Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Smashed Baby Potatoes
These crispy air fryer garlic parmesan smashed baby potatoes are a quick and easy side dish with a perfect balance of crunch and fluffy softness inside, bursting with garlic and parmesan flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red baby potatoes)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Carefully drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 5 minutes until safe to handle.
- Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet or sturdy plate. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a heavy glass, gently press down on each potato until it flattens to about ½ inch thick. Be careful not to smash too hard.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the smashed potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, black pepper, and salt to taste. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (in batches if necessary). Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are golden and crispy. Watch closely after 12 minutes to avoid burning.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes and serve immediately for best crispiness.
Notes
Do not overcook potatoes when boiling; they should be tender but still hold their shape. Smash gently to keep edges intact. Avoid crowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Flip potatoes halfway through cooking. Use fresh parmesan for best flavor and crispness. For extra garlic flavor, toss with garlic powder before air frying but add fresh garlic after cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: air fryer, smashed potatoes, garlic parmesan, crispy potatoes, easy side dish, baby potatoes, quick recipe