Introduction
I have a serious weakness for fries. Not the soggy kind that limp their way out of a fast-food bag, but the crispy, golden, garlicky kind that make you stop mid-bite and say, “Wait—did I just make these at home?” That’s exactly what happened the first time I tried air frying my own garlic parmesan fries. I had leftover russet potatoes, a block of parmesan, and just enough garlic to get me into trouble. I didn’t think much of it—just tossed everything together and hit the air fryer button.
Fifteen minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a garlic lover’s dream. The fries were perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated in a layer of melted parmesan that clung to each golden stick like magic. I dunked one in a little homemade dipping sauce and—bam—it was game over. No deep fryer, no mess, no regrets. These fries have now taken permanent residency in my snack rotation.
If you’ve never made fries in the air fryer before, buckle up. This is a crunchy, cheesy journey worth taking.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Versatile
These fries pair well with just about anything—burgers, wraps, grilled chicken, or even served solo as a snack or party side dish.
Budget-friendly
Made with pantry staples and everyday ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor without a big price tag.
Ingredients for the recipe
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3 large russet potatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a touch of color and flavor)
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1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup)
How to make this recipe
Step-by-step instructions
First, prep your potatoes. Start by washing and scrubbing the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on for added texture and flavor, but if you prefer skinless fries, feel free to peel them. Slice the potatoes into evenly sized strips—about 1/4-inch thick is ideal for getting that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
Once your fries are cut, place them in a large bowl of cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which is key for achieving crispiness. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you have time). This step is crucial to getting that crunch without frying.
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get. You don’t want any moisture left on the fries when they hit the air fryer.
Now, it’s time to season the fries. In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Toss again to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, this step is crucial for even cooking. While it’s warming up, line your fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer, but it’s worth it for the perfect crisp.
Cook the fries for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. The fries should come out golden brown and crispy on the edges. If you like them extra crispy, you can add a few more minutes of cook time, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn quickly.
Once the fries are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Immediately sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the hot fries, so it melts slightly and sticks to the fries. Toss the fries gently to coat them evenly in the parmesan.
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top of your garlic parmesan fries. It’s totally optional, but it adds a nice contrast to the golden, cheesy fries.
Quick and easy
This recipe is a total game changer for anyone craving crispy fries without the mess of deep frying. The soaking process and the air fryer make all the difference, creating fries that are crispy on the outside but soft and tender on the inside. The garlic and parmesan add layers of savory goodness that take your average fry to the next level.
What’s even better is that this recipe comes together in about 40 minutes—most of which is hands-off time while the fries soak and cook. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
These fries are a blank canvas for your flavor preferences. If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of sriracha on top. If you’re a fan of herbs, try adding some thyme, rosemary, or even fresh basil to the fries before air frying.
You can also switch up the cheese—Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago will give you a slightly sharper flavor. Want to make them even more indulgent? Try a drizzle of melted butter over the top, or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Perfect for guests
These crispy garlic parmesan fries make a fantastic snack or side dish for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a game night, family dinner, or casual get-together, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the air fryer makes it easy to whip up a batch without needing to worry about constantly watching hot oil.
Serve the fries with a variety of dipping sauces on the side—ranch, spicy ketchup, or even garlic aioli. The combination of the crispy fries, savory garlic, and melty parmesan is so satisfying, no one will believe you made them in less than 40 minutes.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same steps, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster, so be sure to check them earlier to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to soak the potatoes?
Soaking the potatoes is highly recommended. It removes excess starch, which helps make the fries crispier. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but they may not be as crispy.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
For the best results, these fries are best served fresh. However, if you need to make them ahead, you can cook the fries and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
What can I use if I don’t have parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have parmesan, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based parmesan alternative.
Can I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?
Yes! Frozen fries can also be cooked in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fries, and be sure to toss them halfway through.