Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
There’s something magical about those moments when a side dish completely steals the show—and that’s exactly what happened the first time I made these Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries. I had planned a simple grilled chicken dinner, but these golden, crispy, flavor-packed fries became the center of attention at our table. Honestly, they were gone before the chicken even hit the plates! My kids couldn’t stop reaching for more, and my husband gave me that “you’ve outdone yourself” look—every home cook lives for that look.
I first started experimenting with these fries because I was craving something indulgent, but I didn’t want to deal with deep frying or the mess. The air fryer gave me that perfect crispy texture without the oil splatter or guilt. And once I tossed them in freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley, the flavor absolutely popped.
They’re fast, fuss-free, and make any meal feel extra special—plus, they’re just as good for a snack or game-day treat as they are as a dinner side. It’s the kind of recipe you end up memorizing because it becomes your go-to for whenever you want something impressive with minimal effort. Around here, we just call them “those amazing fries,” and they never last more than a few minutes on the table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a permanent spot in our rotation.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes! Just reduce the air fry time slightly and skip the soaking step.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal—they’re starchy and crisp up beautifully.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
They’re best served fresh, but you can prep the potatoes in advance and soak them in cold water in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, simply leave out the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not at all! Leaving the skin on adds texture and saves time.
What You Need to Make Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ingredients:
3 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special Equipment:
Air fryer
Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Cutting board
Paper towels
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Prep the Potatoes: Wash and slice the potatoes into thin fries. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch—this helps with crispiness.
Dry and Season: Drain and thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 16–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Finish and Toss: Transfer the hot fries to a bowl, immediately toss with minced garlic, parmesan, and chopped parsley. Serve hot!
Tips for Making the Best Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Don’t skip the soak: It makes a huge difference in crispiness. Even 20 minutes helps!
Work in batches: Overcrowding the air fryer leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Use fresh garlic last: Adding minced garlic after frying prevents burning and delivers that garlicky punch.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated parmesan often has anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
Want extra crunch? Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the potatoes before air frying.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were amazing! My picky eater even asked for seconds—definitely making them again.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but I might add a little chili flake next time for a kick. Still delicious!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Crispy, garlicky, cheesy—what more could you want? Perfect side for burger night.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Pretty good, but I had to run two batches and the second wasn’t as crisp. Next time I’ll keep the basket less full.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are my new obsession. So easy, so good, and WAY better than takeout!”
Printable Recipe
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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are the ultimate side dish or snack—perfectly golden, tossed with fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley. This easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, game day, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously savory and satisfying. Air fryer magic makes these fries crisp without deep frying, while the garlic-parmesan topping takes them over the top!
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Special Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and slice the potatoes into thin fries. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch—this helps with crispiness.
- Dry and Season: Drain and thoroughly dry the potatoes with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 16–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Finish and Toss: Transfer the hot fries to a bowl, immediately toss with minced garlic, parmesan, and chopped parsley. Serve hot!
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