Description
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries are the ultimate snack or side dish featuring perfectly seasoned russet potatoes cooked to golden-brown perfection using an air fryer. These fries are tossed in a flavorful blend of fresh garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and other seasonings, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior without the need for deep frying. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese, they make a deliciously addictive treat that’s healthier and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare Potatoes: Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and flavor.
- Slice Potatoes: Slice the potatoes into even strips about 1/4 inch thick using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking.
- Soak Fries: Place the potato strips in a large bowl filled with cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps create crispier fries.
- Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain the fries and use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them completely dry, removing as much moisture as possible.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss Fries with Oil and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, add the dried fries and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss once more to distribute flavors.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough for crisp cooking.
- Arrange Fries: Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook Fries: Cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking, around 8-10 minutes, to ensure even crisping. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After cooking time, check that fries are golden brown and crispy. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until desired crispiness is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries while still warm.
- Enjoy: Serve the garlic fries fresh with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing and savor every bite!
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes is key for removing starch and achieving the crispiest fries.
- Drying fries thoroughly before air frying prevents sogginess and promotes browning.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure fries cook evenly and get crispy.
- Shake the basket halfway during cooking to ensure even exposure to hot air.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
