Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries – Best BBQ Side Dish

Posted on December 10, 2025

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries - featured image

I’ll admit, I didn’t think I could love fries more than I already did — until I made these crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries. Picture this: golden, crunchy fries with a garlicky kick, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and just the right hit of seasoning. They’re so good, I’ve officially retired my deep fryer. These fries are the ultimate BBQ side dish, and they’re ridiculously easy to make. No grease, no fuss, just pure deliciousness.

If you’re ready to level up your fry game, let me take you through everything you need to know to whip up these garlic Parmesan beauties. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra—because they disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about why these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are a game-changer. If you’re anything like me, you love a good fry, but the grease and mess of deep frying? Not so much. Enter the air fryer: your new best friend when it comes to crispy, flavorful fries without the oil overload.

Super crispy texture: The air fryer works its magic to create fries with that perfect golden crunch, no deep fryer needed.
Garlic + Parmesan = Flavor Bomb: The combination of fresh garlic and salty Parmesan cheese is a match made in fry heaven.
Quick and easy: These fries are ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for weekday dinners or impromptu BBQs.
Healthier than deep-fried: Using way less oil means these fries are lighter but just as satisfying.

Honestly, these fries have become a staple in my house. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a lazy Sunday dinner, they’re always a hit.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s the lineup:

Russet potatoes (2 large) — These are your classic potato choice for fries. Their starchy texture gets super crispy in the air fryer.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons) — Helps the fries crisp up without being greasy. I prefer extra virgin for that rich flavor.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) — For an even garlic flavor throughout the fries. Fresh garlic can burn, so stick to the powder here.
Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated) — Go for the real-deal stuff (not the shelf-stable shaker kind) for maximum flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon) — Essential for seasoning those fries to perfection.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon) — Adds just a little kick to balance the garlic and Parmesan.
Parsley (optional, for garnish) — Fresh herbs make these fries look fancy and add a pop of color.

Quick tip: If you want to take these fries to the next level, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle BBQ flavor or some red pepper flakes for heat.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these fries, which is part of their charm. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Air fryer — Any model works! I use a basket-style air fryer, but oven-style air fryers are great too.
Cutting board and knife — For slicing the potatoes into perfect fry shapes.
Mixing bowl — Tossing the fries in oil and seasoning is much easier in a big bowl.
Tongs — Handy for flipping the fries halfway through cooking.
Grater — For the Parmesan cheese. A microplane grater works wonders here.

Pro tip: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these in the oven at 425°F (220°C). They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get down to business! Here’s exactly how I make these garlic Parmesan fries.

Prep the potatoes (5 minutes): Wash and peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on if you like rustic fries). Slice them into thin strips—about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep them consistent so they cook evenly.
Soak and dry (15 minutes): Place your sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up. Drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth it!
Season the fries (2 minutes): Toss the dried potato strips in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated evenly.
Air fry (18-20 minutes): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Add Parmesan (1 minute): While the fries are still hot, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them. The heat will melt the cheese slightly and make it stick.
Garnish and serve (1 minute): Transfer the fries to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Quick note: If you’re making a larger batch, you might need to air fry in two rounds to avoid overcrowding.

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned from making these fries more times than I can count:

Don’t skip the soaking step: Soaking the potatoes in cold water pulls out excess starch, which is key to that crispy texture.
Dry thoroughly: Wet potatoes = soggy fries. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels before seasoning.
Single layer is key: Overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking. If you need to make a big batch, cook them in multiple rounds.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as nicely or have the same flavor punch.
Serve immediately: These fries are best enjoyed hot out of the air fryer for maximum crunchiness.

Bonus tip: Got leftovers? Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to regain that crispy goodness.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative! Here are my favorite variations:

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Perfect for heat lovers!
Truffle Fries: Drizzle with truffle oil after air frying and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Fancy and delicious.
Herby Goodness: Toss the fries with a mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an Italian twist.
Cheesy Overload: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top right after air frying. Pop them back in for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Zesty Lemon: Sprinkle with lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking. Bright and unexpected!

Feel free to experiment—I’d love to hear what variations you come up with!

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how I enjoy these fries and how to store them (if you have leftovers, which rarely happens in my house!):

How to Serve:

Pair them with your favorite BBQ dishes—burgers, ribs, or pulled pork.
Serve as a snack with a side of garlic aioli or ranch dressing.
Make them the main event with a salad on the side for balance.

Storage Tips:

Room temperature: Eat within a couple of hours for best texture.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Freezer: These don’t freeze well—fresh is the way to go.

Pro tip: Repurpose leftover fries by chopping them up and adding them to a breakfast hash or omelet the next morning!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you’re getting in each serving of these garlic Parmesan fries:

Nutritional Info	Per Serving
Calories	190
Protein	4g
Carbs	25g
Fat	7g
Fiber	2g

Health Benefits: These fries are lighter than traditional deep-fried versions, with less oil and fewer calories. You’re also getting a dose of potassium from the potatoes and a bit of calcium from the Parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries recipe! Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a snack, these fries are the perfect crowd-pleaser. And let’s be honest, there’s something magical about knowing you can make restaurant-worthy fries right in your own kitchen.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Let me know your favorite variations or how you served them in the comments below. And if you share your creations on Instagram, tag me @yourhandle—I can’t wait to see them!

Happy air frying, friends! Let’s get crispy.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to soak the potatoes?

A: Yes, soaking is key to getting that crispy texture. It removes excess starch and helps the fries cook evenly.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

A: Absolutely! Sweet potato fries are delicious in the air fryer. Just know they’ll be slightly softer and less crispy.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these fries?

A: The air fryer is your best friend here. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: You can slice and soak the potatoes ahead of time. Keep them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just dry them well before cooking!

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: No problem! Bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

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