Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Homemade fries come out crisp in the air fryer when you do two simple things: soak the cut potatoes to rinse off surface starch, and dry them well before cooking. A toss in garlic butter, parmesan and parsley at the end turns a side dish into something people fight over.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 22 mins
- Soak
- 30 mins
- Total Time
- 1 hr 2 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries at a glance
Cut 3 russet potatoes into 1 cm sticks, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry well. Toss with 1 tbsp oil and salt and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 18-22 minutes, shaking every 6 minutes. Toss the hot fries with melted garlic butter, grated parmesan and chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Total time
- 1 hr 2 mins
- Calories
- 250 per serving
- Protein
- 7 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Equipment
Air fryer · Large bowl · Clean kitchen towel · Small microwave-safe bowl
Quick Directions
- 1
Cut and soak
Cut the potatoes into sticks about 1 cm thick.
- 2
Dry and season
Drain the fries and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
- 3
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 4
Make the garlic butter
Melt the butter with the garlic in the microwave in 20-second bursts, or in a small pan over low heat, until fragrant.
- 5
Toss and serve
Tip the hot fries into a large bowl, drizzle with the garlic butter and toss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer garlic parmesan fries.
- 1
Cut and soak
Cut the potatoes into sticks about 1 cm thick. Soak them in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to rinse away surface starch.
- 2
Dry and season
Drain the fries and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Toss with the oil and 1/2 tsp salt.
- 3
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Add the fries in an even layer, no more than two layers deep, and cook for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cook in two batches if your basket is small.
- 4
Make the garlic butter
Melt the butter with the garlic in the microwave in 20-second bursts, or in a small pan over low heat, until fragrant.
- 5
Toss and serve
Tip the hot fries into a large bowl, drizzle with the garlic butter and toss. Add the parmesan, parsley, pepper and remaining salt, toss again and serve straight away.
Recipe Tips
- Drying the potatoes well is the difference between crisp and steamed fries.
- Toss the parmesan on while the fries are hot so it sticks and softens slightly.
- Traditional parmesan is made with animal rennet. For a strictly vegetarian version, use a vegetarian hard cheese.
Variations
- Use sweet potatoes and cook for 15-18 minutes; they brown faster.
- Swap the parsley for chopped rosemary and add a squeeze of lemon.
- Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika with the oil for a smoky flavour.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated fat | 5 g |
| Fibre | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Fries are best eaten fresh. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp again.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries FAQs
Do I need to soak potatoes before air frying?
It is worth it. A 30-minute soak in cold water rinses off surface starch, so the fries crisp instead of turning gummy. Dry them thoroughly afterwards.
How long do homemade fries take in the air fryer?
Fresh 1 cm fries take 18-22 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Shake the basket every 6 minutes so they brown evenly.
What potatoes make the best air fryer fries?
Starchy russet potatoes give a fluffy inside and crisp outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work and have a creamier texture.
Can I make garlic parmesan fries with frozen fries?
Yes. Cook frozen fries as the package directs, then toss them with the garlic butter, parmesan and parsley while they are hot.
