This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy
Nothing beats the satisfaction of perfectly Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Fries, and with this recipe, you can make them right at home using your air fryer. These Parmesan French fries are not just quick and easy to prepare, but they also deliver a flavor-packed punch, thanks to a blend of spices and a cheesy, herby finish. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these fries are sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Made in the air fryer, these fries are lower in oil but just as crispy and delicious as their deep-fried counterparts.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, you can whip these up without a trip to the store.
- Bursting with Flavor: The addition of Parmesan and fresh parsley elevates these fries to gourmet status.
- Perfectly Crispy: Soaking the potatoes and using cornstarch ensures that these fries come out golden and crunchy every time.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for the crispiest texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy coating on the fries.
- Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps the seasoning adhere to the fries.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, savory flavor.
- Paprika Powder: Adds a smoky depth to the seasoning mix.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, cheesy finish to the fries.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
How To Make Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Fries
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes if desired, and cut them into evenly sized fries.
- Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
Soak the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a bowl filled with ice and cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. This step helps achieve maximum crispiness.
Dry the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and use a kitchen towel to pat them completely dry.
Season the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 210°C (410°F).
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Add Parmesan and Parsley:
- Transfer the hot fries to a bowl. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat.
Serve:
- Enjoy immediately while the fries are hot and crispy!
Tips for Success
- Cut Evenly: Uniform fries ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking helps remove starch and gives you crispier fries.
- Batch Cooking: Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed.
- Extra Crispiness: Add an extra minute or two to the cook time if you like your fries extra crunchy.
Variations
- Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Herbed Fries: Toss the fries with dried thyme or rosemary for a herby twist.
- Truffle Fries: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with Parmesan for a luxurious upgrade.
- Vegan Option: Swap Parmesan for a plant-based cheese alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer Parmesan French fries are incredibly versatile:
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or ranch.
- Serve them alongside burgers, grilled meats, or sandwiches for a complete meal.
- Enjoy them as a snack with a cold beverage for a casual treat.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the fries in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQ
1. Can I skip soaking the potatoes in cold water?
Soaking is essential for removing excess starch, which helps the fries turn out crispier. Skipping this step may result in softer fries, so it’s highly recommended.
2. What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling, as they may not achieve the same crispy texture.
3. How can I make these fries vegan?
Simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. The rest of the recipe is already vegan-friendly!
4. Can I cook these fries in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these fries in the oven at 220°C (430°F) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, the air fryer gives a crispier texture, so the fries may not be as crunchy when baked.
Final Thoughts
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these air fryer Parmesan French fries are everything you could want in a fry—and more. With minimal oil, simple ingredients, and an irresistible cheesy finish, they’re a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Whether for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these fries are guaranteed to steal the show.
More Crispy Potato Recipes You Have to Try
Schiacciata di Patate (Crispy Potato Flatbread)
Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Fries
Ingredients
- 800g potatoes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into evenly sized fries.
- Rinse the cut potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Place the cleaned potatoes in a large bowl filled with ice and cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to enhance crispiness.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure a crisp texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the dried potatoes with cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the fries are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 210°C (410°F).
- Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the hot fries to a large bowl. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the fries and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Enjoy your crispy Parmesan French fries as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
