Air fryer garlic parmesan fries are a finger-licking side everyone will love. Making garlic parmesan fries in the air fryer is quick and easy. They come out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor.
These air fryer garlic parmesan fries are all the rage on social media. So, when my sister sent me (yet another) Instagram reel of some crispy garlic parmesan fries, I knew we had to create our own simple, easy, and delicious version.

I am a huge fan of fries—waffle fries, sweet potato fries, garlic fries, steak fries—you name it, I love it. And this recipe has one of my favorite flavor combinations: garlic and parmesan. It’s a match made in heaven, and these fries are absolutely heavenly.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Parmesan Fries
- Golden and crispy! Making garlic parmesan fries in the air fryer gets them perfectly crispy—without the excess oil.
- The best side (of all time)! These air fryer garlic parmesan fries are a fantastic side for burgers, sandwiches, meats, salads, and more.
- Packed with cheesy flavor! Parmesan is an elite cheese choice, and these fries are an elegant appetizer the whole family will love.
If you love these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan fries, make sure to our favorite air fryer fries recipes: healthy and crispy air fryer carrot fries, air fryer home fries (perfect for a breakfast side), and chunky, paprika-packed air fryer potato wedges.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Don’t slice your potatoes too thin. Make sure your potato slices are fairly thick to avoid over-drying during cooking.
- Make sure to rinse your fries or soak them in cold water. I know, this step is annoying; but if you want maximum crispiness, it’s essential. Soaking the fries removes excess starch and ensures a fluffy interior.
- Add finely chopped fresh garlic. To give your fries an extra garlic punch, chop up 1-2 garlic cloves and sprinkle them on top of the hot fries along with the parmesan cheese and parsley.
How to Store Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
If you have leftovers, make sure you let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. (If you don’t, the excess steam and moisture will make them soggy. You’ve been warned.)
These fries will last 2-3 days refrigerated and you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Fries in the Air Fryer
These garlic parmesan fries are absolutely heavenly when you dip them in homemade aioli or fry sauce. I love dipping them in blue cheese dressing as well, for extra flavorful cheesy bites.
Turn it into a meal by accompanying these fries with a homemade chicken sandwich, air fryer ribeye steak, or easy frozen hamburgers (made in the air fryer in just 10 minutes)!
More Fries Recipes
- Frozen Curly Fries: Ready in less than 15 minutes, these curly cut fries are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries: A healthy side dish, these zucchini fries have a fantastic crispy Italian-seasoned coating.
- Homemade Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet, organic, and packed with vitamins, this side dish is sure to impress (and, it’s ready in just 20 minutes).
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium potatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized fries.
- Rinse the fries several times in cold water (or soak them in cold water for 15 minutes) to remove excess starch. Drain and dry the fries thoroughly with paper towels.
- Add the dry fries to a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the fries until they’re coated evenly.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Shake the basket or flip the fries so they can cook evenly.
- Air fry for 15 more minutes, until the fries are golden and crispy.
- Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- This recipe can be made in an air fryer unit with a basket or an air fryer oven. If you are using an air fryer oven, use the middle rack and choose the “Air Fry” function.
- Check your food as it cooks. Each air fryer runs a bit differently. Make sure to check your food as it’s cooking to learn your air fryer better and avoid over- or undercooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yukon gold potatoes and russet potatoes are the best two options for making garlic parmesan fries in the air fryer. Both have a high starch content which means they’ll get super crispy.
It’s best to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for this recipe, since it will melt better into the warm fries. But if pre-grated parmesan cheese is all you’ve got, go for it!