Sink your teeth into these crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with wild rosemary and garlic aioli. Serve piping hot and made with simple ingredients, these are the perfect, ultra crispy appetizer, snack or side dish that requires no boil, no mess and minimal cleanup. Vegan, gluten-free, low calorie, 9 ingredients, 40 minutes.
If you've never tried smashed potatoes in an air fryer, you're in for a real treat! Crispy on the outside, fluffy like mashed potatoes on the inside, and when you dip one of these amazing smashed potatoes in my garlic aioli, it's an experience you'll never forget, especially when you pair it with my Spiced Orange Gin Spritz.
Jump to:
🥔 RECIPE INGREDIENTS (WITH SUBSTITUTIONS)
Vegenaise - used in the garlic aioli to make it rich and creamy. Any brand will do.
Baby Potatoes - when choosing potatoes for this recipe, smaller ones work best. Smaller potatoes, like red potatoes, Yukon Gold baby potatoes, or fingerling potatoes cook faster and get crispier than large sized potatoes.
Garlic - fresh garlic is a must for the garlic aioli, however, if you are out of fresh, you can substitute with ground. TIP: if you love recipes with garlic, try my creamy Cavolo Nero Pasta!
Rosemary - I use wild rosemary that grows in my yard. Fresh rosemary adds an earthy, herby flavor to the potatoes, however, if fresh is not available, dried will also work.
Sea salt & white pepper - used in both the garlic aioli and to season the smashed potatoes. If you're not into salt, you may omit. You can also substitute black pepper for white pepper, if unavailable.
Ground mustard - enhances the tangy flavor of the garlic aioli and should not be omitted. If you don't have ground you may use jarred mustard, such as Dijon.
Smoked paprika - adds a smoky flavor to the potatoes and makes them look pretty too. If smoked is unavailable, it's fine to use regular paprika, instead.
Lemon juice - used as a flavor enhancer for the aioli dipping sauce and also as a preservative. I juice a half of lemon for this recipe, however, you can use more or less depending upon your taste preference. You may also use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are unavailable.
🔪 HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER SMASHED POTATOES
1. Add vegan mayonnaise, garlic, sea salt, white pepper, ground mustard, and lemon juice to a food processor.
2. Process on high speed for 2-3 minutes until garlic aioli is smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while you prepare the potatoes.
3. Scrub and rinse potatoes under cold running water (remember, you're eating the skin, too). Pat dry with a paper towel. Place whole potatoes in air fryer basket. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. After cooking the potatoes, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet allowing them to cool for about 5 minutes.
5. Using the bottom of a mason jar (works best), smash the potatoes, one at a time.
6. Press down gently on each potato, until it bursts, being careful not to smash them to smithereens
7. Brush each side with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, white pepper, and paprika. Finish with a few sprigs of rosemary.
8. Place potatoes in the bottom of the air fryer basket, one batch at a time, leaving ample space in between the potatoes for the air to circulate. The number you can cook per batch will vary depending upon he size of your air fryer basket. Mine is 5.8 quarts, and fits 9 smashed potatoes in one batch. Air fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, shaking the basket at the half-way mark. Carefully remove and put on a plate. Serve immediately with garlic aioli. Enjoy.
⭐ Dipping Sauces
My garlic aioli is the bomb, however, if you prefer other dipping sauces or want to try something different check out my Cilantro Lime Avocado Sauce and my Smoky Chipotle Sauce Recipe.
💭 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. My method of making this smashed potato recipe requires no par-boiling and they turn out just as delicious, or even better.
No. The purpose of making smashed potatoes in the air fryer is to ensure the ultimate crispiness. When you place the food in the perforated air fryer basket, the machine cooks the food by blowing hot air around it. Wrapping the potatoes in foil prevents the circulation of air around the food, which defeats the purpose of the air fryer.
Technically, when you smash them, you are piercing them. This avoids a potato-explosion of epic proportion in your air fryer.
When choosing potatoes for this recipe, think small. I prefer using baby potatoes, however, red potatoes or fingerling potatoes also work well.
If you choose this no-boil method, it will take approximately 15-20 minutes to bake the potatoes in the air-fryer and another 20 minutes to air fry them once they are smashed and seasoned.
To ensure your potatoes are ultra-crispy, be sure to coat both sides with olive oil and air fry for the right amount of time at the right temperature. This recipe calls for these smashed potatoes to air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 minutes.
👩🏻🍳 EXPERT TIPS
- For best results, wash potatoes thoroughly with water prior to preparing them. Remember, you're not peeling them and will be eating the skin.
- Use small potatoes, rather than large ones, for crispier, quicker results.
- Be sure to leave plenty of space in the air fryer basket between smashed potatoes when air frying. This ensures adequate air circulation so you don't have to flip the potatoes during the air frying process.
These air fried potatoes were inspired by my desire to find an easier way to cook crispy snacks like these Vegan Cauliflower Bites, Accordion Potatoes and Vegan Vegetable Fritters. I can't wait to try new recipes in my brand new Comfee Air Fryer! And if you're looking for a new spin on mashed potatoes, try my Roasted Mashed Cauliflower Recipe that is oh so good.
🍠 VARIATIONS
- Garlic parmesan - season potatoes with garlic powder, sea salt, and vegan parmesan after smashing potatoes and before placing in the air fryer.
- Sweet potatoes - although sweet potatoes aren't the best choice for this recipe due to their size, you can cut them into small wedges and smash them just as you do whole baby potatoes.
- Sage butter - melt ground sage in vegan butter in a small saucepan. Brush on smashed potatoes prior to placing them in air fryer.
- Italian - think olive oil, Italian seasoning, your favorite vegan pasta sauce, and vegan mozzarella. For best results, season with olive oil and Italian seasoning prior to air frying, then drizzle warm pasta sauce over smashed potatoes once they finish cooking and top off with a sprinkle of vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with soup - make it a meal by serving potatoes with my Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup.
🥗 WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
- Make it a meal by serving air fryer smashed potatoes with this Massaged Kale Salad or my Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup.
- Serve as an appetizer with my Cavolo Nero Pasta or my Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms as a main dish.
- Make it a movie night and serve with other appetizers like my Crispy Vegan Cauliflower Bites and my Smashed Vegan Avocado Toast.
🌡️ STORAGE
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes can be kept fresh in an airtight container when you store the in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit/188 degrees Celsius for approximately 4 minutes .
These potatoes are best when served immediately after cooking. Freezing is NOT RECOMMENDED.
🍞 MORE DELICIOUS SNACKS
Have you tried this? Why not leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
For the Smashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon rosemary fresh
For the Garlic Aioli
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
For the Garlic Aioli
- Add vegan mayonnaise, garlic, sea salt, white pepper, ground mustard, and lemon juice to a food processor
- Process on high speed for 2-3 minutes until garlic aioli is smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while you prepare the Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes.
For the Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Scrub and rinse potatoes under cold running water (remember, you're eating the skin, too). Pat dry with a paper towel. Place whole potatoes in air fryer basket. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Place potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet allowing them to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Using the bottom of a mason jar (works best), smash the potatoes, one at a time.
- Press down gently on each potato, until it bursts, being careful not to break them apart.
- Brush each side with olive oil and top with sea salt, white pepper, paprika and fresh rosemary.
- Place Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes in the bottom of the air fryer basket, one batch at a time, leaving ample space in between the potatoes for the air to circulate. The number you can cook per batch will vary depending upon he size of your air fryer basket. Mine is 5.8 quarts, and fits 9 smashed potatoes in one batch. Air fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit/204 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, shaking the basket at the half-way mark. Carefully remove and put on a plate. Serve immediately with garlic aioli. Enjoy.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate.
- For best results, wash potatoes thoroughly with water prior to preparing them. Remember, you're not peeling them and will be eating the skin.
- Use small potatoes, rather than large ones, for crispier, quicker results.
- Be sure to leave plenty of space in the air fryer basket between smashed potatoes when air frying. This ensures adequate air circulation so you don't have to flip the potatoes during the air frying process.
Amy Liu Dong says
These look so easy and delicious!
A perfect dish to make for tonight's dinner.
Deborah says
Thanks Amy, hope you love it.
Magali Mutombo says
Such a tasty recipe for the family. Thanks for sharing!
Deborah says
You're welcome. Thank you Magali.
Genevieve says
Ok, these look absolutely brilliant! I can't wait to try these air fryer smashed potatoes, talk about a delicious meal idea!
Deborah says
Thanks bunches Genevieve, please do let us know how they turned out.
Emily says
These were so good and addictive!!! Can't wait to make more of this crispy goodness! I love that this recipe is vegan.
Deborah says
Emily, I agree 100% that they are addictive. My name is Deborah and I'm a smashed potato addict! Thanks for your comment!!
Tayler Ross says
I made these smashed potatoes with dinner last night and they were AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Deborah says
You're so welcome Taylor. Thanks for commenting.
Ksenia @ immigrantstable.com says
I am going to make these today with papas criollas. They are going to be divine with those potatoes!
Deborah says
OOOhhhh, Ksenia, now I must look up the recipe for papas criollas. I bet they turned out amazing!
Kayla DiMaggio says
These smashed potatoes were so delicious! I loved how the air fryer got them super crispy!
Deborah says
Thank you Kayla. I love the air fryer too!
Kelley says
So good and easy to make! Thank you so much for sharing!
Deborah says
Thanks Kelley, I'm so happy you found the recipe to be good AND easy!
Giangi Townsend says
My all-time favorite recipe. Never gets old and is always enjoyed with gusto. Thank you.
Deborah says
So happy you made them and loved them, too! Thanks Giangi!!
Sheila says
Love, love, love these no-boil smashed potatoes! Crispy and delicious!!
Deborah says
Thank you Sheila. So appreciate your comment.
Nic says
OH yum! We have an air fryer smashed potato recipe we love, and I absolutely loved this one with the garlic aioli! Delish, will make again!
Deborah says
Thanks so much Nic.
Bobbi says
ABSOLUTELY YUMMMMMMM!! And the AIOLI JEEEEEEEEEEZE ITS GREAT TASTING! CAN EAT THESE EVERYDAY.
Deborah says
Thank you Bobbi. I’m glad U loved them.
Vicky says
These look so simple to cook in the air fryer. I love crispy potatoes! They are one of my favorite sides and these are spiced to perfection!
Deborah says
Thank you Vicky.
Andrea says
Love this recipe! Loved that I didn't have to boil the potatoes and could do everything with my air fryer.
Deborah says
Yes I don’t like to par-boil things so purposely created a no- boil recipe. Thank you Andrea.
Janessa says
These potatoes turned out so crispy! And I love that you don't have to dirty a second pot to boil them first.
Deborah says
Glad they turned out well for you Janessa. Thank you.
Dana says
These are delicious! And with the sauce, totally remind me of patatas bravas. This is a nice and easy side dish to add to the table.
Deborah says
Oh, I've never heard of patatas bravas. Do you have a recipe for these? I'd love to try them. So glad you loved the recipe, thank you Dana.
Tayler Ross says
I've been using my air fryer more and more, and I can't wait to use it to make these delicious looking potatoes!
Deborah says
Thank you Taylor. U are going to love them
I promise.
Katherine says
Oooh this is my new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!
Deborah says
Thank you Katherine. Glad you enjoyed them.