Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these easy air fryer parmesan potatoes are sure to become your new go-to side dish!
With just a handful of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and seasonings, you can transform russet potatoes into the perfect snack or accompaniment in minutes.
Thanks to the quick-cooking air fryer, there’s no need to turn on the oven or deep fry to achieve lightly golden browned potato cubes with creamy interiors. This step-by-step recipe details everything you need to nail air fried parmesan potatoes, from how to cut the potatoes properly to what temperature and cook times work best.
Keep reading to discover five tasty variations on this basic recipe too! Let’s get started!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Texture- These parmesan potatoes in air fryer come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer gives them an amazing texture you can’t achieve baking them in the oven.
Amazingly Tasty- The combination of savory parmesan, garlic, parsley, and paprika gives these spuds some serious flavor. Each bite fills your mouth with a tasty medley of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Even plain, these potatoes have an undeniable depth of flavor.
Healthy– Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in a lighter dish that’s still totally indulgent. You get all the crispy, golden brown goodness of deep-fried potatoes without the extra fat, calories, and mess.
Who doesn’t love a healthier cooking method that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or texture?
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make these air fryer parmesan potatoes you will need:
- 1 1/2 pounds (700g) Potatoes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy garlic parmesan potatoes air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Wash the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and place them in a big bowl.
Step 2
Add the olive oil, seasonings, and parmesan. Mix everything together.
Step 3
Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C). Once hot, spray the basket with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Add the potato cubes and air fry for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 4
Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy these delicious and crispy air fryer parmesan potatoes!
💡Tips
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
The type of potato you select is important for getting crispy edges and a fluffy interior. I recommend using a starchy potato like Russet or Yukon Gold. The starch content helps the potatoes get crispy in the air fryer. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or white potatoes, which won’t get as crispy.
When cutting the potatoes, uniformity is key. Try to cut all the potato cubes around 1-inch so they cook evenly. Having a mix of large and small pieces means some potatoes will be underdone while others might burn.
2. Get the Right Coating
A cheese and herb coating adds tons of flavor to the potatoes. Using real grated parmesan is worth the extra cost over powdered parmesan or other cheeses. The authentic parmesan offers a sharp, salty flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
When tossing the potatoes with oil, Parmesan, and seasonings, be sure every cube gets evenly coated. This helps the cheese melt and stick to the potatoes, forming a delicious crust. Don’t be shy with the oil either – the oil aids browning.
3. Arrange in a Single Layer
Overcrowding is perhaps the biggest mistake when making air fryer potatoes. Like oven roasting, air frying relies on hot air circulating to crisp the potatoes. Piling them too high prevents air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
Be sure to arrange the seasoned potato cubes in a single layer in the basket. It’s better to cook smaller batches. Just set a timer and shake the basket halfway through.
4. Get the Timing Right
The exact cooking time can vary greatly depending on the amount and size of your potatoes. In general, I recommend checking at 12 minutes then shaking or flipping the potatoes.
At the 15-minute mark, start checking every few minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and nicely browned. Depending on your air fryer and quantity, the total cooking time is usually 15-22 minutes.
Use these visual cues to test for doneness: fork tender inside, crispy and browned outside. Don’t rely solely on a timer, as every air fryer performs differently.
5. Finish with a Sprinkle
Here’s a chef’s tip to take these potatoes over the top: Finish them with a touch more fresh grated Parmesan at the end.
Once the potatoes come out of the air fryer beautifully golden brown, sprinkle over a bit more Parmesan cheese. The residual heat melts these little top notes of cheese, adding a blast of flavor. A fresh sprinkle of parsley or chives also adds nice color.
Variations
Pesto Parmesan Potatoes- Who doesn’t love the fresh taste of basil pesto? Swap the parsley for 1/4 cup pesto sauce. The nutty pine nuts and herby flavor takes these potatoes to the next level. Serve with marinara dipping sauce. Bellisimo!
Southwest Parmesan Potatoes- Southwest flavors like cumin, chili powder and cilantro transform basic potatoes into a fiesta in your mouth. I top mine with guacamole, salsa and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Olé!
Buffalo Parmesan Potatoes- Feeling spicy? Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing give these potatoes some heat. I tweak the recipe by adding 1/4 cup hot sauce and 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles. Ranch dressing cools things down. The perfect game day appetizer!
French Onion Parmesan Potatoes- Ooh la la! Caramelized onions and beef broth replicate classic French onion soup flavors. Just sautée sliced onions in olive oil until browned, then deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup broth. Toss the onion mixture with potatoes before air frying. Top with Gruyère cheese. Magnifique!
Greek Parmesan Potatoes- Lemon, oregano, garlic and feta cheese give these potatoes a decidedly Greek flair. I also add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, zest from 1 lemon and 1/2 cup crumbled feta. Serve with tzatziki sauce for a cool, refreshing contrast.
Storage
These air fryer parmesan potatoes are best when eaten right after cooking. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the potatoes in the air fryer or oven before serving again.
Best Dipping Sauces
Here are 5 delicious dipping sauces that would pair perfectly with crispy air fryer Parmesan potatoes:
1. Ranch Dressing – What better dipping companion for potatoes than the beloved, cooling ranch? The herbaceous notes of dill and parsley combined with garlic, onion and creamy dairy complement the crispy, salty potatoes beautifully. Dip each golden wedge and let the familiar flavors dance on your tongue!
2. Marinara Sauce – For an Italian twist, try dipping the potatoes in a simple, homemade marinara sauce bursting with the sweetness of basil and garlic. The tangy tomatoes cut through the rich parmesan coating on the potatoes, while the spices add depth and complexity. Ooh la la!
3. Spicy Mayo – Give your tastebuds a kick by pairing the crispy potatoes with a homemade sriracha mayo. The cool, creamy mayo gets infused with the iconic rooster sauce, lending a fiery accent to the potato’s crunchy exterior and fluffy interior. It’s sure to leave you wanting more!
4. Hummus – For a Mediterranean vibe, accompany the potatoes with the smooth, nutty deliciousness of hummus. The earthy chickpeas and tahini meld beautifully with the herby, garlicky potatoes. Add a squeeze of lemon and let the party in your mouth commence!
5. Guacamole – Nothing quite complements deep fried delights like the cool, velvety goodness of fresh guacamole. The vibrant green avocado base studded with tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice makes the potatoes sing. Scoop that guac with a crispy wedge for auditory and taste bud bliss!
Main Dishes Ideas
These crispy, garlicky Parmesan potatoes would be the perfect side to so many delicious main dishes. Here are 5 ideas for mains that would pair beautifully:
1. Air Fryer Ribeye – A juicy, well-marbled ribeye steak hot off the air fryer would be sublime with these potatoes. The crispy exterior of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the tender beef, while the garlic, parsley and Parmesan complement the meaty flavors. Fancy steakhouse vibes in your own kitchen!
2. Air Fryer Cajun Chicken– Spice up your chicken with Cajun seasoning and blackening spice before air frying, for a main that can stand up to the bold flavors of the potatoes. The potatoes act as the perfect starchy foil to cut through the heat of the chicken. Satisfying comfort food, with a little Mardi Gras flair!
3. Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Panko– Crispy, crunchy panko-crusted chicken drumsticks pair so well texture-wise with the potatoes. The sharp Parmesan, garlic and herbs in the potato recipe also lift and brighten the flavors of the fried chicken. An easy, crowd-pleasing meal for any night of the week.
4. Air Fryer Sausage Patties – Savory pork breakfast sausage patties are a natural match for these Parmesan potatoes. Enjoy them together for a hearty brunch or dinner, with eggs any style if desired. The garlic-herb potatoes perfectly complement the sage and other warm spices in the sausage.
5. Air Fryer Boneless Wings – Crisp yet tender boneless wings tossed in your favorite bold, sticky sauce make these potatoes sing. The cooling qualities of the potatoes and parsley balance out the heat and richness of the wings. An irresistible game day or party appetizer spread!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of potatoes work best for this air fryer parmesan recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for getting crispy, fluffy insides. Avoid red potatoes or new potatoes, as they have higher moisture content that can lead to mushy results. Stick with starchy potatoes for the best texture.
2. What if my potatoes aren’t getting crispy enough?
Increase air fryer temperature to 420°F and cook a few minutes longer if you want crispier results. Also, make sure not to overcrowd – too many potatoes prevents getting browned and crisped edges.
3. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking in the air fryer basket?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the potatoes. Also, shake the basket halfway during cooking to redistribute and prevent sticking. Finally, don’t overcrowd the potatoes or they won’t get as crispy.
Deep Frying vs. Air Fryer
Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. But why exactly are air fryers so much better for you?
The main advantage air fryers have over traditional deep frying is that they use little to no oil. Deep frying submerges food in hot oil, absorbing a lot of extra fat and calories. Air fryers work by quickly circulating hot air to produce a crispy, fried texture using little or no oil.
Cooking with an air fryer can reduce the calories in fried foods by 70-80% versus deep frying. For example, chicken fingers or french fries made in an air fryer rather than being deep fried results in greater than a 3/4 reduction in overall fat and calories. And foods still get that satisfying crunch.
Beyond being lower in fat and calories, air frying also avoids some of the unhealthy byproducts created in oil from deep frying. Reusing hot oil, especially at high temperatures, can cause oil to break down and release harmful free radicals and aldehydes. The high heat can also create trans fats in oil. Air fryers produce less of these potentially toxic compounds.
So for fried food lovers looking for a healthier way to get their fix, air fryers deliver on taste while limiting fat, calories, and other negative health effects of deep frying. The air fryer lets you “fry” foods to a crisp without all the oil getting in the way of a tasty, lighter meal.
I hope you enjoy making these crispy, flavorful air fryer parmesan potatoes! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Let me know if you have any tweaks or variations on this air fryer garlic parmesan potatoes recipe that you love.
Be sure to explore more of my easy, family-friendly recipes here on the blog. I’m always happy to answer any cooking questions you have as well. Feel free to leave a comment below with any recipe requests or questions. Thanks for reading!
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds Potatoes (700g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Wash the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and place them in a big bowl.
- Add the olive oil, seasonings, and parmesan. Mix everything together.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C). Once it is hot, spray the basket with cooking spray.Add the potato cubes and air fry for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
