guidelines to keep cooked food above 140°F or refrigerate promptly within 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
If you enjoy herby, crispy sides, you’ll also love our Air Fryer Garlic & Parsley Baby Potatoes—a variation loaded with green freshness.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Method
The magic of air fryer smashed potatoes is how quickly they crisp up—without deep frying or long oven times. Here’s how to make them perfectly golden and crunchy, every single time.
- Boil & smash: As explained earlier, cook your baby potatoes or Yukon Gold just until fork-tender. Let them cool, then gently press them down to about ½ inch thick.
- Season well: Toss the smashed potatoes in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to flavor-packed bites.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps crisp the surface immediately.
- Arrange in a single layer: Place the potatoes flat in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking—airflow is key for that perfect crunch.
- Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
🕒 How long to air fry smashed potatoes?
About 12–15 minutes at 400°F, depending on their size and how crispy you like them. This timing applies to both garlic smashed potatoes air fryer and rosemary garlic smashed potatoes air fryer variations.
📏 Air fryer smashed potatoes time and temp summary:
- Temp: 400°F (200°C)
- Time: 12–15 minutes
- Flip: At 6–7 minutes
For those using compact models like the Ninja, time may vary slightly. Always monitor the color and edges during the last few minutes.
Pro Tips for Maximum Crisp
- Don’t overcrowd: Crispy smash potatoes air fryer success starts with space. Air needs to circulate freely.
- Use parchment liners only if needed for easier cleanup—but avoid it if you want crispier edges.
- Flip gently: Use tongs to avoid breaking them.
- Add parmesan or smoked paprika in the last 2 minutes for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
💡 Want more ideas for crunchy sides? Try these Air Fryer French Fries—another classic that’s crispy, fast, and family-approved.
Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas You’ll Crave
Gourmet Twists on a Classic
The base recipe is delicious—but it’s also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re feeling bold, cheesy, or extra herby, this air fryer smashed potatoes recipe has room for personality.
Here are some crowd-favorite twists:
- Crispy smashed potatoes air fryer + parmesan: Add grated parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a nutty, golden finish.
- Garlic-butter drizzle: After air frying, toss with melted garlic butter and chopped parsley.
- Spicy kick: Dust with chili powder or cayenne before air frying for a bit of heat.
- Vegan ranch: Serve with a dip of dairy-free ranch or sriracha-mayo for bold contrast.
And for rosemary fans? Make rosemary garlic smashed potatoes air fryer style by adding chopped rosemary before smashing and finishing with sea salt. This version pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or holiday roasts.
You can also experiment with seasoning blends like za’atar, Cajun spice, or even lemon zest. That’s the beauty of smash potatoes air fryer recipes—they adapt to whatever flavors you love.
Looking for more flavor inspiration? You might also love our tropical-style Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp or the saucy goodness of Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken. Both are bold enough to hold their own next to these potatoes.
How to Serve Them Like a Pro
Smashed potatoes in air fryer are endlessly versatile. Serve them hot and fresh as:
- A crispy side for burgers or grilled steak
- A base for brunch bowls (topped with eggs, avocado, or pickled onions)
- A fun appetizer with dipping sauces (ranch, spicy mayo, aioli)
- A plant-based main with hummus and roasted veggies
They’re also fantastic for entertaining. Prep ahead, chill, and air fry just before guests arrive—they’ll never know you didn’t make them from scratch right then.
This crispy smashed potatoes air fryer recipe is one of Chef André’s top picks for casual dinners and meal-prep days alike. Flavorful, comforting, and endlessly riffable—what’s not to love?
FAQ (People Also Ask)
Can I use baby potatoes for smashed potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes! Baby potatoes are ideal for air fryer smashed potatoes because their thin skins get ultra-crispy and their interiors stay soft and creamy.
Should I boil potatoes before air frying them smashed?
Absolutely. Boiling first helps soften the potatoes so they can be smashed. Skipping this step can leave the centers undercooked.
How long to air fry smashed potatoes?
Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. Flip halfway for even crisping. Timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Are air fryer smashed potatoes vegan?
They can be! Just skip the cheese or butter and use olive oil. This makes them perfect for a vegan smashed potatoes air fryer recipe.
Why are my smashed potatoes not crispy?
Crowding the basket or skipping the oil can cause soggy results. Make sure the potatoes have space and that your air fryer is fully preheated.
✅ CONCLUSION
When it comes to the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and totally crave-worthy, air fryer smashed potatoes deliver every single time. Whether you’re planning a quick side dish or want a flavor-packed plant-based meal, this easy recipe hits all the right notes.
At AllFoody, we love taking traditional comfort foods and giving them a smart twist—and Chef André has truly nailed it with this one. From the satisfying crunch of the golden edges to the rich depth from garlic and herbs, these smashed potatoes are the kind of dish you’ll make again and again.
They’re endlessly flexible—top them with cheese, dip them in sauce, or serve alongside grilled chicken or steak. And the best part? You’ll skip the deep fryer and get that same delicious texture using just your air fryer.
Looking for the next dish to try? Don’t miss our Air Fryer Meatballs—they’re juicy, party-perfect, and ready in minutes.
So fire up that air fryer, grab your baby potatoes, and let’s bring the crunch to your table—with style, ease, and a little AllFoody love.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon Gold about 680 g
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme chopped
- salt & cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan optional
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and cool slightly.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place potatoes on a flat surface and gently smash each one to about 1/2-inch thick using the bottom of a glass or potato masher.
- Toss smashed potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Optional: sprinkle parmesan over the potatoes in the last 2 minutes for a cheesy finish.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces such as aioli, spicy mayo, or ranch.