Craving a crispy, savory snack that’s quick and easy to make? These garlic parmesan fries air fryer style are the ultimate game-changer. With golden edges, bold flavor, and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy finish, they’re everything you love about fries—without the guilt. Stick around and discover how to bring this irresistible treat to life in minutes!
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and kissed with the irresistible duo of garlic and parmesan, these air fryer garlic parmesan fries transform a simple side dish into a star performer. Every golden fry is coated in savory flavor, crackling slightly as you bite into it before giving way to its fluffy potato center. Each mouthful delivers the comfort of homemade fries, elevated with a gourmet twist that makes them impossible to resist.
Imagine the warmth of roasted garlic and the rich, nutty notes of parmesan enveloping hot, crisp fries fresh out of the air fryer. These are not just fries—these are the kind of fries you serve when you want a meal to feel like a celebration. Whether you are hosting game day or just want a cozy night-in snack, these garlicky parmesan fries bring flavor that satisfies every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together convenience and indulgence in one perfect bite. Using the air fryer drastically cuts down on oil while still giving you the crunch of deep-fried fries. These fries are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear. Whether you are craving a savory appetizer, a game day snack, or a gourmet side dish, garlic parmesan fries deliver every time.
You can also customize them based on your preferences. Add chopped parsley for freshness or a little red pepper for heat. They pair wonderfully with everything from juicy burgers to tender grilled chicken. And the best part? They are made from scratch with real ingredients you can feel good about.
Serving and Storage Tips
These fries are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer while the parmesan is still melting into every crevice. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, return them to the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to bring back their crisp exterior.
Freezing is not recommended for optimal texture, but you can prep the potato slices ahead of time. Simply soak the cut fries in water for up to 24 hours in the fridge, then drain and pat dry before cooking. This cuts down on prep when you are ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Half teaspoon sea salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Third cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Tongs
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Then slice them into thin fries about one quarter inch thick. The key is uniform size so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes. This step draws out excess starch and is my biggest tip for getting that golden crunch without any deep frying.
- Drain and dry the fries well. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any moisture left will steam the potatoes and soften them during cooking.
- Toss your fries in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly in a large mixing bowl so every surface is coated. This is where the flavor starts building.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Even just 3 minutes of preheating makes a difference in how fast and evenly the fries cook.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the basket. Do not crowd them. If needed, work in two batches so the heat can circulate properly and make every fry crisp.
- Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket at the halfway mark. Watch closely after 15 minutes—they should be golden and crisp when done.
- Heat the garlic gently in olive oil. Do this while the fries finish. Use low heat in a small pan or quick bursts in the microwave. When it smells heavenly, it is ready.
- Transfer the hot fries to a bowl and toss with garlic oil, parmesan, and parsley. Do this quickly so the cheese melts slightly. It is messy. It is garlicky. It is pure magic.
- Serve immediately. Grab the ketchup or a garlicky aioli if you are feeling fancy. They are best devoured right away.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What type of Parmesan works best?
Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese will not melt evenly and lacks flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
We hope you enjoyed the article about garlic parmesan fries in the air fryer! If it inspired you, let us know in the comments—we love hearing from you. And if it’s not too much trouble, don’t forget to pin this article or any image to Pinterest and like the pin. It really helps more people discover our content and motivates us to keep creating even better recipes and ideas!
Garlic Parmesan Fries Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin fry-shaped strips, about one quarter inch thick.
- Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch for crispier fries.
- Drain the potatoes and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes.
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until golden and crisp.
- While fries are cooking, gently heat the minced garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish until fragrant but not browned.
- When fries are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss immediately with the garlic oil, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite.
