Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

There’s something so comforting about a basket of golden, crispy fries — especially when they’re homemade, packed with flavor, and come together in under an hour. These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are everything you love about restaurant-style fries, but made healthier and easier right in your air fryer.

I don’t know about you, but anytime I can recreate a crispy, cheesy side dish without deep frying, I’m all in. And if there’s garlic involved? Even better. These fries are ultra crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and coated in fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast around here — so make extra!

You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples, and if you’ve got some russet potatoes and a little bit of olive oil, you’re already halfway there. These fries pair perfectly with burgers, chicken sandwiches, or even just a cozy movie night on the couch.

Let’s dive into the first steps so you can get a batch going ASAP!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best!)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

STEP 1: Soak the Fries for Maximum Crispiness

This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! Soaking your peeled and sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The starch can cause fries to stick together or turn soggy, and no one wants that.

I usually do this step first thing, then prep the rest of dinner or tidy up the kitchen while they soak. When you’re ready to move on, drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.

STEP 2: Preheat That Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Just like preheating an oven, this step ensures the fries start cooking at the right temperature right away — and that means better texture all around.

STEP 3: Toss Fries in Oil and Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dried potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every fry is well coated. This coating is what helps them get that signature golden crispness in the air fryer. The garlic powder adds just enough flavor in the first round — we’ll be adding fresh garlic later for that extra punch.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sprinkle in a bit of paprika or even some chili flakes at this stage for a little heat.

STEP 4: Air Fry in Batches

Now it’s time for the magic! Place the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s super important not to overcrowd them — they need space to crisp up on all sides. If you have a smaller air fryer, plan to cook these in 2-3 batches.

Air fry the fries at 380°F for 15 to 18 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them in those last few minutes — some air fryers run hotter than others, and you want them golden and crispy, not burnt.

Alright, now that you’ve got your fries air frying to golden perfection, it’s time to talk about what really sets these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries apart — that irresistibly garlicky, cheesy finish. If you’ve ever ordered garlic fries at a restaurant and wondered how they get all that bold flavor to stick, the secret is in the timing and technique. And lucky for us, it’s actually super simple to do at home.

This part of the recipe is where everything comes together. We’re going to infuse the fries with sautéed garlic, toss them with freshly grated Parmesan, and finish with a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Let’s keep going and get these fries ready to serve!

STEP 5: Sauté Fresh Garlic for That Signature Flavor

While your fries are still cooking in the air fryer, it’s the perfect time to prep the garlic.

In a small skillet, heat a touch of olive oil over low heat — just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Then, add your minced garlic and gently sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. You want to stir constantly and keep the heat low to avoid browning the garlic. If garlic gets too dark, it can turn bitter, and we’re going for that mellow, mouthwatering flavor instead.

This step might seem small, but trust me — it makes a big difference. That fresh garlic aroma fills your kitchen and takes the flavor up several notches compared to just using garlic powder alone.

STEP 6: Toss Fries with Garlic and Parmesan While Hot

As soon as your fries finish cooking, transfer them into a large bowl. This is where all the good stuff happens.

Immediately add the sautéed garlic and your freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the hot fries. Toss everything together gently but quickly, so the cheese starts to melt just slightly and sticks to the fries. The warmth from the fries will help the garlic oil coat everything evenly, creating that perfect garlicky bite in every piece.

If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color and a little freshness. It’s totally optional, but I find it adds a nice finishing touch.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Fries Every Time

Now that you’ve got the basic steps down, here are a few quick tips to make sure your fries come out just right:

• Don’t skip the soaking. I know it adds time, but removing excess starch is the #1 way to get truly crispy fries. You’ll taste the difference.

• Dry them thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so pat the potatoes dry with paper towels before tossing them in oil.

• Work in batches. It’s tempting to cram them all into the basket, but overcrowding will steam the fries instead of crisping them. Give them space!

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. The pre-grated stuff in the shaker bottle will work in a pinch, but if you want that gooey, rich, salty finish, go for a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself.

• Shake the basket. At the halfway point, give those fries a good shake or flip them with tongs. It helps them cook evenly and get golden on all sides.

• Serve immediately. These fries are best hot out of the air fryer. If you need to hold them for a bit, use your air fryer’s reheat function for a quick 1-2 minute crisp-up before serving.