Name: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes (cut into thin fries); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); extra Parmesan for serving (optional)

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If you’re on a mission to discover the ultimate crunchy, cheesy, and flavor-packed snack, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. These golden fries are the epitome of comfort food, pairing the earthy richness of potatoes with nutty Parmesan and the bold zip of garlic. Best of all, this recipe transforms real potatoes into crisp fries with a mere splash of oil, right in your air fryer—so you get all the flavor and texture, and none of the guilt. Whether you’re serving them up for family movie night or as a crowd-pleasing side, these fries deliver irresistible results every single time.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—adding flavor, color, or that craveable crunch you’d expect from a restaurant, made right at home.

Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature gives fries the quintessential crispy exterior and fluffy center—perfect for air frying.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to help the fries crisp up and adds a subtle richness.
Garlic Powder: Provides a punch of savory depth that defines the flavor profile of these fries.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the natural taste of the potatoes.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star topping, lending salty, nutty notes and a touch of umami to each fry.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Gives a pop of color and vibrant freshness to finish off your platter.
Extra Parmesan (optional): For anyone who just can’t resist a little more cheesy goodness on top!

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Soak the Potatoes

Start by washing and slicing the russet potatoes into thin fries—about a quarter-inch thick is perfect for getting that coveted crunch. Place your potato slices in a big bowl and cover them with cold water, letting them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is absolutely worth it—soaking draws out excess starch, making your finished fries beautifully crisp on the outside and tender within.

Step 2: Dry the Potatoes

After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them completely dry—don’t rush this! Removing as much moisture as possible is the secret weapon for crispy fries, especially in the air fryer.

Step 3: Season and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all the fries are evenly coated. The olive oil helps your fries develop a beautiful golden color, while the seasoning infuses every bite with flavor before they even hit the basket.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lay the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to keep them from overcrowding. Set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so every fry crisps up evenly. Watch as they turn golden brown, with crunchy edges and pillowy centers.

Step 5: Add the Goodness

Transfer the hot fries to a large bowl, then immediately shower them with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley, if using. Toss gently—the cheese will melt slightly, clinging to the fries and forming that irresistible, garlicky finish. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a final pop of flavor. If you want to take your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe over the top, try adding a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika for a spicy twist.

Side Dishes

These fries are absolutely perfect next to burgers, grilled chicken, or even as a sidekick to a juicy steak. Looking for something lighter? They’re also fantastic alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a big bowl of tomato soup for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve your fries in paper cones or baskets lined with parchment paper, just like your favorite bistro. You can also set out a trio of dipping sauces—think zesty ranch, creamy garlic aioli, or classic ketchup—to let everyone customize their Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have fries left over (it happens!), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fries will soften a bit, but you can bring back the crispiness with the right reheating method.

Freezing

For longer storage, spread completely cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab a portion whenever a craving strikes. Frozen fries will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-fryer texture, reheat your fries in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwave reheating if you can—it tends to make fries soggy. Sprinkle on a fresh pinch of Parmesan right before serving, and you’ll never know they were leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a delicious and slightly healthier alternative, yielding fries that are crisp on the outside and creamy inside. Just note that they may need a few less minutes in the air fryer, so keep an eye on them for perfect results with your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe.

Do I really have to soak the potatoes?

While you can technically skip this step, soaking the potato slices is highly recommended. It helps remove excess starch, making your fries extra crisp and less likely to stick together during air frying. It’s a simple trick that takes your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe to the next level.

Can I make this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe with frozen fries?

You sure can! Using frozen fries is a great shortcut. Just toss them with garlic powder, cook in the air fryer, then finish with Parmesan and parsley. No soaking required—just a quicker path to cheesy, garlicky satisfaction.

How can I make these fries spicier?

If you like things with a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before air frying. You can also finish with a drizzle of hot sauce or serve with spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe easily scales up! Just be sure to cook the fries in multiple single-layer batches so they get evenly crispy. Keep finished fries warm in a low oven while you batch-cook the rest.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe, there’s no going back to store-bought or deep-fried versions. The combination of garlicky goodness, melty Parmesan, and irresistible crunch is pure comfort food magic. So grab your air fryer and a few potatoes, and get ready to wow your taste buds with a side dish you’ll come back to again and again!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are a delicious twist on classic French fries. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor from garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, they make a perfect side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 large russet potatoes (cut into thin fries)

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Touches:

⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
extra Parmesan for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Soak the Potatoes: Cut potatoes into fries, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F.
Toss with Seasonings: Coat fries with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Air Fry: Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Finishing Touches: Toss fries with Parmesan and parsley, serve with extra cheese.