Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Savor the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes! Made with red baby potatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a hint of herbs, these crunchy, golden bites are perfect for a side dish or snack. They’re healthier than traditional fried potatoes and incredibly easy to make!
Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes—a recipe I absolutely love and make all the time. What sets these apart is how easy they are to make, yet they deliver that perfect blend of tender potatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese without being heavy or oily. I’ve spent time refining this recipe to ensure the potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
You’ll love how they turn golden and crunchy in the air fryer while using very little oil—so you can feel good about serving them as a side dish or snack. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for a quick, healthier alternative to fried potatoes, this recipe has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe:
- Perfectly crispy: The air fryer gives these potatoes a crispy golden crust without needing much oil.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples like garlic, parmesan, and olive oil to create this flavorful dish.
- Quick and easy: In just a few minutes, you can have a delicious side or snack ready without much fuss.
- Versatile dish: Enjoy these potatoes as a side with dinner, or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best air-fried potatoes recipe:
Red Baby Potatoes: You can use Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes for a similar creamy texture and taste. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the size varies.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: If you prefer, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese will work well. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor.
Coarse Sea Salt: Any type of salt will do, like Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt. Just be mindful of the coarseness and adjust to taste.
Parsley Flakes: You can swap dried parsley for fresh parsley or try basil, oregano, or thyme for a different herbaceous flavor.
Butter: Use ghee or a plant-based butter for a lactose-free alternative. Olive oil also works well for a dairy-free swap.
Garlic: Garlic powder or granulated garlic can replace fresh garlic if you’re in a pinch. Start with half the amount and adjust to your liking.
Extra Light Olive Oil: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil are all great alternatives with similar smoke points.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor, or you can substitute it with chili powder for a bit more heat.
Onion Powder: If you’re out of onion powder, minced onions or shallots can give a similar flavor. Just sauté them before adding for best results.
Salt & Pepper: You can use your favorite seasoning blend here, like garlic salt or seasoned salt, to add a different twist to the dish.
How to Make My Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potato Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Rinse and dry 12 baby potatoes. You can use any variety. Red potatoes are my favorite because they are the lowest on the glycemic index of all the potato varieties.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Add the butter and fresh garlic cloves to a small bowl. I love using my favorite stainless steel garlic press to crush the garlic quickly. Mix the butter and garlic together with a spatula until combined.
Step 3: Prep the Cheese & Parsley
Grate the parmesan cheese using a zesting grater. The smaller size of the cheese shreds allows them to get between the potatoes in the air fryer.
Step 4: Toss the Potatoes
Combine the oil, paprika, onion powder, and salt in a bowl and shake to combine. Cut each potato in half. Cut four diagonal score lines on the soft side of each potato half about 1/8″ deep. You do not need to slice all the way into the potato. Drop the sliced potatoes into the bowl and toss with oil mixture.
Step 5: Prep the Tray
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil twice as wide as your air fryer basket. Fold it in half with the shiny side on the inside. The dull side is non-stick, so you’ll want it on the outside. Then fold up about .5″ of foil on all four edges creating a foil baking sheet that can contain the melting butter in the air fryer.
Step 6: Fill the Tray
Spread the garlic butter in the tray using a spatula. Then sprinkle about 1 -2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt on the butter. Next, sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese on the butter.
Place all the potato halves facing down in the tray. Scoot them all close to each other. Sprinkle with a dash of pepper. Carefully lower the tray into the air fryer.
Step 7: Bake the Potatoes
If you’re using small baby potatoes, cook them for 10 minutes at 400°F. If you use larger baby potatoes, cook them for 12 minutes at 400°F.
When the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully place it on a heat-resistant surface. Sprinkle on the chopped parsley and remaining parmesan cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer and bake for 2 more minutes at 380°F. Once it’s done, carefully remove the foil tray from the basket and serve!
Expert Recipe Tips
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the potatoes while they air fry. Smaller baby potatoes may cook faster, so adjust the time accordingly. You want them crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Foil Tray: Don’t skip the foil tray! It helps catch the melted butter and parmesan, creating a delicious crispy coating on the potatoes.
- Cheese Grating: Using a fine zester or grater for the parmesan allows it to melt and crisp up more evenly in the air fryer, enhancing the flavor.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you love garlic, add more! If you want extra spice, try a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Side for grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a balanced, hearty meal.
- Topped with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving for extra color and flavor.
- Pair with a dipping sauce: Enjoy with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce for a fun, flavorful snack.
- Serve at brunch: These crispy potatoes are a great side for scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole.
- Potato salad twist: Use them in a cold potato salad for a unique, crunchy twist on a classic dish!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Ingredients
- 12 red baby potatoes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic
Potato Oil Rub:
- 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and dry 12 baby potatoes. You can use any variety. Red potatoes are my favorite because they are the lowest on the glycemic index of all the potato varieties.
- Add the butter and fresh garlic cloves to a small bowl. I love using my favorite stainless steel garlic press to crush the garlic quickly. Mix the butter and garlic together with a spatula until combined.
- Grate the parmesan cheese using a zesting grater. The smaller size of the cheese shreds allows them to get between the potatoes in the air fryer.
- Combine the oil, paprika, onion powder, and salt in a bowl and shake to combine. Cut each potato in half. Cut four diagonal score lines on the soft side of each potato half about 1/8" deep. You do not need to slice all the way into the potato. Drop the sliced potatoes into the bowl and toss with oil mixture.
- Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil twice as wide as your air fryer basket. Fold it in half with the shiny side on the inside. The dull side is non-stick, so you'll want it on the outside. Then fold up about .5" of foil on all four edges creating a foil baking sheet that can contain the melting butter in the air fryer.
- Spread the garlic butter in the tray using a spatula. Then sprinkle about 1 -2 teaspoons of coarse sea salt on the butter. Next, sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese on the butter.
- Place all the potato halves facing down in the tray. Scoot them all close to each other. Sprinkle with a dash of pepper. Carefully lower the tray into the air fryer.
- If you're using small baby potatoes, cook them for 10 minutes at 400°F. If you use larger baby potatoes, cook them for 12 minutes at 400°F.When the timer goes off, remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully place it on a heat-resistant surface. Sprinkle on the chopped parsley and remaining parmesan cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer and bake for 2 more minutes at 380°F. Once it's done, carefully remove the foil tray from the basket and serve!
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