Air-Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy, Cheesy, And Delicious!

Garlic Parmesan Fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries. They are easy to make in an air fryer and can be served as a side dish with burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, or salmon. The key to achieving the perfect crunch is to soak the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and create a crispier texture. The fries are then seasoned with a savoury combination of garlic and tangy Parmesan cheese, and cooked in the air fryer until golden and crispy.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The most recommended varieties for air fryer fries are russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are starchier and will give you fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, resembling restaurant-style fries. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, are waxier and will result in fries that are equally crispy but have a firmer and creamier texture. They also have a naturally buttery taste, giving your fries a richer flavor.

You can also use sweet potatoes or red potatoes, but keep in mind that they have a higher sugar content, which will affect the color and texture of your fries. Red potatoes will turn darker golden brown and will be crispy initially but will soften quickly.

Size and Shape

Look for potatoes that are uniform in size, as this will help ensure even cooking. If using larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch chunks or slices for the best results. For baby potatoes or new potatoes, you can halve or quarter them. Aim for matchstick-sized fries that are about 1/4-inch wide on each side and 3 to 4 inches in length. This size will allow for even cooking and a good balance of crispiness and tenderness.

Starch Content

The starch content of potatoes can impact the final texture of your fries. Soaking potatoes in water before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can prevent them from sticking together and promotes maximum crispness. Russet potatoes, with their higher starch content, will benefit from this step. However, Yukon Gold potatoes, with their lower starch content, may not require soaking for as long or at all.

Freshness and Quality

When choosing your potatoes, look for those that are firm, smooth, and free from bruises, sprouts, or green discoloration. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles or soft spots, as these may be past their prime. Opt for potatoes that are similar in size, as this will help ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best potato for garlic parmesan fries in an air fryer may come down to personal preference. If you prefer a drier and fluffier texture, go for russet potatoes. If you like your fries with a firmer and creamier inside, Yukon Gold potatoes are a better choice. You can also experiment with different varieties to find the one that suits your taste and texture preferences.

Preparing the potato

Peel the potatoes. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for extra nutrients and a quicker preparation time.

Next, cut the potatoes into your desired shape and size. You can cut them into thin strips, wedges, or steak fries. A sharp knife, mandolin, or potato slicer will help you achieve more exact cuts for even cooking.

Once you have cut your potatoes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water or ice water. Soaking the potatoes for 30 minutes to three hours will help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. However, some recipes skip this step when using an air fryer.

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to prevent sogginess.

Seasoning the potato

The first step to making garlic parmesan fries in an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. You'll want to start with a starchy potato, like russets or Yukons, as these have less moisture and more starch, resulting in a softer interior. Peel and cut the potatoes into your desired size of fries. If you want to get a little fancier, you can cut them into thin wedges or traditional French fry shapes.

Once you have your potatoes cut, it's time to season them. Place the cut potatoes into a large bowl and fill it with water. Soaking the potatoes in water for 30 minutes to 3 hours will help remove excess starch, which will make the fries crispier. You can also add a bit of ice to the water to make it even colder.

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can lead to soggy fries. Now, it's time to add the oil and seasonings. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss to coat. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to get creative with your seasonings, you can try adding paprika, onion powder, or seasoned salt.

Now that your potatoes are seasoned, they're ready to go into the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air-frying the potato

Preparation

Before air-frying the potatoes, you need to prepare them. First, decide whether you want to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on reduces preparation time and adds a few extra nutrients to your meal. If you do decide to peel the potatoes, make sure to wash them first with a small brush to remove any excess dirt.

Next, cut the potatoes into your desired shape. Most recipes suggest cutting the potatoes lengthwise into thin slices and then cutting each slice into thin fries, about 1/4" thick. You can use a sharp knife for this, but a mandoline or potato slicer will be quicker and safer and will result in more even cuts.

Once you have cut your potatoes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water or ice water. Soaking the potatoes for 30 minutes to 3 hours will remove excess starch, which will help the potatoes become crispier when cooking. However, some recipes suggest that this step is optional when air-frying.

After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel. Then, add oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat the potatoes. You can also add the seasonings after air-frying, depending on your preference.

Air-frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches if you are using multiple potatoes.

Air-fry the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through. The potatoes are ready when they are golden and crispy.

Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. If you have not already added seasonings to the potatoes, you can add them now. Toss the potatoes with your chosen seasonings, such as garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, or garlic powder.

Serve the fries immediately, and enjoy!

Reheating the fries

If you have any leftover garlic parmesan fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer. This will ensure they retain their crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the fries inside in a single layer. Reheat for 2-5 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also reheat the fries in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread the fries out on a pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 425°F and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

For best results, allow the fries to cool before storing them in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag.

Frequently asked questions