These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes have crispy, golden edges, creamy centers, and a delicious garlic Parmesan crust. Made entirely in the air fryer with no boiling required, they're an easy, flavorful side dish for any dinner!
For more delicious potato sides, try my Air Fryer Rosemary Crispy Potatoes or creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes.
Recipe Summary: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan
- ✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan
- 🕒 Ready In: 40 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 4 (easy to scale)
- 🍽 Calories: 273 per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Baby Yukon Gold potatoes, Parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika
- 📖 Dietary Info: Vegetarian, gluten-free, kid-friendly
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Crispy, cheesy edges and creamy centers, made entirely in the air fryer with no boiling required! Ready in 40 minutes.
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These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are an easy, cheesy side for just about any dinner! Pair them with my air fryer chicken leg quarters or pan fried flounder recipe. Add some roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus for a complete meal!
For dipping, try my lemon dill sauce or spicy chipotle sauce!
Why you'll love this recipe
- No boiling required. Everything cooks in the air fryer.
- Extra crispy. Golden Parmesan edges and creamy centers.
- Simple ingredients. Baby potatoes, butter, cheese, and seasonings.
- Versatile side dish. Pairs with just about any main course.
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Key Ingredients
- Baby Yukon Gold potatoes. Creamy centers and thin skins that crisp beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese. Creates a golden, cheesy crust.
- Butter and olive oil. Add richness and help the potatoes crisp.
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika. Add savory, smoky flavor.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Variations
| Try Asiago | Swap Parmesan for a sharper, nuttier cheese. |
| Switch the potatoes | Use baby red, purple, or fingerling potatoes. |
| Add some heat | Mix a touch of cayenne or crushed red pepper into the Parmesan butter. |
| Change the herbs | Finish with fresh parsley, rosemary, or dill. |
How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Step 1: Cook the potatoes. Wash and dry the baby potatoes, then air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, until fork-tender. No preheating needed!
- Step 2: Smash the potatoes. Transfer to a parchment-lined surface and gently flatten each potato with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Step 3: Make the Parmesan mixture. Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Step 4: Season the potatoes. Brush both sides generously with the Parmesan butter mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 5: Air fry until crispy. Return potatoes to the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between each. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F for another 10–15 minutes, until golden and crispy. Garnish with chives and serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Smash on a sturdy surface. Use a lined cutting board or sheet pan for easy clenaup.
- Cool slightly. Let potatoes rest a minute or two before smashing.
- For extra crispiness. Smash a little thinner for more golden edges.
- Avoid overcrowding. Leave space between potatoes for even crisping.
- Watch the cheese. Check during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes FAQs
Absolutely! Air frying gives smashed potatoes crispy, golden edges and creamy centers without needing an oven. Cook them at 400°F until fork-tender, smash, season, and air fry again until crispy.
Soaking cut potatoes can remove excess surface starch, but it's unnecessary for this recipe. Simply wash and thoroughly dry your baby potatoes before air frying.
Yes! This recipe is made entirely in the air fryer. Cook the whole baby potatoes for about 20 minutes until fork-tender, then smash and crisp them for another 10–15 minutes.
Make sure the potatoes are fully tender before smashing, flatten them enough to create plenty of crispy edges, and leave space between each potato in the air fryer. The Parmesan butter coating adds extra crunch and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep those crunchy edges!
More Easy Side Dishes You'll Love
If you tried these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes. Wash and dry potatoes, then air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork. No preheating required.
- Smash the potatoes. Transfer to a sturdy surface lined with parchment paper or foil. Gently flatten each potato with the bottom of a measuring cup or glass.
- Prepare the Parmesan mixture. Whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season the potatoes. Brush both sides generously with the Parmesan butter mixture, then season with coarse sea salt and black pepper.
- Return to the air fryer. Arrange potatoes in a single layer, leaving space between each for even crisping. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry until crispy. Cook at 400°F for another 10–15 minutes, until golden brown with crispy edges and a cheesy Parmesan crust. Serve hot.
Notes
- Best potatoes: Baby Yukon Golds work best, but small red, purple, or fingerling potatoes also work.
- Keep potatoes uniform: Similar-sized potatoes cook evenly. Check petite potatoes after 15 minutes.
- Don't smash too thin: Flatten gently so the potatoes hold together and have creamy centers.
- Avoid overcrowding: Arrange in a single layer with space between each potato during the final crisping stage. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cheese options: Use freshly grated Parmesan or substitute Asiago for a sharper, nuttier flavor.
- Serve immediately: These smashed potatoes are crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Sharon says
I love making these smashed potatoes when I want something crispy and cheesy without having to boil a pot of water first! The Parmesan gets so golden and delicious in the air fryer. They're also great dipped in a little sour cream or your favorite sauce!