Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Baby Potatoes – 1.5 pounds (small and firm)
- Olive Oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh Herbs (parsley or rosemary) – 1 to 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Smoked Paprika or Cayenne Powder – ¼ teaspoon for a spicy kick
- Grated Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese – ¼ cup for topping
- Chopped Bell Peppers or Onions – ½ cup, for mixing in
- Nutritional Yeast – 2 tablespoons (for vegan cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes in salted water until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the insides will become soft and fluffy once air fried.
- Prepare for Smashed Goodness: Drain the boiled potatoes and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato until flattened but still held together.
- Season and Oil: Generously brush or drizzle the smashed potatoes with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and any other desired seasonings or mix-ins.
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Place the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure uniform crispiness and golden-brown edges.
- Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh herbs or sprinkle with cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best warm crunchiness.
Notes
- Choose uniformly sized baby potatoes for even cooking.
- Do not skip coating potatoes lightly with olive oil to achieve crispy edges.
- Arrange potatoes with space in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Flip potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Serve immediately after cooking for optimum texture as they may soften if left too long.
- Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use perforated parchment to prevent sticking.
- Boil potatoes first to ensure creamy interior contrasted with crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (~120g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Smashed Potatoes, Crispy Potatoes, Healthy Snack, Gluten Free, Easy Recipe, Side Dish