Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these Italian-inspired smashed new potatoes are bursting with flavor! This dish is perfect as a side or a unique appetizer.

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We make these potatoes weekly as they are delightful and a healthier option than roast potatoes which use more oil. You can use them for a side for anything you’re making. We love them with our Sunday roast or accompanying mid week meals created from leftovers.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Crispy Perfection – Air frying gives the potatoes an incredible crunch without excess oil.
- Flavor Explosion – Garlic, oregano, and sage create a deliciously aromatic seasoning.
- Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a no-fuss recipe.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) baby new potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sage
Prepping & Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1 Boil the Potatoes:
Place the baby new potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and let them cool slightly for easier handling.

2 Smash the Potatoes:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the boiled potatoes on a clean surface or baking sheet.
I find a metal masher works best when the potatoes have cooled. Gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened (about ½ inch thick). Take your time here. Try to be careful not to mash them completely—they should hold together but have rough edges for extra crispiness.

3 Season the Potatoes:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic granules, oregano, and sage.
Brush or drizzle the seasoning mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring they are well coated.

4 Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
If you have smaller cracked potatoes pop them in the other air fryer compartment
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

5 Serve:
Let them sit for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool (if you can wait that long).

Pro Tips:
- Bigger new potatoes are easier to squash.-You’ll find the smaller potatoes might just crumble/ crack but do not worry these will make for crispier companions to your larger smashed potatoes.
- Boil until just fork-tender – Overcooked potatoes will fall apart when smashed.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispy results.
- Flip halfway through – This helps achieve even browning on both sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby new potatoes?
Yes! Just cut them into smaller chunks before boiling to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Easy Smashed Italian Crispy New Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) baby new potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sage
Instructions
- Boil the PotatoesPlace the baby new potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat.Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.Drain and let them cool slightly for easier handling.
- Smash the PotatoesPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).Place the boiled potatoes on a clean surface or baking sheet.I find a metal masher works best when the potatoes have cooled. Gently press down on each potato until slightly flattened (about ½ inch thick). Take your time here. Try to be careful not to mash them completely—they should hold together but have rough edges for extra crispiness.
- Season the PotatoesIn a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic granules, oregano, and sage.Brush or drizzle the seasoning mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring they are well coated.
- Air Fry to Crispy PerfectionArrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).If you have smaller cracked potatoes pop them in the other air fryer compartment. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- ServeServe immediately and enjoy!