Appetizers
Side Dish
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
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why you’ll love this recipe
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are quick and easy to make!
- They are crispy on the edges, but soft and tender in the middle.
- You don’t even have to turn on your oven for this one.
- Perfectly garlicky and seasoned to perfection.
- This is the perfect side dish to pair with virtually any meal.
- You’ll want to eat them right out of the basket.
- Pairs perfectly with any dipping sauce or just on their own.
- Check out my perfect air fryer french fries for another great potato recipe.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Mini golden potatoes work best for this recipe. However, red potatoes will work too.
Use freshly minced garlic for best results, this adds a ton of more flavor than garlic powder on it’s own or minced garlic from a jar.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil works great for this recipe, you can also use avocado oil or butter in replace. I’d stay away from coconut oil as it would add more of a sweet flavor than savory.
Salt and pepper to taste adds a great balance of flavor.
For the seasonings I use a pairing of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and paprika. This is a great blend of spices that really bring out the flavor in these smashed potatoes.
For the dipping sauce I used my homemade chipotle mayo, but even a tzatziki would taste great on this too.

how to make
ONE: First start by boiling the potatoes until they are fork tender. This takes about 10-15 minutes. When ready, drain the water and add the cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl.


TWO: Next, add in the EVOO and all the seasonings and mix until well coated.


THREE: Add the seasoned potatoes to a baking sheet or on top of your air fryer rack, and using the bottom of a glass, gently but firmly press down, smashing the potato. The thinner the potato the crispier it will be.


FOUR: Next place the potatoes in the air fryer and fry at 430F for 15 minutes. Remove and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own.


Tips and tricks
When pressing down on the potato, use a circular motion which will help keep the potato from cracking too much.
If your potato is sticking to the bottom of your glass, try coating it with non-stick spray.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer, allow there to be some space on all sides. This will allow the air to touch the potato giving it a crispy texture.
You know the potatoes are down cooking when they are fork tender, meaning you can stick a fork in one and it goes in easily.
Taste and texture
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes taste very similar to a hybrid between french fries and waffle fries.
The texture is crispy and crunchy on the edges, but tender and soft in the center.

How to serve and store
Serve these smashed potatoes with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy with your favorite meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 4-5 days.
To reheat, add them back into the air fryer at 400F for 5-6 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
frequently asked questions
Yes you do!
Yes you can! Align the potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving a good amount of space in between. Smashed them as before and then bake at 400F for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Chipotle mayo, tzatziki, ketchup, ranch, bbq sauce, buffalo sauce or any other type of dipping sauce that you’d eat with french fries.
Other recipes you may like
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Carrot Fries in the Air Fryer
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Hasselback garlic potatoes
- Air fryer potatoes
If you make this Carrot Cucumber Salad, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest!