These air fryer smashed potatoes are a total dream for those hot summer BBQs and last-minute family gatherings. Not only are they ready in under an hour, but they pair perfectly with everything from tasty tilapia to glorious Blackstone burger sliders and juicy tri-tip! Yep, these little rings of potato-ey goodness are that versatile!

All you need is an air fryer, no need to pre-boil the potatoes. They are smashed super thin while cooking, and the air fryer does an amazing job of making them super crispy. These are the perfect alternative to crispy fries, and they are much healthier!

Although this air fryer smashed potatoes recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily switch things up with seasoning blends and spices. Serve them with your favorite dip (like garlic aioli, avocado lime crema, or sour cream!), and you’ll have a surefire crowd-pleaser on your hands. Just make sure you whip up a few batches – these flavorful morsels will be snapped up quickly!

❤️ Why This Recipe Works

• It’s incredibly nutritious and requires no oil, thanks to the trusty air fryer! 
  
• Forget the frozen french fries, these crispy air fryer potatoes are an upgrade!
  
• They’re 100% gluten-free and are a wonderful side dish for large gatherings and summer BBQs.
  
• These air fryer crispy smashed potatoes are made with just a handful of simple ingredients but taste utterly delicious.
  
• They require virtually zero prep and are incredibly easy to make (so they’re ideal for beginners!).
  
• They’re cheap and cheerful as the ingredients are super cost-effective.

🗒️ Ingredients

All you need for this great side dish are these basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have. Scroll down to see the printable recipe card with detailed instructions.

• Baby potatoes. I prefer using mini potatoes like gold baby potatoes. They have a creamy consistency, great color and are easy to work with. If you don’t have them, red potatoes or Russet potatoes work well too.
  
• Kosher salt. Salt makes everything better!
  
• Butter. Instead of using oil to baste these potatoes, butter gives them a super crispy and flavorful skin.
  
• Lemon-pepper. For a sharp and slightly spicy tang that you cannot get with only black pepper!
  
• Garlic powder. This adds a signature savory flavor to your air fryer smashed potatoes that meld beautifully with the nutty Parmesan.
  
• Salt. Add to taste!
  
• Parmesan cheese. A nutty ingredient that adds a decadent and slightly creamy taste to your potatoes.
  
• Chopped parsley. The ultimate finishing touch adds a delicious earthy and herby flavor to the mix.

👨‍🍳 How To Make It

​Keep scrolling to see the full recipe below. You are almost there! The printable recipe card has all of the detail you will need to prepare these crispy potatoes.

1. Clean and dry your potatoes and place them in a bowl.
   
2. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season before placing them in the air fryer basket.
   
3. Cook the whole potatoes until tender.
   
4. In a small dish, combine the butter, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt and melt in the microwave.
   
5. Place the potatoes on a cutting board and press them down with a glass. Smash them flat until they are about ¼” to ½” thick.
   
6. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer in a single layer, baste with the melted butter mixture, and cook until crisp and golden brown.
   
7. Move your potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
   
8. Serve the delicious side dish with your favorite dipping sauce!

🔥 More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Halibut – the blackening seasoning gives the halibut a wonderful flavor.
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers – these burgers have a secret ingredient to make them ultra juicy and moist!
• Air Fryer Peach Cobbler – the perfect dessert. It is super versatile, and you can include your favorite fruit to give it a fun twist.
• Air Fryer Stuffed Potatoes – load them up and dig in!
• Air Fryer JoJo Wedges – enough said! These things are delicious and super easy.

😉 Tips For Success

• Although baby potatoes will usually cook in around 15 minutes, larger potatoes will require longer in the air fryer. So, keep a close eye and make sure the potatoes are fork-tender before removing them!
  
• If you’re working with large Russet potatoes, I recommend cutting them into small, golf ball-sized pieces before cooking them. This will give you an even (and shorter!) cooking time.
  
• Don’t crowd your air fryer once the potatoes are smashed. It’s uber-important to have them cooking in a single layer to avoid any under-browning or burning.
  
• Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer. You’ll want to get your smashed potatoes into the air fryer ASAP, so preheat it before your potatoes are ready!
  
• Add some salt to your cooking water. We think it is much easier to cook the potatoes completely in the air fryer. But if you want to pre-boil the potatoes before smashing them, be sure to add salt to the water. This will give it more flavor. Just don’t overdo it! Read the notes in the recipe card for boiling instructions.
  
• Carefully watch your roasting times. Although most air fryers operate similarly, not all of them are made equal. To get your ideal level of crispiness, check on your potatoes every 5 minutes until you get the perfect crispiness.
  
• If you want fluffier potatoes, don’t squish them down quite as much! I like mine crispy, so I smash them thin.
  
• Don’t use a potato masher!​ The potato masher will just pulverize the potatoes, and they won’t smash evenly. When we used a masher, they broke and split.
  
• Use a baking sheet to smash.​ To make quick time with smashing the potatoes, use the bottom of a large baking sheet to smash several potatoes at once.
  
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. This will make cleanup a breeze.

🤔 Substitutions and Variations

• If you prefer to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, substitute with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
  
• If you want to spice things up (literally!), you can add some chili powder or paprika to your potatoes. Turmeric is also a good call if you want to add a deeper yellow color and a slight tandoori-inspired flavor.
  
• You don’t need to use chopped parsley if you’re not a fan. Any fresh herb of your choice will have a similar effect! Try fresh rosemary or thyme.
  
• If you want a slightly different flavor, some Italian seasoning, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning can completely change the game. Feel free to mix in your favorite spices, rubs, and seasonings.
  
• Feel free to go cheesier with melted mozzarella or feta!

⏱️ Storage and Reheating

You should try and eat these air fryer smashed potatoes ASAP.

But if you’re meal prepping, air fry them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.

To bring the leftover smashed potatoes back to life, air fry them at 400°F for 3 minutes! You can use the microwave to heat them up, but they won’t be as crispy.

🛠 Tools and Equipment

• The Pepper Cannon – get loads of fresh cracked black pepper quickly.
• Cosori Dual Blaze air fryer
• Boos Block butcher block
• OXO silicone tongs

🤤 What to Serve with Smashed Potatoes

• Traeger 3-2-1 Ribs
• Smoked Baked Beans
• Smoked Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
• Smoked Cauliflower
• Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
• Reverse Seared Smoked Tomahawk

❓ FAQ

🎁 Wrap Up

These air fryer smashed potatoes are a quick and easy way to spice up your appetizer table (or supplement a meaty main!). With its glorious parmesan, herb, and butter coating, this carb-filled recipe is bound to be a hit with the whole family.

💬 Tell Me What You Think!

Did you try out this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it. Also, snap a picture and post it to your favorite social platform. Be sure to tag me at @alicensetogrill and let me know how you liked it!

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