If you are on the hunt for a simple, crowd-pleasing snack or side, this Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine little golden baby potatoes, perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, bursting with savory flavors thanks to a sprinkle of Lipton Onion Soup mix, garlic salt, and seasoned pepper. Best of all, cooking them in the air fryer means you get that irresistible crunch without the extra oil — a healthier, faster way to enjoy this comfort food favorite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on repeat every week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in these smashed potatoes, balancing crispy edges, flavorful seasoning, and eye-catching color.
- Golden baby potatoes: These are perfect for smashing because of their size and creamy interior that crisps up wonderfully.
- Spray Olive oil: Just enough oil to create that perfectly crispy crust without weighing the potatoes down.
- Lipton Onion soup mix: Adds a savory depth and vibrant flavor that takes these potatoes to the next level.
- Garlic salt: Elevates the taste with just the right hint of garlic, perfectly complementing the soup mix.
- Seasoned pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness beautifully.
- Chives: Fresh and bright, the perfect finishing touch to add color and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Potatoes
Start by placing the baby potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Give them a generous spray of olive oil to ensure every surface will crisp nicely in the air fryer. This quick step is key because the oil helps the seasoning stick and creates the golden edges we all love.
Step 2: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the entire package of Lipton Onion Soup mix over the oiled potatoes. Then, using your hands, toss everything together until the potatoes are completely coated. This mix infuses the potatoes with a rich, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Season with Garlic Salt and Pepper
Next, sprinkle on garlic salt and seasoned pepper to taste. This seasoning combo enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, adding complexity without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer basket in a single layer if possible and set the temperature to 350 degrees. Cook them for 10 minutes, allowing them to soften just enough for smashing while developing a light crust.
Step 5: Smash the Potatoes
After the initial cooking, carefully open the air fryer and use a large metal spatula to gently press down on each potato until it bursts open. This smashing creates more surface area, which results in the ultimate crispy texture after the second round of cooking.
Step 6: Finish Air Frying
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook the smashed potatoes for an additional 5 minutes. This final step crisps up all the edges beautifully, giving you that delightful crunchy bite with a soft center.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and an added layer of fresh flavor. Now, serve while they’re hot and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped chives are the classic finishing touch, feel free to get creative with garnishes. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of sour cream can take these smashed potatoes to the next level. Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary also add a lovely aromatic note.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh garden salad. The crispy, seasoned potatoes act as a perfect companion, soaking up juices and balancing richer dishes with their crispy, savory texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, try serving your Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe in small appetizer cups or on a platter with toothpicks for a fun party snack. You can also turn them into loaded bites topped with cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover smashed potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool to room temperature before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can freeze them if needed. Place cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Reheating
The air fryer is the best tool to bring back that perfect crunch. Reheat at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the potatoes soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While golden baby potatoes work best for their size and texture, red potatoes or small Yukon golds can be great alternatives. Just watch cooking times as larger potatoes may need extra time.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking?
For this recipe, soaking isn’t necessary since the air fryer and seasoning do all the work to create a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Can I make this recipe without the onion soup mix?
Yes, but the onion soup mix adds a signature savory flavor. Without it, consider using a blend of onion powder, dried herbs, and salt to mimic the taste.
Is the air fryer necessary?
An air fryer is ideal for getting those crispy edges with less oil, but you can bake the smashed potatoes in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes as a substitute.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan if you use a plant-based onion soup mix and olive oil. Just double-check the ingredients on your soup mix package to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about biting into crispy, flavorful potatoes that are so easy to make and guilt-free. I hope this Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe inspires you to add a little extra joy to your meals with minimal effort. Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or party appetizer, these golden bites are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try, and get ready to savor every delicious, crispy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a quick, crispy, and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Golden baby potatoes are coated in olive oil and savory Lipton onion soup mix, air fried to perfection, then smashed and cooked again for extra crispiness. Finished with garlic salt, seasoned pepper, and fresh chives, this recipe delivers a deliciously crunchy texture with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 small bag of golden baby potatoes (2 – 3 pound bag)
Seasonings
- Spray Olive Oil, as needed
- 1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Seasoned pepper, to taste
- Chives, chopped, for topping
Instructions
- Coat Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large bowl and spray them generously with olive oil spray to ensure even coverage.
- Season Potatoes: Sprinkle the entire package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix over the potatoes. Use your hands to toss and coat each potato thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Add Additional Seasoning: Sprinkle garlic salt and seasoned pepper over the potatoes to taste, then mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Initial Air Fry: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This softens the potatoes while beginning the crisping process.
- Smash Potatoes: Carefully open the air fryer and, using a large metal spatula, press down each potato until it bursts open and flattens slightly to increase surface area for crispiness.
- Final Air Fry: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 350°F to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the smashed potatoes from the air fryer. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a flavorful, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a metal spatula to effectively smash the potatoes without damaging the air fryer basket.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the potatoes are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking.
- This recipe works best with golden baby potatoes due to their size and texture.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
