Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style:

Kitchies! Let’s talk about the kind of side dish that steals the show—crispy, buttery, garlicky smashed potatoes that come out of the air fryer golden brown and absolutely irresistible. Imagine biting into a potato that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with buttery garlic goodness.

These Air Fryer Garlicky Smashed Potatoes are everything you love about roasted potatoes, but with an extra crispy crunch and zero oven hassle. Plus, the garlic-infused butter seeps into every crack, making each bite packed with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or even as a snack, these little potato gems are so addictive, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

These Air Fryer Garlicky Smashed Potatoes are the crispy, buttery, and garlicky side dish you never knew you needed. They start with tender baby potatoes, smashed to create all those crispy edges, then coated in garlic butter and seasonings before getting perfectly golden in the air fryer.

The best part? They’re done in under 30 minutes, with minimal oil but maximum crunch. Whether you serve them with steak, chicken, or eat them straight from the basket, these crispy smashed potatoes will be a new favorite!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made these, I was expecting a simple side dish. What I got instead? A full-blown obsession. My husband walked by, grabbed one, and immediately turned around for another. Five minutes later, I found him hovering over the air fryer like a kid waiting for cookies.

Now, these garlicky smashed potatoes are on repeat in our house. We fight over the crispiest ones, and my little one insists on dipping them in ranch. Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a random Tuesday night, they always disappear fast.

Why These Air Fryer Garlicky Smashed Potatoes are a Must-Try

🔥 The Ultimate Selling Points 🔥

✔ Ultra-crispy exterior, fluffy interior – The perfect texture in every bite!
✔ Garlic butter magic – Coats every crevice for bold, buttery flavor.
✔ Fast & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Air fryer = less oil – All the crispiness, none of the guilt.
✔ Pairs with anything – Serve with steak, chicken, or just eat them as a snack!

Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Tips for the Best Smashed Potatoes

✔ Use baby potatoes – They have the perfect size & texture for smashing.
✔ Don’t over-smash – You want craggy edges, not mashed potatoes!
✔ For extra crispiness, spray the potatoes lightly with oil before air frying.
✔ Add cheese at the end – Parmesan gives them an extra savory kick.
✔ Pair with a killer dipping sauce – Ranch, sour cream, or garlic aioli!

Substitutions and Variations:

🔹 No baby potatoes? Use Yukon Golds or red potatoes and cut them into halves.
🔹 Dairy-free? Skip the butter and use extra olive oil.
🔹 Spicy twist? Add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle with hot honey!
🔹 Cheesy upgrade? Melt shredded cheddar on top after air frying.

Make a Healthier Version:

✅ Skip the butter – Use all olive oil for a lighter version.
✅ Lower the sodium – Cut back on salt and add more fresh herbs for flavor.
✅ Use sweet potatoes – They add natural sweetness & extra fiber.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

And there you have it—crispy, garlicky, buttery smashed potatoes that will disappear before they even hit the table. The air fryer works its magic, turning simple baby potatoes into golden, crunchy perfection with minimal effort.

Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them tonight, and watch them disappear!

Relevant Categories:

Side Dishes
Air Fryer Recipes
Comfort Food
Easy Appetizers