We love these crispy parmesan garlic Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes! They’re quick, simple, and deliver an unbeatable texture. This smashed method transforms baby Yukon Golds into golden little potato cakes that make a tasty side or snack.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This viral TikTok-style side is perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, or holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a versatile, breadcrumb-free recipe that showcases the creamy, buttery flavor of baby Yukon Gold potatoes while producing a crisp, cheesy exterior.
Try other easy air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Butternut Squash, Zucchini Fritters, Crispy Gnocchi, or Brussel Sprouts for more simple, flavorful sides.
Key Ingredients
This recipe uses pantry staples and a little butter for big flavor.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Small Yukon Gold rounds are ideal. If using large Yukon Golds, cut them into smaller pieces so they smash easily.
- Spice Blend – Garlic salt, dried oregano, and black pepper form a simple, savory seasoning.
- Butter – Unsalted or salted works; salted adds extra flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds crispiness and savory depth to the exterior.
How to make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Follow these steps for the best results. This makes a fun side that even kids enjoy.
- Boil a pot of water and add whole potatoes. Cook 10–12 minutes, or until a fork slides into the center with slight resistance. Drain and set aside.
- While the potatoes boil, melt the butter and stir in the Parmesan, garlic salt, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Place boiled potatoes on a cutting board and gently press each with the bottom of a plastic measuring cup or similar tool to flatten into a patty.
- Arrange the smashed potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush each one with the Parmesan-garlic butter. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp.
- Serve hot. These smashed potatoes are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Hint: Don’t overcook the potatoes in the boiling step. If they become too soft and break while smashing, gently press them back together by hand—the flavor will still be great even if they aren’t perfectly shaped.
Top tip
Boil just until tender. The fork should go in easily but the potato should still hold its shape. That balance is what helps you get a nice smashed exterior without falling apart.
Recipe
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Andrea
Equipment
-
air fryer
-
mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Small Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook 10–12 minutes, until tender but still holding shape. Drain.
- Melt butter and stir in Parmesan, garlic salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Place boiled potatoes on a flat surface and gently press each with the bottom of a plastic measuring cup to smash.
- Arrange smashed potatoes in the air fryer basket. Brush evenly with the Parmesan-garlic butter. Air fry 7–10 minutes, until edges are golden. Cook longer for extra crispiness.
Notes
- Plastic or silicone measuring cups work best for smashing; glass or metal may cause the potato to stick.
- Adjust cook time for different air fryer models—temperatures and airflow vary.
- Olive oil: Substitute 1:1 for butter if preferred.
- Russet potatoes: Use small russets or cut larger ones into quarters before boiling; avoid overcooking so they hold together.
- Red potatoes: Small red potatoes make a tasty alternative.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter in a 1:1 swap for dairy butter.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 6 g
Variations
- Sweet Potatoes – Try sweet potatoes, red potatoes, or even leftover baked potatoes.
- Spicy – Add chili flakes to the butter for heat.
- Loaded – Top finished potatoes with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits for loaded smashed potatoes.
Storing Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness, or microwave until heated through (microwaving will soften the exterior but they will still taste good).