Begin by cooking the baby potatoes in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water into the steel insert, place a trivet or steamer basket on top, and add the potatoes. Close the lid, ensuring the vent is in the sealing position. Pressure cook on Steam mode at high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

Remove the potatoes from the pot and place them on a clean surface. Using a potato masher, the back of a measuring cup, or a thick glass, gently smash each potato.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter or olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Brush this seasoning evenly over the smashed potatoes.

Lay the smashed potatoes in a single layer in your Air Fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 12 minutes. After 8 minutes, pause to flip the potatoes and brush them once again with the seasoning mixture, then continue cooking for the remaining 4 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Once the potatoes are done, take them out and give them a final brush with the butter or oil spice mix to enhance the flavors.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure an even bake.