There’s something magical about potatoes that crisp up golden on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes deliver exactly thatbuttery, garlicky, cheesy bites that disappear from the plate before you even sit down.
I started playing with this technique back in 2019 when my air fryer was still shiny and new. The first batch came out so crispy my husband thought I’d secretly deep-fried them. After testing countless batches over the years, I learned that tossing the potatoes twiceonce before cooking and once halfway throughmakes all the difference for even browning and maximum flavor in every bite.
Olivia Farnsworth
Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe Easy
Enjoy the crispiness and savory taste of Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. This simple recipe delivers perfectly seasoned and golden-brown potatoes that make a great appetizer or side dish for any meal.
4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Method
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, blend olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Toss the quartered potatoes in the seasoning mixture, making sure every piece is coated evenly.
Add Parmesan cheese to the potatoes and mix thoroughly for full coverage.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for the best crisp.
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through so they brown uniformly.
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them carefully and place on a serving plate.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to enhance flavor and presentation.
Serve these delightful potatoes right away as a tasty snack or side.
Notes
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture, but russet or red potatoes work well too. For crunchier potatoes, soak quarters in cold water for half an hour to remove excess starch before seasoning. Feel free to adjust the garlic or paprika quantities to suit your taste. These potatoes pair wonderfully with garlic aioli or sour cream dips. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These potatoes hit that sweet spot between comfort and ease. You get crispy golden edges with fluffy insides, all without turning on your oven or heating up the kitchen. The garlic and Parmesan combo is pure magicsavory, a little nutty, and completely irresistible.
Quick and beginner-friendly: Just 10 minutes of prep and your air fryer does the rest
Healthier than traditional: Uses just 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of deep frying
Flexible for any meal: Works as a weeknight side, party appetizer, or late-night snack
Cleanup is a breeze: One bowl, one air fryer basketthat’s it
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to because they get beautifully creamy inside while crisping up perfectly. The grated Parmesan cheese creates those golden, slightly crunchy bits that everyone fights over.
Your spice blendgarlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprikabuilds layers of flavor without any fuss. A drizzle of olive oil helps everything stick and promotes that gorgeous browning. If you want a pop of color and freshness at the end, keep some fresh parsley on hand for garnish.
How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic
Air fryers circulate super-hot air around your food, which means you get crispy results similar to deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. For these potatoes, preheating to 400°F ensures they start cooking immediately when they hit the basketno soggy spots.
Spacing them in a single layer is crucial. Overcrowding traps steam, and steam is the enemy of crispy. Shaking the basket halfway through guarantees every side gets its turn in the hot air stream, so you end up with even browning all around.
Step-by-Step: Making Perfect Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Start by washing and quartering your Yukon Gold potatoesno need to peel them unless you prefer it that way. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and all your dried seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss the potato quarters in that fragrant oil mixture until every piece is coated. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and give everything another good toss. This double-coating technique is what I picked up after years of testingit locks in flavor and helps the cheese stick.
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in your preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately while they’re still hot and crunchy.
Swaps and Tweaks
Ingredient
Swap Option
Yukon Gold potatoes
Russet or red potatoes work great too
Parmesan cheese
Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite
Dried oregano and thyme
Use Italian seasoning blend (about 2 teaspoons total)
Olive oil
Avocado oil adds a slightly nutty flavor
Pro Tip: If you want extra crispiness, soak your quartered potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This pulls out excess starch. Just make sure to pat them completely dry with a towel first.
Serving and Storage
These potatoes are best enjoyed straight from the air fryer while they’re at peak crispiness. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal. A side of garlic aioli or sour cream for dipping takes them over the top.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that crispy texturemicrowaving will make them soft and sad, so avoid that if you can.
Storage Method
Duration
Reheating Tip
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes
Freezer (not recommended)
Texture becomes mealy after thawing
Troubleshooting Tips
If your potatoes aren’t getting crispy enough, check two things: Did you overcrowd the basket? Did you skip preheating? Both mistakes lead to steaming instead of crisping. Make sure there’s space between each piece and that your air fryer is fully heated before you add the potatoes.
On the flip side, if they’re browning too fast, your air fryer might run hot. Try lowering the temperature to 375°F and adding a couple extra minutes to the cook time. Every air fryer has its own personalitymine runs about 10 degrees hotter than the dial says, so I’ve learned to adjust.
Note: If the Parmesan is browning too quickly, toss it with the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes )
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and develop a crispy exterior. Russets can work but may become too fluffy inside. Baby potatoes are also excellent since they cook evenly and have naturally tender skins that crisp up beautifully.
How long do you cook potatoes in the air fryer?
Cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, depending on potato size. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning. Smaller cubed potatoes need about 15 minutes, while larger pieces or whole baby potatoes may need up to 20 minutes.
Should you soak potatoes before air frying?
Yes, soaking cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch and helps achieve crispier results. Pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
When should you add the Parmesan cheese?
Add Parmesan cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. The cheese will melt and create a golden crust without becoming bitter. You can also sprinkle extra fresh Parmesan after cooking for added flavor.
Can you reheat leftover garlic Parmesan potatoes?
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it makes them soggy. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes turn outgolden and crispy outside, tender inside, ready in about 20 minutes. The garlicky, cheesy coating clings to every bite, and honestly, they disappear fast. This is the kind of side dish that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special.
If you want to switch things up, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth or swap in fresh rosemary instead of thyme. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer to bring back that crunchmicrowaving just won’t do them justice. A trick I learned from years of testing: toss them gently but thoroughly so every piece gets its share of that Parmesan goodness.
I’d love to hear how yours turn outtag me if you share a photo, or tell me what you served them alongside. Did your family have a favorite potato dish growing up? There’s something about crispy, buttery potatoes that just feels like home. Save this one for your next gathering, or better yet, make a batch tonight and enjoy them while they’re hot.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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