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I’m obsessed with these garlic parmesan fries! Crispy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky flavor, they’re my go-to guilt-free snack. I love giving a healthier twist to my favorite finger food by cooking them in the air fryer instead of deep frying in oil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe delivers all the crunch and taste I crave, without the extra grease.
If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-style fries without the mess or calories of frying, this recipe is the answer. The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly crisp edges with soft, fluffy centers, and that garlic parmesan coating takes them to the next level. They’re the kind of fries you can’t stop picking at straight from the basket, whether you’re serving them with burgers, dipping in ranch, or just enjoying a salty, cheesy snack.
For more irresistible sides, check out my Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes– just as easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy garlic parmesan fries air fryer recipe for perfectly crispy, flavorful fries. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Potato: Russet (Idaho) or Yukon Gold. Russet gives a classic restaurant-style taste, while Yukon Gold adds a deeper, richer flavor. Peel or leave the skin on as you like.
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves, garlic powder, or garlic salt if preferred.
- Parsley: Optional, for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Or a dairy-free parmesan substitute.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Fries in the Air Fryer
Step 1
Prep and Cut: Peel (optional) and slice potato into evenly sized fries.
Step 2
Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the fries with oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 4
Add Garlic and Parmesan: Remove fries and toss immediately with minced garlic and parmesan while hot.
Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with dipping sauce or fry sauce on the side. Ketchup, mayo, Carolina mustard BBQ sauce or buffalo dipping sauce will all taste delicious!
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Store: Cool fries completely, then place in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crispy.
- Freeze: Lay cooked fries on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Make Ahead: Cut potatoes a few hours ahead and store in cold water. Dry thoroughly before cooking and add garlic and parmesan just before serving.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Skip the oven and make every meal better with these simple air fryer sides:
- Air Fryer Potato Chips: Crispy, thin, and perfectly seasoned for a homemade snack.
- Air Fryer Corn on The Cob: Juicy, tender, and seasoned with a garlic butter parmesan spread.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: Quick, crisp, and packed with flavor for a healthy side.
- Air Fryer Home Fries: Golden, soft on the inside, and perfectly seasoned.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet, tender, and lightly crisped for a delicious twist.
If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ingredients
- 3 large potato
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon parsley
- ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Peel and cut potato into desired size fries.3 large potato
- Place fries in mixing bowl and pour oil over (start with 2 tablespoons and add a third if needed). Add salt and pepper and mix until fries coated thoroughly.½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2-3 tablespoons oil
- Place fries in air fryer basket and cook for 17-20 minutes at 370 degrees. Shake fries halfway.
- Remove fries. Top with garlic and parmesan cheese and serve garnished with parsley.1 tablespoon minced garlic, ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese, ½ tablespoon parsley
Jenn’s Notes
- Store: Cool fries completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crisp.
- Freeze: Lay cooked fries on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen, adding a minute or two.
- Make Ahead: You can cut potatoes a few hours ahead and store them in cold water (dry thoroughly before cooking). Add garlic and cheese right before serving.
- Cut fries uniformly for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Add garlic after air frying to avoid burning.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Lightly mist fries with oil halfway if your air fryer tends to dry food out.
