# Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries

> Cut 3 russet potatoes into 1 cm sticks, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry well. Toss with 1 tbsp oil and salt and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 18-22 minutes, shaking every 6 minutes. Toss the hot fries with melted garlic butter, grated parmesan and chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-fries
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Oct 28, 2026 | Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Categories: Air Fryer Recipes
Collections: Summer Recipes
Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly

Homemade fries come out crisp in the air fryer when you do two simple things: soak the cut potatoes to rinse off surface starch, and dry them well before cooking. A toss in garlic butter, parmesan and parsley at the end turns a side dish into something people fight over.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 22 mins
- Soak: 30 mins
- Total time: 1 hr 2 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Air frying
- Calories: 250 per serving

## Ingredients

- 3 medium russet potatoes, about 750 g, scrubbed
- 1 tbsp avocado or canola oil
- 3/4 tsp salt, divided
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 40 g parmesan, finely grated, about 1/2 cup
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

## Equipment

- Air fryer
- Large bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Small microwave-safe bowl

## Instructions

1. **Cut and soak.** Cut the potatoes into sticks about 1 cm thick. Soak them in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to rinse away surface starch.
2. **Dry and season.** Drain the fries and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Toss with the oil and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. **Air fry.** Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Add the fries in an even layer, no more than two layers deep, and cook for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket every 6 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cook in two batches if your basket is small.
4. **Make the garlic butter.** Melt the butter with the garlic in the microwave in 20-second bursts, or in a small pan over low heat, until fragrant.
5. **Toss and serve.** Tip the hot fries into a large bowl, drizzle with the garlic butter and toss. Add the parmesan, parsley, pepper and remaining salt, toss again and serve straight away.

## Tips

- Drying the potatoes well is the difference between crisp and steamed fries.
- Toss the parmesan on while the fries are hot so it sticks and softens slightly.
- Traditional parmesan is made with animal rennet. For a strictly vegetarian version, use a vegetarian hard cheese.

## Variations

- Use sweet potatoes and cook for 15-18 minutes; they brown faster.
- Swap the parsley for chopped rosemary and add a squeeze of lemon.
- Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika with the oil for a smoky flavour.

## Storage

- Fridge: Fries are best eaten fresh. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp again.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 7 g | 32 g | 11 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need to soak potatoes before air frying?

It is worth it. A 30-minute soak in cold water rinses off surface starch, so the fries crisp instead of turning gummy. Dry them thoroughly afterwards.

### How long do homemade fries take in the air fryer?

Fresh 1 cm fries take 18-22 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Shake the basket every 6 minutes so they brown evenly.

### What potatoes make the best air fryer fries?

Starchy russet potatoes give a fluffy inside and crisp outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work and have a creamier texture.

### Can I make garlic parmesan fries with frozen fries?

Yes. Cook frozen fries as the package directs, then toss them with the garlic butter, parmesan and parsley while they are hot.