These garlic butter smashed fingerling potatoes are extra crispy on the outside and super fluffy on the inside. Plus, you can cook them in the oven or air fryer. The easiest and best side dish ever!
The crispiest smashed fingerling potatoes
I am so obsessed with this smashed fingerling potatoes recipe. The potatoes are extra crispy and buttery on the outside but super fluffy and tender on the inside. They melt in your mouth, and the garlic-butter flavor is outstanding! This is the only way I will cook potatoes now besides this air fryer fingerling potato recipe.
I love that you can use any variety of fingerling potatoes for this recipe. I used yellow fingerling potatoes for the pictures, but I make them with the variety pack, purple, red, or white ones all the time. This recipe is so customizable.
What's even better?! These ultra-crispy smashed fingerling potatoes can be cooked in the oven or the air fryer. You pick! I left instructions on how to do both below. Also, check out this recipe for air fryer smashed potatoes.
Everyone will love these crispy potatoes. They make for the perfect side dish to any meal, and even picky eaters love them - trust me, they are that addictive! Once you have one, you can't stop eating them.
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Smashed fingerling potatoes are buttery, crispy, and garlicky.
- Use any variety of fingerling potatoes: gold, white, purple, or red.
- They are extra crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- The perfect side dish for any dinner.
- Super easy to make.
- Oven-bake them or air fryer them.
- They are gluten-free.
- Easily make them vegan and dairy-free.
- Make my super crispy air fryer smashed potatoes next!
Ingredients & substitutions
These are the crispiest and most delicious smashed fingerling potatoes. This recipe only calls for five simple ingredients. You need fingerling potatoes, olive oil, butter, and a few seasonings. Here is a list of everything you need and a list of substitutions, so you are prepared:
- Fingerling Potatoes: Grab one 1.5-pound bag of fingerling potatoes - you can use purple, red, white, or yellow fingerling potatoes for this recipe. You can also use baby red potatoes, Yukon gold, or baby russets potatoes.
- Olive Oil: To help crispen up the potatoes. You can also use avocado oil.
- Butter: For flavor! I love using unsalted butter, but you can use salted and reduce the extra salt called for in the recipe. You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil if you are vegan or dairy-free.
- Garlic Powder: For the best garlic flavor. You can also use onion powder, cajun seasoning, or paprika if you prefer.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish! I love adding a sprinkle of parsley on top.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this easy smashed fingerling potatoes recipe.
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Cup
- Medium pot
- Air Fryer (if you are air frying and not baking them)
- Measuring Tools: ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, and ¼ cup.
How to make ultra-crispy smashed fingerling potatoes
These are the easiest and crispiest smashed fingerling potatoes - everyone will love them! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2:
Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add two teaspoons of salt. Meanwhile, wash and scrub the potatoes under running water. Then add them to the boiling water and cook for 15 – 20 minutes, until they are fork-tender.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet by adding 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and brushing it across the pan.
Step 4:
When the potatoes are done, drain them using a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes until they can be handled safely.
Step 5:
Transfer the potatoes to a greased baking sheet and use the bottom of a cup or fork to gently "smash" them. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be. I like them to be about a ½ inch thick.
Step 6:
Drizzle with the melted butter first, followed by the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, season with the garlic powder, pepper, and ¼ - ½ teaspoon salt.
Step 7:
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and extra crispy. No need to flip them!
Serve hot, garnished with parsley, grated parmesan, and flakey sea salt if desired. Enjoy!
How to air fry smashed fingerling potatoes:
The best part of this recipe is that you can roast or air fry these smashed fingerling potatoes. Here is how to air fryer them:
- Follow steps 1 - 6 in the recipe below.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Then, instead of roasting the potatoes, use a spatula to carefully add the smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or they will not get crispy.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 – 20 minutes until the potatoes are super crispy and golden. Do not flip them while cooking!
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and flakey sea salt if desired. Enjoy!
Smashed potato flavor variations
- Parmesan. Sprinkle ¼ cup of parmesan cheese on top of the potatoes before roasting them.
- Pesto. Top your smashed fingerling potatoes with pesto or use it as a dipping sauce. I love this nut-free basil one!
- Cajun Spiced. Substitute garlic powder with 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning. I love this one!
- Rosemary. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped up rosemary on top of the potatoes before roasting them.
- Lemon. Squeeze half a lemon on top of the potatoes after they are done roasting.
- Balsamic. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar along with the other seasonings. You can even add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving them.
- Ranch or Caesar. Serve your smashed fingerling potatoes with your favorite ranch or caesar dressing.
- Greek. Serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce. I love this one.
What to serve with smashed fingerling potatoes
Air fryer fingerling potatoes make for a great side dish for any dinner! Here are a few ideas on what to serve them with:
Chicken & turkey recipes:
- Goat Cheese & Pesto Crusted Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Fish recipes:
Salad & vegetarian recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to boil the potatoes before smashing and roasting them?
You must cook the fingerling potatoes before smashing and roasting them. I found that smashed potatoes have the fluffiest insides if you boil them; however, you can also microwave them. I left instructions below for you.
What's the best substitute for fingerling potatoes?
If you don't have fingerling potatoes, you can use any variety of baby potatoes. I love baby red potatoes, Yukon golds, or baby russets. All will work great for this smashed potato recipe!
Can I use Yukon gold potatoes?
Yes! You can certainly substitute the fingerling potatoes for baby Yukon gold potatoes.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Easily make this smashed fingerling potatoes recipe dairy free by substituting the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Easily make this smashed fingerling potatoes recipe vegan by substituting the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
Can I microwave the potatoes instead of boiling them?
Yes! Add the cleaned fingerling potatoes to a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for about 5 – 8 minutes until cooked, then continue with step 5 to smash and roast.
Can I air fry them?
Yes! Follow this air fryer smashed potatoes recipe and use fingerling potatoes instead of Yukon gold potatoes.
What's the best temperature to bake smashed fingerling potatoes?
For best results, air fry fingerling potatoes at 425°F. The potatoes will dry out and burn if the temperature is too high. If the temperature is too low, the fingerling potatoes won't be crispy.
How long do I roast smashed fingerling potatoes at 400°F?
Smashed fingerling potatoes take about 25 to 30 minutes to air fry at 400°F.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Storing: Smashed potatoes are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. However, they can be stored for up to 5 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Reheating: For best results, reheat smashed potatoes in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5 – 8 minutes until warm. Don't microwave them.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fingerling potatoes, any variety (I used gold fingerling potatoes)
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, salted or unsalted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F or wait to preheat your air fryer.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Meanwhile, wash and scrub the potatoes under running water. Then add them to the boiling water and cook for 15 – 20 minutes, until they are fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet by adding 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and brushing it across the pan.
- When the potatoes are done, drain them using a colander and let them sit for 5 minutes until they can be handled safely.
- Transfer the potatoes to a greased baking sheet and use the bottom of a cup or fork to gently “smash” them. The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they will be. I like them to be about a ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle with the melted butter first, followed by the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, season with the garlic powder, pepper, and ¼ - ½ teaspoon salt.
- Oven: Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the potatoes are golden and extra crispy. No need to flip them!
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat with non-stick or olive oil spray. Using a spatula, carefully add the smashed potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap or else they will not get crispy. Air fry for 15 – 20 minutes until the potatoes are super crispy and golden. Do not flip them while cooking!
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley, grated parmesan, and flakey sea salt if desired. You can even drizzle or dip them the basil pesto. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. In full disclosure, by purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Andrea H says
Best smashed potato ever! We used purple ones and they were very crisp and tasty.