Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Looking for a delicious side dish to elevate your dinner? These Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the answer! With a crispy golden brown exterior and a fluffy interior bursting with garlic flavor, they are perfect for any meal. Plus, this easy recipe is made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Ready to add a new favorite to your potato recipes? Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Air Fryer for Smashed Potatoes?
Why use an air fryer for smashed potatoes? The answer lies in the crispy texture. An air fryer basket provides high heat circulation, making the outside of the potatoes crispy while the inside remains tender. This method is faster than oven-baking and produces a delightful crunch that’s hard to resist.
I’ve made many side dishes over the years, but there’s something extra special about crispy smashed potatoes. They offer the best of both worlds: a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy center. By using the air fryer, we achieve a golden brown finish while keeping the cooking time short and the flavors intense.
What I Love About This Recipe
An NBA-Player Favorite
During my time as a private chef for the Pacers, these crispy smashed potatoes quickly became a favorite among the players. They loved the crispy edges and creamy centers, which paired perfectly with the chicken or salmon I often prepared. Whether it was a pre-game meal or a post-workout refuel, these smashed potatoes were always a hit. The combination of flavors and textures made them a standout side dish.
Easy Side Dish For Your Favorite Protein
These garlic smashed potatoes are incredibly versatile. They’re a fantastic addition to almost any protein dish. Whether you're serving them with salmon, roasted chicken, or even pork chops, these potatoes complement a variety of flavors. They’re the perfect side dish for game day or a casual family dinner.
Naturally Gluten-Free
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it's naturally gluten-free. Using baby gold potatoes as the base ingredient ensures that everyone can enjoy them without worrying about gluten. This makes them a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Handheld Convenience
I personally love savoring these smashed potatoes like chips. They’re poppable and convenient, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening, these crispy potatoes are easy to grab and enjoy. They’re a delightful finger food that everyone will love.
Why Smashed Potatoes Are Better Than Roasted Potatoes
In my opinion, smashed potatoes are superior to roasted potatoes. Why? The texture and flavor are simply unbeatable. Smashing the boiled potatoes creates a mix of crispy edges and a creamy interior. The process of brushing the potatoes with a flavorful mixture enhances each bite with a delicious blend of seasonings. Plus, the cooking process is more efficient, requiring less time in the oven compared to roasted potatoes. This makes smashed potatoes a convenient and time-saving option without sacrificing taste or texture.
What to Pair With Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Looking for ideas on what to serve with these crispy garlic smashed potatoes? Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Pesto-Crusted Salmon: The herby, nutty flavor of pesto complements the garlic in the potatoes beautifully.
Air Fryer Salmon With Asparagus: A healthy and flavorful combination that pairs well with the crispy texture of the potatoes.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: The rich and zesty flavors enhance the garlic in the smashed potatoes.
Chicken Cutlet: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the creamy interior of the potatoes.
Chicken Nuggets: Great for a casual meal or family dinner, and kids will love the combination.
Ingredients for Garlic Smashed Potatoes
To make these delicious garlic smashed potatoes, you’ll need:
1 lb bag baby gold potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the crispiest smashed potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the baby gold potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil the potatoes for approximately 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once boiled, drain the potatoes.
Transfer the boiled potatoes to a baking sheet or cutting board.
Using the bottom of a cup, gently smash each potato to flatten it, but be careful not to completely break them apart.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful mixture.
Brush the prepared mixture generously onto the smashed potatoes, ensuring each potato is well-coated with the flavorful blend.
Place the coated smashed potatoes on a baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 13 minutes or until the potatoes develop a golden and crispy exterior.
Once the garlic smashed potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot as a delightful side dish to complement your main course.
How to Store Smashed Potatoes
Got leftover smashed potatoes? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture or use them as a base for other recipes. They make a great addition to breakfast dishes or can be turned into a savory potato hash.
Jazz's Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Use Smaller Potatoes: Smaller potatoes, like baby gold or fingerling potatoes, work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining creamy inside.
Keep in a Single Layer: For the crispiest results, ensure that the smashed potatoes are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each potato.
Try Different Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or Cajun seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
FAQ
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For the best results, I recommend using baby gold potatoes, mini potatoes, or Yukon gold baby potatoes. These varieties give me the perfect crispy exterior and creamy interior. You can also use new potatoes and red potatoes as great alternatives.
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Absolutely! If you prefer to use larger potatoes like russet or sweet potatoes, just remember to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
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After boiling the potatoes until they’re fork tender, I place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I then use the bottom of a glass, the back of a fork, or a potato masher to gently press down and smash each potato.
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No worries! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the smashed potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake them for 15-20 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
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Definitely! I love experimenting with different seasoning mixes. Onion powder, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can all add unique flavors. Parmesan cheese and garlic aioli are also fantastic additions.
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To achieve extra crispy potatoes, I make sure they’re spread out in a single layer in the air fryer tray or basket. I avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate evenly around each potato. The size of your air fryer will determine how many you can cook at once.
These crispy air fryer garlic smashed potatoes have quickly become one of my favorite potato recipes. They’re easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you're preparing them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they always deliver great results. The combination of crispy edges, creamy centers, and savory garlic makes them a standout side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of proteins.
Give this recipe a try and see why these smashed potatoes are my go-to side dish. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household too!
How to Make The Best Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb bag baby gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the baby gold potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil the potatoes for approximately 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once boiled, drain the potatoes.
- Transfer the boiled potatoes to a baking sheet or cutting board.
- Using the bottom of a cup, gently smash each potato to flatten it, but be careful not to completely break them apart.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful mixture.
- Brush the prepared mixture generously onto the smashed potatoes, ensuring each potato is well-coated with the flavorful blend.
- Place the coated smashed potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 13 minutes or until the potatoes develop a golden and crispy exterior.
- Once the garlic smashed potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot as a delightful side dish to complement your main course.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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