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- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. I recommend using fresh russet potatoes. They have high starch content, giving fries a great texture. Look for firm potatoes without blemishes. Fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the fries. Use high-quality olive oil to ensure a rich taste. For the Parmesan, go with freshly grated cheese. It melts better and tastes far better than pre-grated options. While not necessary, garnishes add a nice touch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. You can also try a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat. A drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the flavor. These small additions can make your garlic Parmesan air fryer fries even more special. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing 4 medium-sized russet potatoes under cold water. Make sure to scrub well to remove dirt. Then, peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Cut them into fries, about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly for that perfect crisp. Next, place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is very important. Soaking removes extra starch and helps the fries turn out crispy. While the fries soak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will take about 5 minutes. Preheating is key for even cooking. Once the fries have soaked, drain the water. Pat the fries dry with a clean kitchen towel. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the fries. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the fries until they are well coated in oil and spices. Now, arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them brown evenly. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer. Sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the fries. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Carefully remove the fries from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate. For a burst of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, cheesy delight! To get your fries extra crispy, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch. Drain and dry the fries well before seasoning. A dry surface allows for better crisping. Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before you start cooking. You can also spray a light coat of oil on the fries after seasoning for an extra crunch. Every air fryer is a bit different. If your fries are not as crispy as you want, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Check them halfway through the cooking time and give the basket a shake. This helps them cook evenly. If you prefer thicker fries, add a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through. If you need substitutes, there are options! Instead of russet potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works too. For cheese, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also swap olive oil with avocado oil, which has a high smoke point. Adjust seasonings based on what you have at home. Pro Tips Soaking is Key: Soaking the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Uniform Size Matters: Cutting the fries to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly, preventing some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Don't Overcrowd: Air frying in batches prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Fresh Parmesan for Best Flavor: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture, ensuring a deliciously cheesy finish on your fries. {{image_4}} Want to kick up the heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. This small change makes a big impact and pairs well with the garlic. You can also add a splash of hot sauce before air frying for extra zing. Mix herbs into your fries for fresh flavors. Try adding 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the seasoning mix. You can also use fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a more vibrant taste. Just chop them finely and toss them in with your fries before air frying. While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to experiment. Grated Pecorino Romano adds a sharper flavor. Or, for a creamier texture, use shredded mozzarella. You can even mix cheeses for a unique twist. Just remember to sprinkle the cheese on in the last few minutes of cooking for the best melt. To store leftover fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid stacking the fries too high. This helps keep them crispy. If you have extra seasoning, store that separately. To reheat fries, use your air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. You can also use a regular oven if needed. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. If you want to freeze the fries, do so before cooking. After cutting and soaking, pat them dry. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use frozen fries. Just skip the soaking step. Frozen fries are often pre-cooked, so they will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes. Check them halfway through to ensure they crisp up nicely. You can bake these fries in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the seasoned fries on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will give you a nice crunch, too. Garlic Parmesan fries taste great with many sauces. Here are some favorites: - Ranch dressing - Ketchup - Aioli - Spicy mayo - Barbecue sauce Experiment with these to find your favorite! To make these fries vegan, replace the Parmesan cheese. Use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also add more herbs and spices for flavor. This keeps the taste while making it vegan-friendly. Russet potatoes are the best choice for air frying. They have a high starch content, which gives fries a fluffy inside. Other good options include Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes. Choose ones that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results. In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious air-fried garlic Parmesan fries. We looked at key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best results. I shared fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. These fries are easy, tasty, and sure to impress. Enjoy making them your own!

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Fries

Crispy and cheesy fries made in the air fryer with garlic and Parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler, then cut them into fries, ensuring they are about 1/4 inch thick. This uniformity will help them cook evenly.
  • Soak in Water: Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, which helps achieve that desired crispiness.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: While the fries are soaking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow about 5 minutes for it to reach the desired temperature.
  • Dry and Season: After soaking, drain the water and thoroughly pat the fries dry using a clean kitchen towel. Transfer the dried fries to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add Seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil over the fries. Then, add the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the fries well until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Air Fry the Fries: Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
  • Add Parmesan: In the last 3 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the fries. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the fries from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, cheesy delight!

Notes

Soaking the fries is crucial for achieving crispiness.
Keyword air fryer, fries, garlic, Parmesan