Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

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If you’re looking for a side dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are sure to become your new favorite. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. The golden, crispy edges combined with the rich, garlicky parmesan coating make them absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet satisfying addition to your meal.

What I love most about these potatoes is their versatility. Whether you’re serving them with roasted meats, burgers, or even as a snack with dipping sauce, they never disappoint. Using the air fryer speeds up the cooking process while ensuring each potato has that perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside.

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer creates a beautiful golden crust on the potatoes while keeping the insides soft and creamy.
• Garlic-Parmesan Goodness: The rich blend of garlic, herbs, and parmesan takes these potatoes to the next level.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and fast cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules.
• Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair wonderfully with almost any main course or can even shine as a standalone snack.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the best results, I recommend using baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Baby potatoes have a creamy texture and cook evenly in the air fryer, while Yukon golds offer a rich buttery flavor with crisp skin. Their small size also makes them perfect for halving and achieving those delicious crispy edges. If you’re in a pinch, red potatoes are another excellent option — they hold their shape well and develop a nice crunch.

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Options for Substitutions

• Potatoes: If you don’t have baby or Yukon gold potatoes, try red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or even diced russet potatoes for a heartier option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Swap parmesan with grated pecorino romano, asiago, or grana padano for a slightly different cheesy kick.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic works best, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder is a convenient substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic.
• Olive Oil: While olive oil adds great flavor, you can also use avocado oil or melted butter for a richer taste.
• Herbs: While parsley is classic, feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or basil for an herby twist.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

• Baby Potatoes (or Yukon Gold) – These potatoes provide a creamy texture with crispy edges, perfect for air frying.
• Olive Oil – Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully while enhancing the flavor.
• Garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic adds a rich, savory aroma that pairs perfectly with the parmesan.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated) – Adds a salty, cheesy crust that makes these potatoes irresistible.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes.
• Italian Seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs that adds depth to the dish.
• Paprika (optional) – Adds a hint of smokiness and enhances the golden color.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Brightens the dish with a touch of freshness and color.

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Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut each potato in half to create even pieces, which will ensure they cook uniformly in the air fryer.

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Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Toss everything well to ensure each potato is fully coated with the flavorful mixture.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps the potatoes start crisping right away once they go in.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle with additional parmesan and fresh parsley for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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How Long to Cook Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Cooking these potatoes in the air fryer typically takes 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato pieces. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

• Dry the Potatoes Well: After washing, pat the potatoes dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, arrange the potatoes in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor better than garlic powder, giving your potatoes a rich aroma and taste.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the potatoes to ensure even browning.
• Extra Crispiness Tip: For an extra-crunchy finish, sprinkle a bit more parmesan during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for getting that crispy, golden exterior. Starting with a cold air fryer can result in uneven cooking.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Packing too many potatoes in the basket prevents proper air circulation, making them soggy instead of crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not Drying the Potatoes: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before seasoning.
• Underseasoning: Since potatoes absorb flavor well, be generous with your seasoning for the best taste.
• Forgetting to Shake the Basket: Shaking halfway through ensures all sides of the potatoes cook evenly.

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What to Serve With Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

1. Grilled Steak

The rich, garlicky flavor of these potatoes pairs perfectly with a juicy, tender steak.

2. Roasted Chicken

Crispy potatoes alongside a well-seasoned roasted chicken make a classic, comforting combo.

3. BBQ Ribs

The cheesy, garlicky flavor complements the smoky sweetness of BBQ ribs beautifully.

4. Burgers

These potatoes make a fantastic side in place of traditional fries.

5. Grilled Vegetables

For a lighter pairing, roasted or grilled veggies balance the richness of the potatoes.

6. Fish Fillets

Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, fish fillets taste amazing alongside these flavorful potatoes.

7. Garlic Butter Shrimp

The combination of garlicky shrimp and crispy potatoes creates a mouthwatering meal.

8. Creamy Dips

Serve the potatoes with dips like garlic aioli, ranch, or chipotle mayo for an irresistible snack or appetizer.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid covering them while they cool to prevent trapping steam.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
• Freezing: While freezing is possible, these potatoes taste best fresh. If you do freeze them, store in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~9g
• Saturated Fat: ~2.5g
• Cholesterol: ~5mg
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~1g
• Sodium: ~320mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Frozen potatoes can be cooked directly in the air fryer without thawing. Just adjust the cooking time to 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

2. Can I make these potatoes without parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re avoiding cheese, you can skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

3. How do I make these potatoes spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder when seasoning the potatoes.

4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these potatoes in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

5. Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Season the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes meal prep even easier.

6. Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?

If your potatoes aren’t turning crispy, ensure they are dried thoroughly before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

7. Can I add bacon to this recipe?

Definitely! Toss some cooked, crumbled bacon with the potatoes during the final 5 minutes of air frying for a smoky, savory twist.

8. How do I keep the garlic from burning?

To prevent burnt garlic, mix the minced garlic with the parmesan cheese rather than adding it directly to the potatoes at the start. This helps protect it during cooking.

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are an easy yet impressive side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With their crispy texture, cheesy garlic flavor, and quick cooking time, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re pairing them with a main course or enjoying them as a snack, these potatoes deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!

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