Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries are a true delight, taking everything you love about fries and turning them into a healthier, crunchier version that everyone in the family will adore. Perfect for weeknight dinners, a treat during Sunday football, or as a tasty side for family gatherings, these fries stand out with their cheesy, seasoned coating. What makes them even more special? They are quick to whip up and come out crisp without the extra oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. Let’s roll up our sleeves and learn how to make these crispy favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
When you’re looking for a quick snack or a family-friendly side dish, Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries hit all the right notes. They’re not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, making fries in the air fryer means you can achieve that irresistible crunch without deep-frying, making it a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
“These fries are hands down the best! Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Even the kids loved them, and I loved how easy they were to make!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries
Making these delicious fries is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, cheesy goodness ready in no time. You’ll cut, soak, mix, and air fry your way to the perfect batch of fries. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started.
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What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for a fantastic fry experience:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 potatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Avocado oil
Be sure to choose firm, starchy potatoes like Russets for the best results. If you’re dairy-free, you could experiment with a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make these crispy fries? Here’s how you do it!
- Begin by cutting the potatoes into fry shapes and soaking them in a bowl of ice-cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch for extra crispiness.
- After the potatoes soak, drain and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel. This helps ensure a nice crunch!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and oregano.
- Toss the dried fries in the cheesy mixture until they are evenly coated—get in there and mix them well!
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil and arrange the fries in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded for optimal crispiness.
- Give the fries a light spray on top with more avocado oil.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once they’re golden and crunchy, serve hot and enjoy that delightful crunch!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries are fantastic on their own, but why not elevate your serving game? Try pairing them with a zesty dipping sauce like garlic aioli or a classic ketchup. They can also be served alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or a hearty salad for a complete meal. Feel free to sprinkle additional herbs or freshly grated cheese on top just before serving for that extra touch of flavor!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (though we doubt it!), store them 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 about 5 minutes to revive that crunchy exterior. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the oven as well but might lose some of their crispiness.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For truly perfection every time, here are a few chef tips:
- Soaking the potatoes is a game changer; don’t skip this step as it truly makes a difference in texture.
- Make sure to dry the potatoes completely before tossing them in the cheese mixture; moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- For even more flavor, consider adding your favorite spices or herbs to the cheese mixture. A touch of cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for extra flavor is always welcome.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your fries! You can substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even go vegan with your favorite plant-based cheese. Consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder for a different twist. You could also experiment with sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory variation!
Common Questions
How long are these fries good for?
These fries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russets work best for frying, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these fries in the oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthier and crunchier alternative to traditional fries, these Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Fries are packed with flavor and a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 potatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Avocado oil
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into fry shapes and soak them in ice-cold water for about 30 minutes.
- Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and oregano.
- Toss the dried fries in the cheesy mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil and arrange the fries in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the fries on top with more avocado oil.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once golden and crunchy, serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg