Golden, garlicky, and covered in a crispy cheese crust that shatters when you bite into it. Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes deliver that perfect balancetender inside, crunchy outside, with flavor in every single bite.
I first tested this method back in 2019 when I was hunting for a way to get that roasted-oven texture without heating up my entire Texas kitchen in July. The trick? A light coat of oil and letting the hot air work its magic around each wedgeit creates those crisp edges you’d swear came from a restaurant fryer.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Easy Recipe
Enjoy the delicious crunch and rich flavor of Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. These golden, garlicky, and cheesy potatoes make a perfect quick side or snack that everyone will love.
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 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up.
In a roomy bowl, blend together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Toss the quartered potatoes in the seasoning mixture, coating them evenly.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes and stir gently until fully covered.
Arrange the seasoned potatoes inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space to air fry properly.
Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through so they brown evenly and get crispy.
Carefully take the potatoes out once they look golden and crunchy, placing them on a serving dish.
If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a flavorful garnish.
Serve hot as a tasty side or a satisfying snack right away.
Notes
For best results, soak the potato pieces in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch and boost crispiness. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but russet or red potatoes are good alternatives. Feel free to tweak the seasonings with extra garlic or paprika to suit your taste. This recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic aioli or sour cream dips. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These potatoes deliver crispy edges and tender centers without heating up your whole kitchen. The air fryer circulates hot air around each piece, creating that golden crust you’d normally get from deep fryingbut with just two tablespoons of olive oil.
The garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs season every bite, while the Parmesan cheese melts into the crevices and crisps up along the edges. It’s comfort food that feels a little lighter, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Beginner-friendly: Just toss, season, and air fryno fancy techniques required
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, garlicky coating
Versatile: Serve as a side dish, snack, or even breakfast hash base
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to herethey have a naturally buttery texture and hold up beautifully in the air fryer. You’ll quarter them into wedges, which gives you plenty of surface area for that crispy coating.
The seasoning blend is simple: garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. These pantry staples layer flavor without any chopping or prep work. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that crisps up like little cheese crackers stuck to the potatoes.
Pro Tip: Fresh parsley at the end brightens everything up, but it’s totally optionalthe potatoes are delicious either way.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While it heats, toss your quartered potatoes in a large bowl with the olive oil and all the seasonings. Make sure every piece gets coatedI like to use my hands for this part.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again until the cheese sticks to the potatoes. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between pieces so the hot air can circulate. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and crispy, and a fork slides easily into the centers. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Timing and Temperature Guide
Step
Time
Temperature
Preheat air fryer
3-5 minutes
400°F (200°C)
Prep and season potatoes
5 minutes
Air fry (shake halfway)
15-20 minutes
400°F (200°C)
Total time
25-30 minutes
Swaps and Substitutions
If you don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes on hand, russet or red potatoes work just fine. Russets will give you a fluffier interior, while red potatoes stay a bit firmer and waxier.
You can swap the dried herbs based on what’s in your pantryItalian seasoning or dried rosemary are both great alternatives. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Original Ingredient
Swap Option
Yukon Gold potatoes
Russet or red potatoes
Dried oregano + thyme
Italian seasoning or dried rosemary
Parmesan cheese
Pecorino Romano or Asiago
Garlic powder
Granulated garlic or garlic salt (reduce added salt)
Serving and Storage Tips
These potatoes are best served hot, right out of the air fryer when the cheese is still crispy. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. I’ve also served them alongside eggs for a hearty weekend breakfast.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutesthey’ll crisp right back up without getting soggy.
Note: If you’re meal prepping, keep the fresh parsley separate and sprinkle it on just before serving so it stays bright and fresh.
Tips for Extra Crispy Results
The secret to maximum crispiness is removing excess starch. Soak your quartered potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning, then pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basketif the potatoes are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed, or use a larger air fryer basket. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning on all sides.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more Parmesan over the potatoes during the last two minutes of cooking. It’ll melt and crisp up into little golden bits.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes)
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold and baby red potatoes are ideal for this dish because they hold their shape and develop a perfect crispy exterior. Russets can work but tend to get too fluffy inside. I recommend cutting them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
How long should I cook the potatoes in the air fryer?
Cook for 18-22 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 8 minutes for even browning. Smaller pieces need less time while larger chunks may need an extra 3-4 minutes. The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?
Soaking for 30 minutes in cold water removes excess starch and helps achieve extra crispy results. After soaking, pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step isn’t required but makes a noticeable difference in texture.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Add the Parmesan during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while still allowing it to melt and crisp slightly. Freshly grated Parmesan works much better than pre-shredded for this recipe. Sprinkle it evenly over the potatoes.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
These taste best served immediately while crispy, but you can prep the seasoned potatoes up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them. To reheat leftovers, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to restore some crispiness.
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes turn outgolden and crispy in just 25 minutes, with that irresistible garlicky cheese crust that makes everyone reach for seconds. They’re tender inside, crunchy outside, and so much lighter than anything from a deep fryer. Honestly, they taste like a splurge but feel like a win.
If you want to switch things up, toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or use Pecorino Romano if that’s what you’ve got. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F for just a few minutesthey crisp right back up like magic. A trick I learned from my Texas farmers’ market days: buy potatoes loose instead of bagged so you can pick the firmest ones with no soft spots.
I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me if you make them or tell me what you served alongside. Did you grow up eating crispy potatoes at Sunday dinners, too? Save this recipe for your next family gathering, or just make a batch on a quiet Tuesday night when you need something cozy and satisfying. You deserve potatoes this good.
