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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Published: Oct 20, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    6.6K shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Crispy on the outside, and fluffy in the middle. These savoury, golden, garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes are a must-try! They’re so delicious and taste just like your favourite garlic bread.

    Air fried smashed potatoes on serving dish with parsley garnish.

    This is the perfect side dish to pair with virtually any meal. You’ll want to eat these right out of the basket! They’re SO SO good.

    They may not be the fastest potato to prepare with a 2 step cooking process, but I promise, they are worth it.

    I’m loving all kinds of potatoes in the air fryer lately, as you may have noticed by my air fried baked potatoes, hashbrowns, home fries, potato wedges and even air fried sweet potato cubes!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients + Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • More air fried dishes you’ll love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients + Substitutions

    All you’ll need is a handful of ingredients for these delicious smashed potatoes.

    Potatoes, butter, garlic and seasoning scattered on kitchen counter.
    See recipe card for quantities.
    • Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold (or yellow) potatoes for their rich flavour. But if you don’t have any on hand, red potatoes work too.
    • Butter: You may choose your favourite cooking oil, margarine or butter. Stick to vegan varities to keep it dairy free. OR, if you’re avoiding fat or oil, you may also use vegetable broth with similar results, to keep these oil free.
    • Garlic: I tried these with both fresh garlic and garlic powder, and the flavour of fresh was far superior and highly recommended.
    • Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt, pepper and parsley flakes, or add other spices of your choice.

    Instructions

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Place your scrubbed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil, cooking until fork tender.

    As the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter, if using. Then add the minced garlic and seasoning to the same pot. Mix to combine. (photos 1-2)

    Drain your potatoes and transfer them to a cutting board to let cool slightly. (photo 3)

    Butter and seasoning in small saucepot and boiled potatoes on cutting board.

    Use a potato masher or large fork to gently smash your potatoes flat. Keep them about half an inch thick, and be careful not to break them. (photo 4)

    Now brush the marinade over your potatoes on both sides. (photo 5)

    NOTE: Be very careful when flipping the potatoes, to ensure you don’t break them.

    Potato mashed pressing potatoes down and being brushed with marinade with silicone brush.

    Carefully transfer your seasoned and smashed potatoes to the basket of your air fryer and cook until golden and crispy. (photos 6-7)

    NOTE: Leave space in between each one for proper airflow, even cooking, and so you don’t need to flip them during cooking.

    Smashed potatoes in air fryer before and after cooking.

    Go ahead and enjoy straight out of the basket, or transfer to a serving dish or plate, if you can resist. 🙂

    Smashed potatoes on white serving dish with garlic butter in small bowl beside it.

    Variations

    I’ve kept these crispy smashed potatoes simple in seasoning, and they’re incredibly delicious as is. But you can change it up each time, if you’d like or serve them with a dip!

    • Make it spicy! Add red pepper flakes or minced jalapeno to the marinade.
    • Go for kid friendly and serve with ketchup.
    • Impress the adults and serve with guacamole.

    Equipment

    We use (and LOVE) our Ninja Foodi 8 quart. However, you may use any model of air fryer for these crispy smashed potatoes, including toaster oven styles.

    NOTE: Each model varies in cook temperature and speed. Start checking on your smashed potatoes around the 8 minute mark.

    Can I make them in an oven?

    If you don’t have an air fryer, yes, you may use your oven.

    Preheat to 425 degrees F and place your seasoned and smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until desired crispiness is reached.

    Storage

    In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, you may store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

    However, these taste best when freshly made, hot and crispy and they will start to lose some of their crispness as they cool.

    I don’t recommend freezing.

    Expert Tips

    • 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.

    More air fried dishes you’ll love

    • white plate filled with air fried carrots
      Air Fryer Carrots [Two Ways!]
    • Close up of baked apples in white serving dish.
      Air Fryer Baked Apples [Tastes like apple pie!]
    • white bowl filled with air fried chickpeas.
      Oil Free Air Fryer Chickpeas [Five Flavours]
    • Slices of garlic bread on wooden cutting board.
      Air Fryer Garlic Bread [So Crispy!]

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Smashed potatoes on white serving dish with parsley sprinkled on top.

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    Crispy on the outside, and fluffy in the middle. These savoury, garlicky air fryer smashed potatoes are a must-try!
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Calories: 132kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • 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.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
      DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
      *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
      6.6K shares

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

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      1. Keanna

        August 29, 2022 at 1:38 pm

        5 stars
        These were amazing

        Reply
        • Rosa

          August 30, 2022 at 9:38 am

          Thrilled you enjoyed them. 🙂

          Reply
      2. Gail Duncan

        May 22, 2022 at 5:45 pm

        5 stars
        Great recipe. I have made these twice. Love them. These will be a staple in my house.

        Reply
        • Rosa

          May 24, 2022 at 8:35 am

          Thrilled to hear that Gail!

          Reply
      3. Jennifer

        February 26, 2022 at 12:41 am

        What dip do you recommend using for them?

        Reply
        • Rosa

          February 26, 2022 at 10:27 am

          Hi Jennifer, I didn’t use a dip, I found them great as is. But you can use any dip that you’d normally use with potatoes or french fries. Ketchup, chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, etc. Enjoy!

          Reply
      4. Rebecca

        October 23, 2021 at 6:23 pm

        5 stars
        Wow these were amazing!!!! I ate one straight out of the air fryer and burned my mouth but it was worth it. 🤣

        Reply
        • Rosa

          October 24, 2021 at 9:48 am

          Haha, so glad you enjoyed Rebecca. Thanks so much for the review. 🙂

          Reply

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      Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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