Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and smothered with zingy Dijon and fresh garlic—you are going to fall in love with these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes! They’re the perfect combination of comfort and crunch, and bursting with flavor thanks to a simple mustard-garlic drizzle. Whether you serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun weeknight side, they’ll disappear in a flash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Texture: Smashed in the middle and air-fried to golden perfection, these potatoes deliver crave-worthy crunch in every bite.
- Bold, Punchy Flavors: Zesty Dijon mustard, real garlic, and aromatic thyme give each potato irresistible depth and character.
- Fuss-Free & Fast: With just a few simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, your air fryer does all the work—no need to boil a big pot of water or turn on the oven.
- Totally Customizable: Make them vegan, gluten-free, or amp up the spice—these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes fit right into everyone’s favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated about these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, but each ingredient earns its keep! From succulent baby potatoes to tangy mustard and herby thyme, every item brings something special to the plate—perfect texture, color, or flavor in every mouthful.
- 1.5 lb baby potatoes (such as Ruby Little Gems): These are the star—choose evenly-sized potatoes for even cooking and smashing. Their thin skin gets fabulously crisp.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Just enough to help everything brown and make the outsides deeply golden and crunchy.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (horseradish Dijon recommended): This gives your potatoes their eye-popping tang; horseradish Dijon adds a subtle heat.
- 2 cloves garlic (or one extra large clove): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce and potato skins with rich, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon rose vinegar (or white/apple cider vinegar): Vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the potatoes and olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, dried thyme complements the potatoes beautifully and adds a rustic touch.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: This seasons both the inside and outside, helping every bite pop.
- Pepper to taste: Black pepper brings a little warmth and extra depth to each bite—season generously if you love a little kick!
Variations
As delicious as these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are as written, they’re also wonderfully adaptable to whatever flavors or pantry finds you crave! Here are a few simple ways to make this recipe your own—have fun with it!
- Change Up the Spices: Try smoked paprika, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a whole new flavor direction.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or a dairy-free alternative over the potatoes right after air-frying for savory richness.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Lemon and Herb Twist: Zest a lemon over the finished potatoes and add fresh chives or parsley for bright, herby appeal.
How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat & Par-Cook the Potatoes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the baby potatoes into the basket (no peeling required!) in a single layer and air fry for about 15 minutes, or until the centers are fork-tender. This step gives you the soft and pillowy insides ready for smashing.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Once those potatoes are cooked through, carefully transfer them to a cutting board or heatproof surface. Grab a wooden spatula, the bottom of a glass, or a measuring cup, and gently press each potato down until it’s about half an inch thick. Don’t worry if they look rustic—the more nooks and crannies, the more crispy bits!
Step 3: Make the Mustard-Garlic Sauce
While your potatoes are taking a quick breather, mix up the magic sauce: whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, finely minced garlic, vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. This herby, punchy sauce is what takes your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes from basic to unforgettable.
Step 4: Coat & Crisp
Brush the smashed potatoes generously with your mustard-garlic sauce (get into all those crevices!) and return them to the air fryer basket. Settle them in a single layer for maximum crunch, and air fry for another 5–10 minutes, or until gloriously golden and crisp on the edges. Be sure to check them at the 5-minute mark to tailor the crispiness to your liking!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use baby or small new potatoes for perfect single-bite size and even crisping—bigger potatoes can fall apart when smashed.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Lay potatoes out in a single, flat layer to let the hot air reach every nook—overlapping will steam them instead of crisping!
- Get Saucy Early: Brush the mustard-garlic sauce on while the potatoes are still warm to help it soak in for maximum flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking at 5 minutes during the final crisp—every air fryer is different, and you want the edges brown but not burnt!
How to Serve Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or a little flaky sea salt for extra color and a fresh, herby bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick dusting of smoked paprika or a grating of lemon zest can make the flavors really sing.
Side Dishes
These potatoes play well with almost anything! Pair them alongside grilled veggies, a juicy seared steak, your favorite plant-based protein, or a vibrant salad for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. They’re also right at home nestled next to eggs for brunch or as a fun party snack with your favorite dips.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve them on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of dipping sauces. Hosting a dinner party? Stack them up in a spiral on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or colorful microgreens for visual drama. Or thread a few onto sturdy skewers for a playful, pass-around appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll lose some crispiness but are still delicious for quick snacks or side dishes the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place cooled smashed potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best flavor—just know their crispiness will fade, but a quick re-crisp in the air fryer brings them right back!
Reheating
To reheat, pop your potatoes back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This revives the outer crunch while making the centers warm and fluffy again. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer keeps texture at its best.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
You can use small Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you don’t have baby potatoes—just cut them into smaller, even pieces before air frying, so they cook through and are easy to smash.
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Can I make these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook and smash the potatoes ahead, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, brush on the sauce and finish crisping them in your air fryer for that just-made crunch.
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How do I keep the potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Give your air fryer basket a light spray with oil before placing the smashed potatoes back in, or use a piece of parchment paper with holes for airflow. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup!
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Are these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mustard. It makes a fantastic side dish to suit nearly any dietary need.
Final Thoughts
If you love potatoes (and honestly, who doesn’t?), then these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. They’re crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make—perfect for impressing a crowd or just treating yourself. Give them a try the next time you want something comforting, quick, and unforgettable!
Print
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, infused with flavors of Dijon mustard and garlic. A perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1.5 lb baby potatoes
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (rose, white, or apple cider)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Potatoes: Place potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Smash Potatoes: Remove potatoes, smash each to ½-inch thickness, then return to the air fryer.
- Prepare Seasoning: Mix oil, mustard, garlic, vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Potatoes: Brush seasoned sauce on the smashed potatoes.
- Final Air Fry: Air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- Use baby potatoes for quick cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding to ensure even air circulation.
- Customize with different spice blends for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 412mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
