If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful fries, these air fryer garlic parmesan fries are about to become your new favorite snack or side dish. They are golden, crunchy, and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness, making them a perfect alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also much healthier because they use significantly less oil. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for dinner, a party snack, or a quick bite, these fries are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Fries
There are so many reasons why these air fryer garlic parmesan fries should be on your must-try list. First, they’re incredibly easy to make and require just a handful of simple ingredients. The air fryer ensures that they turn out perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option. Additionally, the combination of garlic, parmesan, and crispy potatoes creates an irresistible flavor that pairs well with just about any main dish. You can also customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding extra herbs or spices for a unique twist.
Ingredients for the Best Garlic Parmesan Fries
To make these delicious fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes – The best type of potatoes for crispy fries.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the fries become golden and crispy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds rich, garlicky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors of the fries.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – Optional, but adds a touch of smokiness.
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese – For a rich, cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Adds a fresh finishing touch.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Provides even more garlicky goodness.
These simple ingredients come together to create the most flavorful and crispy garlic parmesan fries you’ve ever had. If you want to adjust the flavors, you can experiment by adding different seasonings such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for an herby touch.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To make these air fryer fries, you’ll need a few kitchen tools:
- Air fryer – The key to achieving crispy fries without deep frying.
- Cutting board & sharp knife – For slicing the potatoes evenly.
- Mixing bowl – To coat the fries with oil and seasoning.
- Tongs – To toss and turn the fries while they cook.
- Grater – If you prefer freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated.
Having these kitchen tools on hand makes the process smooth and ensures that your fries turn out perfect every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Parmesan Fries
- Prepare the potatoes – Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cut them into thin, even matchsticks. The thinner they are, the crispier they will be.
- Soak the fries – Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
- Drain and dry – After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Season the fries – In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure every fry is coated evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer – Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
- Air fry the fries – Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Add the garlic and parmesan – Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them with the minced garlic, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy your crispy air fryer garlic parmesan fries while they’re hot and fresh!
Tips for Extra Crispy Fries
- Soaking the potatoes is key – Removing the starch ensures a crispier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cooking in batches allows the fries to crisp up evenly.
- Shake the basket halfway through – This ensures the fries cook uniformly.
- Use high-starch potatoes like russets – They provide the best texture for fries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the soaking step – This can lead to soggy fries.
- Overloading the air fryer basket – Fries won’t crisp up properly if they’re piled on top of each other.
- Not drying the potatoes well enough – Excess moisture prevents them from crisping.
- Using too much oil – A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer.
Variations & Flavor Twists
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some delicious variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Fries – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Fries – Mix in dried rosemary or Italian seasoning for more depth of flavor.
- Truffle Parmesan Fries – Drizzle with truffle oil for an elevated twist.
Serving & Dipping Sauce Ideas
These air fryer garlic parmesan fries are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce. Here are a few great options:
- Garlic Aioli – A creamy dip with extra garlicky goodness.
- Ranch Dressing – A classic pairing for crispy fries.
- Marinara Sauce – A tangy, tomato-based dip.
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy contrast to the savory fries.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Fries
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the fries soggy.
Food Pairing Suggestions
These fries make a perfect side dish for many meals. Try pairing them with:
- Grilled Chicken – A delicious protein-packed meal.
- Burgers – A classic combination with crispy fries.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry – A great way to balance out a meal.
- Salads – Add a crispy element to a fresh salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes! Simply adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen fries are often pre-cooked.
How do I prevent my fries from sticking together?
Make sure they’re evenly coated in oil and spaced out in the air fryer basket.
Can I make these fries without parmesan?
Absolutely! You can skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
These air fryer garlic parmesan fries are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. By using an air fryer, you get that perfect crunch without the excess oil from deep frying. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and crispy potatoes makes these fries irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out. If you love easy and delicious recipes, don’t forget to share this with friends and subscribe for more tasty air fryer recipes!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These crispy air fryer garlic parmesan fries are packed with flavor! A healthier, easy-to-make snack or side dish everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes – The best type of potatoes for crispy fries.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the fries become golden and crispy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds rich, garlicky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors of the fries.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika – Optional, but adds a touch of smokiness.
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese – For a rich, cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Adds a fresh finishing touch.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Provides even more garlicky goodness.
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes – Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cut them into thin, even matchsticks. The thinner they are, the crispier they will be.
- Soak the fries – Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and results in crispier fries.
- Drain and dry – After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Season the fries – In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure every fry is coated evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer – Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
- Air fry the fries – Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Add the garlic and parmesan – Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them with the minced garlic, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy your crispy air fryer garlic parmesan fries while they’re hot and fresh!
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes is key – Removing the starch ensures a crispier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cooking in batches allows the fries to crisp up evenly.
- Shake the basket halfway through – This ensures the fries cook uniformly.
- Use high-starch potatoes like russets – They provide the best texture for fries.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5g