These Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Garlic Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated with buttery garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. They’re the perfect side dish for everything from grilled chicken and steak to burgers and seafood, and they’re ready in under 40 minutes.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Potatoes

• 1½ pounds baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Fresh chives, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Large pot
• Potato masher or flat-bottom glass
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot.

Cover with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of salt.

Bring to a boil and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Drain well and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl combine:

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix well.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Place the cooked potatoes on a cutting board or tray.

Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently press each potato until it’s about ½ inch thick.

Be careful not to break them apart completely.

Step 4: Season

Brush both sides of each smashed potato generously with the garlic butter mixture.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 6: Air Fry

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

The potatoes should be golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 7: Add Parmesan (Optional)

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the potatoes with Parmesan cheese.

Continue cooking until the cheese melts and becomes lightly golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter.

Top with:

• Fresh parsley
• Chopped chives
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Use Baby Potatoes

They have a creamy interior and crisp beautifully.

Dry the Potatoes Well

Excess moisture prevents crispiness.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cook in batches if needed for maximum crunch.

High Heat is Key

Cooking at 400°F (200°C) creates extra-crispy edges.

Flavor Variations

Cheesy Garlic Potatoes

Top with:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan

during the final few minutes.

Ranch Potatoes

Add:

• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning

to the garlic butter mixture.

Cajun Style

Replace Italian seasoning with:

• Cajun seasoning

for a spicy kick.

Herb Butter Potatoes

Mix fresh:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Dill

into the butter before brushing.

Spicy Buffalo Potatoes

Drizzle with buffalo sauce after cooking and garnish with blue cheese crumbles.

What to Serve With

Main Dishes

• Grilled steak
• Roast chicken
• Air Fryer Salmon
• BBQ ribs
• Pork chops

Dipping Sauces

• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Spicy mayo
• Honey mustard

Vegetables

• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• Garden salad

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked potatoes for up to 2 months.

Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy.

Oven

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the potatoes crispy.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip boiling the potatoes?

Boiling first is recommended. It softens the potatoes, making them easy to smash and ensuring a fluffy interior with crispy edges.

Which potatoes work best?

Baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture and thin skins.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Boil and smash the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate, then season and air fry when ready to serve.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic provides a richer, more aromatic flavor. If substituting, use an extra ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends and Parmesan labels if serving someone with gluten sensitivity.

Recipe Notes

✅ Crispy outside, fluffy inside.

✅ Easy air fryer side dish.

✅ Family-friendly.

✅ Great for meal prep.

✅ Ready in about 40 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tip

Boil and smash the potatoes a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then brush with the garlic butter and air fry just before serving.

Serving Suggestion

Pair these crispy smashed potatoes with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or burgers, and serve with a side of garlic aioli or sour cream for dipping. 🥔🧄✨

Chef’s Secret

After smashing the potatoes, let them sit uncovered for 10 minutes before brushing with the garlic butter. This allows the surface to dry slightly, helping the potatoes develop extra-crispy, golden edges in the air fryer. Finish with flaky sea salt and freshly grated Parmesan immediately after cooking for the best flavor. 😋🥔🧄🧈✨

FAQs

Can I leave the potato skins on?

Yes! The skins become wonderfully crispy and add extra texture and nutrients.

Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?

Make sure they’re well-drained, not overcrowded in the basket, and cooked in a single layer with enough space for air circulation.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.

Can I add bacon?

Yes! Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the potatoes after air frying for a smoky, savory twist.

What herbs pair best with garlic potatoes?

Fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, dill, and chives all complement the garlic and buttery flavors beautifull