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Craving crispy, golden fries without the deep frying? These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries are the perfect solution! They offer all the delicious crispiness of traditional fries but with a fraction of the oil, making them a healthier choice for those who love comfort food. The air fryer works its magic to create fries that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Tossed in a savory mix of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, these fries are bursting with flavor in every bite.

The best part? These Garlic Parmesan fries are super easy to make. With minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of irresistible fries ready in no time. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite meal or enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re a fan of crispy fries, garlic, or Parmesan cheese, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Without the Oil

Using the air fryer, these fries achieve a perfectly crispy texture with far less oil than traditional deep frying, making them a healthier option.

2. Packed with Flavor

Tossed in garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, these fries are bursting with flavor and make an irresistible side dish or snack.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, these fries are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a last-minute party snack.

4. Customizable Seasonings

While this recipe uses garlic and Parmesan, you can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste. Try adding chili flakes for spice or fresh rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.

5. Versatile and Fun

These fries pair wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, or chicken wings, and are also great for dipping in your favorite sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or aioli.

Ingredients

Fresh potatoes (russet potatoes work best)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional)

Variations

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Fries: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
Rosemary Garlic Fries: Toss in fresh or dried rosemary for a fragrant, herbal twist.
Cheesy Fries: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle more Parmesan or add a mix of shredded mozzarella before serving.
Cajun Fries: Swap the garlic powder and Parmesan for Cajun seasoning to give the fries a bold, zesty flavor.
Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the Parmesan for a vegan version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes, then cut them into thin strips. Try to keep the fries as uniform in size as possible for even cooking. Soak the potato strips in water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch—this helps make the fries crispier.

Step 2: Season the Fries

Drain and pat the potato strips dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for the fries.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fries

Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 5: Toss in Parmesan and Serve

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. While they are still hot, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat evenly. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Garlic Parmesan fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the fries in water helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking the fries in batches allows them to crisp up better.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of the fries, you may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. For extra crispy fries, add a couple of extra minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures the fries cook evenly and crisply.
Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries are perfect as a side dish or snack. They pair wonderfully with burgers, fried chicken, or sandwiches. Serve them with dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy mayo for extra flavor. They also make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To retain their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing

To freeze, cook the fries as directed and let them cool completely. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes for a quick and easy snack.

Reheating

Reheat leftover fries in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular potatoes. They will have a slightly different texture but still cook beautifully in the air fryer.

2. Can I skip the soaking step?

While soaking helps create crispier fries, it’s not absolutely necessary. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have tasty fries.

3. Can I make these fries without Parmesan cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can leave out the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fries. Just toss them in the seasoning and air fry according to the package directions, adding the Parmesan after cooking.

5. How do I get my fries extra crispy?

For extra crispy fries, make sure they are cut thin, soaked to remove excess starch, and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.

6. Can I use a different seasoning?

Yes, feel free to get creative with the seasonings. Cajun, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning would all work wonderfully in this recipe.

7. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer.

8. Can I make these fries ahead of time?

These fries are best served immediately after cooking, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

9. Can I make these fries spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

10. How long will these fries last in the fridge?

Leftover fries will last 2-3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries are a healthier, easy, and incredibly flavorful take on traditional fries. With just the right amount of crispiness and a delicious garlic-Parmesan coating, they’re sure to become your go-to snack or side dish. Whether you serve them with burgers, as an appetizer, or enjoy them on their own, these fries will be a hit every time. Enjoy the crispy goodness with less oil and all the flavor!