Easy Smashed Italian Crispy New Potatoes

By: 

Caileen

Published: 

March 19, 2025
0 Reviews | 0 Ratings | No Comments

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.
three-spoonfuls

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

Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these Italian-inspired smashed new potatoes are air-fried to perfection with garlic, oregano, and sage for a flavorful, healthier side dish.
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Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author: Caileen

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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Serve
    Serve immediately and enjoy!

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March 19, 2025
NICE TO MEET YOU!
Between my career, my two daughters and bonkers spaniel my days are busy, but I always try to squeeze in time for a little creativity. Whether that be up-cycling vintage furniture, singing with my husband or experimenting in the kitchen with plates that are playful, surprising, and full of heart. Food is at the centre of family life and I believe life is too short not to eat something scrumptious together everyday.

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