Description
These crispy smashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish, featuring shatteringly crisp edges and fluffy interiors, all achieved easily in an air fryer with a savory garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (medium-sized)
- Water (enough to cover potatoes for boiling)
- 2 tablespoons Salt (for boiling water)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon Garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or avocado oil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Wash potatoes thoroughly (do not peel). Drop them into a large pot of cold, salted water.
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender all the way through (fork slides in with zero resistance).
- Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit for 2 minutes to release steam.
- Transfer potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly to remove surface moisture.
- Place warm potatoes on a baking sheet or directly in the air fryer basket. Use the bottom of a heavy glass or a fork to press each potato flat to about ½ inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Generously brush the tops of the smashed potatoes with the garlic herb butter mixture, ensuring it gets into crevices.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place potatoes in the basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, check for browning; if browning too fast, lower temperature to 375°F.
- Remove when golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water. Ensure potatoes are completely dry before smashing to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to prevent burning. If using an oven, roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 potatoes per servi
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: crispy smashed potatoes, air fryer potatoes, garlic herb butter, side dish, easy recipes, vegetarian, gluten-free