Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries – Crispy & Healthy

Name: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Frie
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: PT-486334H57M18S
Total time: PT-486334H57M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium to large russet potatoes, sliced into sticks; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp paprika (sweet, hot, or smoked); 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Minced fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Looking for a healthier, yet irresistibly crispy take on classic French fries? Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries offer a delicious alternative to deep-fried fries without sacrificing flavor. With the power of the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy fries with a savory garlic Parmesan coating that are easy to make and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or snacking on them by themselves, these fries are sure to impress. Here’s how to make the perfect batch of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

If you’re looking for a French fry recipe that delivers crispy, golden fries without the extra calories of deep frying, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries are the answer. This recipe gives you the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior you crave, with the added benefit of being easy to prepare and customizable to your taste. With no deep frying involved, these fries are healthier but just as satisfying.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

The key to great fries is in the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries:

Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for crispy fries.

Olive Oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps the fries crisp up.
Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor and draws out moisture.
Paprika: Adds depth to the flavor. You can choose from sweet, smoked, or hot paprika.

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a buttery flavor that complements the garlic.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory punch to the fries.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives these fries a salty, umami flavor.

Fresh Parsley: For garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

Potato Type: While russet potatoes are the best for making crispy fries, you can also experiment with Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Oil: If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil is a great alternative and provides a mild flavor.

Garlic: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can work, though it may alter the intensity of the flavor slightly.
Cheese Variations: Romano cheese or mozzarella can also be used in place of Parmesan for a slightly different taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

Soak the Potatoes: Begin by soaking the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a crispier texture.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 5 minutes.
Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the soaked and drained potato slices with olive oil, kosher salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
Air Fry the Potatoes: Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, then toss the fries and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Make Garlic Butter: While the fries are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss the Fries: Once the fries are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss them with the garlic butter.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the fries and toss again until the cheese melts and coats each fry.

Garnish and Serve: Finish by adding some freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

Soak the Potatoes: While soaking the potatoes isn’t a must, it significantly enhances the crispiness. Soaking helps remove excess starch, allowing the fries to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Air Fry in Batches: If your air fryer is small, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cooking the fries in batches ensures they crisp evenly.

Garlic Timing: Be careful when sautéing garlic to avoid burning it. Lower the heat if necessary to achieve a fragrant, golden garlic butter.
Reheat for Extra Crispiness: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

These garlic Parmesan fries are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some great pairing ideas:

Dips: Try serving these fries with ketchup, aioli, or a creamy ranch dipping sauce.
Main Courses: They are perfect alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even a steak. You can also enjoy them with fish for a lighter meal.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the garlic butter and season the potatoes in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

If you’re looking to customize, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or try using a different cheese like mozzarella or Romano for a change.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

One of the biggest benefits of making French fries in an air fryer is the reduction in oil. Traditional deep frying can add a lot of extra calories, but air frying allows you to make fries with a fraction of the oil, making them much lighter. The use of olive oil and garlic also brings added health benefits, including antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.

Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries is an easy way to enjoy a healthier version of a beloved comfort food. You get all the crispy goodness you want, with the bonus of a flavorful garlic Parmesan coating that elevates the taste. These fries are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Conclusion: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries – A Crispy, Guilt-Free Delight

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries offer a perfect blend of crispy texture and bold, savory flavors, all while being healthier than traditional deep-fried fries. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, they’re a guilt-free indulgence that’s quick to make and easy to customize to your tastes. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these fries are sure to please everyone at the table. Try them out today for a flavorful, healthier take on a classic favorite!

FAQs About Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries

Why are my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan French Fries not crispy?

The key to crispy fries in the air fryer is ensuring they’re evenly spaced in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. Overcrowding prevents hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy fries. Additionally, be sure to soak the potato slices in water to remove excess starch, and don’t overdo it with oil, as too much can weigh down the fries.

Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are the best choice for crispy fries due to their starchy content, you can experiment with other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. However, keep in mind that non-starchy potatoes may not crisp up as well as russets.

How can I adjust the garlic flavor in this recipe?

If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves or use garlic powder if you prefer a milder flavor. For a more intense garlic kick, you could also add roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper taste.

Can I prepare these fries ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes by soaking and seasoning them the night before, but it’s best to cook them fresh to achieve the crispy texture. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for 2-4 days and reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

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