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Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes Recipe with Garlic Aioli

air fryer crispy smashed potatoes - featured image

Crispy smashed baby potatoes cooked in an air fryer and served with a creamy garlic aioli, perfect for quick snacks or appetizers with a satisfying crunch and bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
  • 23 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • For the Garlic Aioli:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 12 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash 1.5 pounds (700g) of baby potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let them cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Arrange the cooled potatoes on a parchment-lined tray or clean surface. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a flat spatula, gently press down on each potato until it’s about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick, keeping them intact.
  4. Transfer the smashed potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Place the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then flip each potato gently and cook for another 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  6. While the potatoes cook, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Once potatoes are crispy and golden, transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic aioli for dipping.

Notes

Flip the potatoes halfway through air frying for even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming. Use a silicone spatula to gently loosen potatoes if they stick. Garlic aioli can be made ahead and flavors improve after resting. For a dairy-free aioli, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or blended silken tofu. Variations include adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or topping with Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, smashed potatoes, crispy potatoes, garlic aioli, easy snack, appetizer, comfort food