If you’re on the lookout for a scrumptious side that comes together in about 30 minutes, let me introduce you to these easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries. This cozy recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, your family will love it! Plus, you can switch up the seasonings or even toss in some leftover veggies to suit your taste. So, get ready to whip up these delicious fries that not only tickle your taste buds but also make you the star of the dinner table!
Ingredient Breakdown
Russet Potatoes
Let’s start with 4 large russet potatoes. They’re my go-to for fries because they have just the right amount of starch, giving us that golden, crispy exterior while remaining fluffy on the inside. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which will also work beautifully and have a bit of a buttery flavor.
Olive Oil
We’ll be using 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat our fries. This adds just the right amount of crispiness and flavor! I prefer extra virgin olive oil because it enhances the overall taste, but any vegetable oil will work in a pinch.
Garlic
Now, let’s add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic is the magic ingredient that makes these fries irresistible! The aroma is to die for as it cooks. I usually use fresh garlic, but you can substitute it with garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand, just use about 1 teaspoon.
Parmesan Cheese
We can’t talk about garlic fries without ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese! This ingredient is what takes these fries from good to lick-the-plate clean. You can also use Pecorino Romano if you’re looking for an extra punch, or even nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Salt and Pepper
Finally, don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Just a couple pinches of each will do! Adjust this based on your family’s preferences for seasoning, some like it salty, others prefer it milder.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Potatoes
- First things first, wash, peel, and cut your russet potatoes into fry shapes. I like to cut them about 1/4-inch thick for that perfect fry texture! Then, rinse them in cold water to get rid of excess starch, which helps them crisp up better. Pat them dry with a clean dish towel, this step is essential for avoiding soggy fries!
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that our fries cook evenly and gets that lovely crispy texture.
Toss in Oil and Seasonings
- In a large bowl, toss the dried potato fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, a couple pinches of salt, and pepper. Make sure each fry is coated well; this is where the flavor magic starts happening!
Air Fry Time!
- Place your seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; you want them to crisp up nicely. Air fry for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is where the smell starts to fill your kitchen, it’s heavenly!
Add the Cheese
- After 15–20 minutes, when the fries are golden and crispy, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over them. Air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your delicious fries hot, optionally topped with more Parmesan and maybe some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy! They’re perfect as a side dish or a snack on their own.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting yet quick. The smell of garlic wafting through the house? Nothing better! Plus, these fries are a hit with my kids, they request them often, and I can’t blame them, because who wouldn’t love perfectly crispy fries? And the best part is, you can get creative with whatever you have on hand! It’s easily adaptable to what you need.
If you loved this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, my Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges, or my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas! Trust me, you’ll want to add them all to your weeknight dinner rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish! With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser
I promise, the whole family will love it! Whether you have little ones or picky adults, these fries are loved by everyone and make an excellent side dish or snack for gatherings.
Customizable
You can switch up the seasonings to suit your taste, add some smoked paprika for a bit of a kick or toss in some Italian herbs! Use whatever ingredients you have, and it’ll still taste fabulous.
Loaded with Flavor
The combination of garlic and Parmesan is timeless, while the air fryer gives these fries a deliciously crispy yet tender texture that’s hard to resist.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Recipe
These fries are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with dipping sauces like homemade ranch, spicy ketchup, or even aioli. They would also make a delightful side next to grilled burgers, fried chicken, or a fresh salad.
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens around here), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just be aware that they’ll lose some of that fabulous crispiness!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, and they should regain their crispy texture. You could also use the oven, but avoid the microwave if you want them nice and crunchy.
Freezer Friendly
These fries are best enjoyed fresh, and I honestly don’t recommend freezing them. But if you must, make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a ziplock bag. To reheat, you’ll need a little extra time, just so you know!
And there you have it! These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are such a simple yet satisfying treat that you can whip up in no time! I can’t wait for you all to try them! Happy cooking!
Note: Always remember to check the thoroughness of your air fryer since cook times can vary depending on the model and brand. Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Wash, peel, and cut the russet potatoes into fry shapes, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Rinse the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch and pat them dry using a clean dish towel.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the dried potato fries with olive oil, minced garlic, a couple pinches of salt, and pepper to coat each fry well.
- Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- After 15–20 minutes, when the fries are golden and crispy, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them and air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the hot fries optionally topped with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.