Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a snack or side that’s bursting with flavor and crispy perfection, you’re going to love these Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. They’re tender on the inside with a golden, crunchy outside, flavored with garlic, cheesy parmesan, and Italian herbs all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. This recipe is not only simple but brings a delicious twist on classic roasted potatoes, making it an absolute favorite to whip up anytime you crave something comforting yet special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute a unique layer of flavor or texture, ensuring every bite is irresistibly delicious without any fuss.
- Baby potatoes (1.5 lbs, halved): Small potatoes cook evenly and crisp nicely, giving you that perfect bite every time.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully while enhancing savory flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant, punchy base that’s essential for a garlic lover’s dream.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty richness that perfectly complements the potatoes.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A classic herbal blend that deepens the savory profile with notes of oregano and basil.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp, optional): Offers a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing your baby potatoes really well to remove any dirt since their skins stay on. Halve each potato to create even pieces that will cook uniformly and get that delightful crispy edge. Drying them thoroughly is key to crispiness, so take a moment to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and paprika if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated with this flavorful mixture because it’s what develops that delicious golden crust and savory bite.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 3 to 5 minutes ensures that the potatoes start crisping immediately once inside. This step sets the stage for that perfect roast and saves you waiting time mid-cook.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding them can lead to soggy spots, so keep them spaced out. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking or stirring the basket halfway through to encourage all sides to brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and crisp on the outside but tender inside.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Your Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish, then sprinkle with extra parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. This final touch adds a fresh aroma and makes the dish visually inviting. Serve these immediately to enjoy them at their crispiest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. A little grated extra parmesan or chopped chives works wonders for adding both color and flavor.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, making a satisfying main course. They’re also fantastic alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal or to round out any dinner menu.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving them in a rustic wooden bowl for a cozy family dinner feel, or go upscale by plating them with a drizzle of garlic aioli or pesto on the side for dipping. Another fun idea is to toss them with some cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions right before serving for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and still retain much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Spread cooled potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag, to prevent clumping. Reheat from frozen for best results.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that lovely crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into evenly sized chunks about the size of the baby potato halves to ensure they cook through nicely and get crispy in the air fryer.
Is the parmesan cheese necessary in the recipe?
Parmesan adds a wonderful nutty flavor and helps create the crispy coating, but if you’re avoiding dairy, you can skip it or try a vegan cheese alternative. The potatoes will still be tasty!
Can I prepare these without an air fryer?
Yes, you can roast them in a conventional oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, but the air fryer gives you that unbeatable crisp in less time.
How spicy are these potatoes with the paprika?
The paprika adds a mild warmth and a lovely smoky flavor, not heat. If you want spicy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?
Fresh herbs work beautifully! Try a mix of fresh oregano, basil, and thyme for a vibrant herbal aroma, and adjust the quantity to taste since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes have quickly become one of my all-time favorite sides to make because they’re straightforward but deliver outstanding flavor and texture every single time. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that magical crispy, garlicky, cheesy goodness yourself. Trust me, once you do, they’ll be on your regular rotation too!
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Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a quick and flavorful side dish. Coated with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, they make a perfect accompaniment to any meal with minimal oil and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, scrub, and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato in half to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, optional paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure optimal crispness when cooking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Garnish and Serve: When the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to crisp potatoes evenly.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
- Add paprika for a smoky touch or leave it out if preferred.
- These potatoes reheat well in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: air fryer potatoes, garlic parmesan potatoes, crispy potatoes, easy side dish, healthy potatoes
