Herb Butter Crispy Smashed Potatoes

The Magic of the Smash

I love the sound of a good smash. It’s a happy little crunch. You take a soft, boiled baby gold potato. Then you press down. It goes from a little ball to a perfect crispy canvas. That smash is where the magic starts for these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes. My grandson calls them potato pancakes. I still laugh at that. But he’s right. They get so golden and crisp. The edges are my favorite part. They get all ruffled and crunchy. Doesn’t that sound good? What’s your favorite crispy food? Tell me in the comments.

Why This Little Potato Works

Not all potatoes are the same. For this smashed potatoes recipe, you want baby gold potatoes. Their skin is thin and pretty. It gets deliciously crisp. Their inside is creamy and soft. They are the perfect size for a few bites. This matters because the right potato makes your job easy. You don’t have to peel or chop. Just boil and smash. It turns a simple side dish into something special. *Fun fact: Baby gold potatoes are sometimes called “butter potatoes” because of their rich, yellow flesh!*

A Simple, Flavorful Bath

The secret is in the butter bath. You mix melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I add a pinch of paprika for a warm hint of color. You brush this on both sides of each potato. Oh, the smell is amazing when they start to cook. This step matters so much. It’s not just for flavor. That butter helps every nook get super crispy in the air fryer. It’s the difference between okay and wonderful. For my vegan friends, use olive oil instead of butter. You’ll still get perfect vegan smashed potatoes.

Let the Air Fryer Do Its Thing

Here’s the best part. You don’t need to flip them! Just give your air fryer potatoes space to breathe. The hot air swirls all around. It crisps the top and bottom all at once. In about 20 minutes, they are golden brown treasures. I remember the first time I made these. I kept opening the basket to peek. I was so impatient! Now I know to just trust the machine. Do you have an air fryer? What’s the first thing you learned to cook in yours?

From My Table to Yours

These aren’t just a side dish. They are a fun appetizer, too. Serve them right from the basket. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley and a little salt. Let everyone dip them in ketchup or garlic sauce. Seeing people grab seconds is my favorite. This is one of those easy smashed potatoes recipes that feels fancy. It’s perfect for a weeknight or for guests. So tell me, will you try these crispy smashed potatoes this week? What would you serve them with? I love hearing your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
baby gold potatoes	1 lb
butter, melted (or olive oil)	3 tablespoons (45 g)
garlic cloves, minced	3-4 cloves (7-10 g)
salt	½ teaspoon
pepper	¼ teaspoon
paprika	⅛ teaspoon	optional
parsley, finely chopped	1 tablespoon	for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Boil your baby gold potatoes until they are fork-tender. This makes them soft inside for our crispy smashed potatoes. I love the smell of potatoes cooking. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. (Tip: Start them in cold water so they cook evenly!)

Step 2: Drain the potatoes and let them cool a bit. Now, make the magic butter. Whisk melted butter with garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This seasoned butter is the secret to flavor.

Step 3: Gently smash each potato on a pan. Use a cup bottom or a fork. You want them about half an inch thick. The thinner you go, the crispier they get! What’s your favorite tool for smashing? Share below!

Step 4: Brush both sides with your garlic butter. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Give the basket a quick spray. This helps our air fryer smashed potatoes get perfectly golden. I still laugh at how easy this is.

Step 5: Cook them for 15-20 minutes until super crispy. Don’t flip them! Just let the air fryer work. You’ll have the best crispy air fryer smashed potatoes. (Tip: Don’t crowd the basket for the crispiest results.)

Creative Twists

Cheesy Sprinkle: Add grated parmesan after buttering for a cheesy crust.
Everything Bagel: Swap the paprika for everything bagel seasoning. So good!
Vegan Smashed Potatoes: Use olive oil instead of butter. It’s just as tasty.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These crispy smashed potatoes are a star side dish. Serve them with a dollop of garlic aioli for dipping. They also look lovely on a big platter with fresh parsley. For a meal, pair them with simple grilled chicken or a veggie burger. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Smashed Potatoes Perfect

Let’s talk about storing these crispy air fryer smashed potatoes. They are best fresh. But life happens! Cool them completely first. Then, store them in a single layer in the fridge. Use them within three days.

You can freeze them too. I freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, I pop them into a bag. This stops them from sticking together. My first time, I just tossed them in a container. What a sticky mess I had to fix!

Reheat them in your air fryer or oven. This brings back the crunch. Batch cooking matters. It gives you a tasty side dish ready in minutes. That is a gift to your future, busy self. Have you ever tried storing them this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems in the kitchen. First, potatoes not getting crispy? Make sure they are very dry before smashing. Wet potatoes steam instead of crisp. I remember when my first batch turned out soggy. I learned my lesson about drying them well.

Second, the herb butter can burn. If your garlic is browning too fast, lower the air fryer heat a bit. Third, potatoes sticking to the pan? A good spray of oil is your best friend. Always grease your basket or tray.

Fixing these small issues matters. It builds your cooking confidence. It also makes sure every bite is full of flavor, not frustration. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What are the best potatoes for smashed potatoes?

Baby gold potatoes are the best choice for this smashed potatoes recipe. Their skin is thin and tender. Their creamy inside mashes beautifully. They also cook evenly. This makes for perfect crispy air fryer smashed potatoes every single time. You can use other small, waxy potatoes too.

How do you get crispy smashed potatoes?

The key to crispy smashed potatoes is dryness and space. Dry your boiled potatoes well before smashing. Then, give them room in the air fryer. Crowding makes them steam. Cook at 400°F until golden. Do not flip them. This lets one side get super crispy. The result is the best air fryer potatoes.

What is herb butter made of?

Herb butter is simple and flavorful. For this recipe, mix melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in fresh parsley at the end. For vegan smashed potatoes, just use olive oil instead of butter. It coats the potatoes for delicious flavor.

Can you make smashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these easy smashed potatoes ahead. Boil and smash them. Brush with herb butter. Then, keep them in the fridge until ready to cook. This makes them a great prep-ahead side dish or appetizer. Just pop them in the air fryer when you need them. They will still get wonderfully crispy.

What to serve with herb butter smashed potatoes?

These potatoes are a versatile side dish. They go with almost anything! Serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They are also a star appetizer recipe. Place them on a platter with garlic aioli for dipping. They are a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

How do you keep smashed potatoes from sticking?

To prevent sticking, always grease your air fryer basket. Use a non-stick spray or a brush of oil. A fun fact: letting the potatoes cool slightly before smashing also helps. It lets the skin set. This simple step makes your air fryer smashed potatoes easy to release.

I hope these answers help you. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these crispy smashed potatoes. Cooking should be fun, not fussy. My kitchen is always a little messy, but full of love. I want yours to feel that way too.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy them? Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Sharing stories is the best part.

Happy cooking!

—Elena Rutherford