First, wash the potatoes properly. Then cut them into halves. Use a fork or knife to make small cuts on the top side of the potatoes. This helps them cook faster and evenly.

Preheating the air fryer is optional for this recipe. Actually, it is not really necessary.

Place the cut potatoes, garlic cloves, and green chilies in the air fryer basket. Air fry the potatoes for about 35 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Cook the garlic and green chilies for only about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, remove the garlic and green chilies from the basket. Let the potatoes continue cooking until fully soft. The potatoes should cook evenly, otherwise mashing can become difficult.

Now peel the garlic and remove the stems from the green chilies. Mash them while they are still warm because they mash more easily when hot.

Transfer the mashed garlic and chilies to a large bowl. Add chopped onion. Peel the cooked potatoes and add them to the bowl as well. Then add black pepper and salt. Mix everything nicely.

If you want, you can add melted butter, which is totally optional. But I like adding mustard oil because it gives a nice aroma and authentic flavor to the bharta. This is more like our Indian-style chokha taste. You can also swap mustard oil with butter if you prefer.

Mix everything well and serve hot with rice or chapati.