Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries offer the perfect combination of golden, crunchy texture and bold garlic flavor. Made with fresh russet potatoes and seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, these fries are cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier, oil-light alternative to traditional fried potatoes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious snack or side dish.
Ingredients
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 desired, but leaving the skin on adds texture and flavor.
- Slice Potatoes: Slice the potatoes into even strips about 1/4 inch thick for uniform cooking. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for precision.
- Soak Fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispier fries.
- Dry Fries: After soaking, drain the fries and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove moisture.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Toss Fries with Oil and Seasoning: In a large bowl, add the dried fries and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss to coat evenly, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture and toss again to distribute the flavors.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange Fries: Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow even airflow and cooking.
- Cook Fries: Cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through around 8-10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Verify that the fries are golden brown and crispy. If needed, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until achieving desired crispiness.
- Remove and Garnish: Carefully remove the fries from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for freshness.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries for an added layer of flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy garlic fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
- Savor Every Bite: Grab a handful of these perfectly seasoned fries and enjoy the delicious, garlicky crunch!
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water removes excess starch and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Be sure to dry the fries thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches may be necessary for even crisping.
- Add the Parmesan cheese immediately after air frying so it melts slightly on the hot fries.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially salt and garlic powder, depending on preference.
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder alone.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and potato thickness.
