Description
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and enhanced with olive oil and fresh herbs. A quick and easy side dish that offers irresistible flavor boosts through simple ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and boil until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the hot water from the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly so they can be handled safely for smashing.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat fully to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Smash Potatoes: On a flat, sturdy surface, gently place each potato and carefully smash it using the bottom of a fork or a potato masher, flattening them to approximately half their original size without breaking them apart entirely.
- Season: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the smashed potatoes. Then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over all the potatoes to coat them with flavor.
- Air Fry: Arrange the smashed potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping for maximum crispiness. Air fry them for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked to perfection, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Boiling the potatoes first ensures they become tender inside before air frying.
- Use baby potatoes for optimal texture; larger potatoes may require longer cooking times.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; try adding paprika or parmesan cheese for extra flavor variations.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for crispiness.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a nice fresh aroma and flavor boost.
