Warm, cozy, and impossibly crispy — these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are the kind of side dish that disappears first at every family dinner. Lightly seasoned with garlic and tossed in salty grated Parmesan, they crisp up in the air fryer in under 30 minutes. Toss them with a little parsley and serve warm for a quick side that feels special.
If you love easy, flavor-forward sides, try pairing this recipe with my take on chicken for a complete weeknight meal: air fryer Parmesan-crusted chicken.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- Crispy outside, tender inside — like restaurant potatoes but faster.
- Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients, big flavor — pantry-friendly.
- Family-friendly and kid-approved — great for picky eaters.
- Easy to scale for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients Needed
Vegetables
- 2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
Oil & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheesy Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Serve these potatoes as a side to grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or alongside a fresh green salad. They’re also fantastic topped with a dollop of sour cream or alongside steamed veggies for a simple weeknight plate. For a heartier snack, toss with cooked bacon bits and extra Parmesan.
Tips for Success Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
- Use similarly sized potato pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — a single layer crisps best. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake or flip halfway through to promote even browning.
- If you like extra crisp, increase temperature by 25°F for the last 3–5 minutes while watching closely.
- For a fresher garlic flavor, swap 1/2 tsp garlic powder for 1 clove minced garlic tossed in just before serving.
Variation (if any)
- Herby Lemon: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp chopped rosemary for a bright twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/4 tsp cayenne or smoked paprika with the dry seasonings.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap or mix in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella for melty bits.
FAQs
Q: Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
A: Yes — russets work, but cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces and watch timing since they can be starchy.
Q: Do I need to par-cook the potatoes before air frying?
A: No, these cook through in the air fryer at 400°F in about 15–20 minutes when cut small. Larger chunks may need a few extra minutes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes — cook them fully, cool, and reheat in the air fryer just before serving for best crispness.
Conclusion
If you want a quick, crowd-pleasing side that’s crunchy, cheesy, and simple, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a must-try — and you can find a similar tested version at Sprinkled With Balance’s Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes for more tips and variations.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
Oil & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheesy Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cooking
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
