If you’ve been looking for the ultimate crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potato dish, this is it. These Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are golden, cheesy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. The air fryer gives you all that delicious crunch without the extra oil from deep frying. Trust me once you try them, they’ll be on repeat for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Air frying makes the potatoes beautifully golden while keeping the inside soft and tender.
- Flavor-Packed: A combo of garlic, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and herbs takes these spuds to the next level.
- Quick & Easy: Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect with chicken, steak, seafood, or even on their own as a snack.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy and cheesy potato goodness:
- Baby Potatoes: Tender and cook quickly while holding their shape.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness.
- Garlic Cloves: Adds bold, savory flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance everything.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Chili Flakes (optional): For a little kick of heat.
- Parmesan Cheese: The secret to that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color at the end.
- Extra Parmesan (optional): Because you can never have too much cheese.
Note: Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below the article.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Rinse, dry, and cut the baby potatoes in halves or quarters for even cooking.
Step 3: Season Generously
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and chili flakes. Toss the potatoes in the mixture until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Parmesan
Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss again so the cheese clings to each potato.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Goodness
Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and fork-tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry the Potatoes: Moisture prevents crispiness—make sure they’re well dried before seasoning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne or more chili flakes for extra heat.
How to Serve
These potatoes are versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes:
- Classic Combo: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Brunch Vibes: Pair with eggs, avocado, and bacon.
- Snack Board: Add them to a party platter with dips like ranch, aioli, or sour cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooled potatoes in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes also work—just cut them into small chunks.
2. Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy, dairy-free alternative.
3. Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Nope, the air fryer does all the work—just season and cook.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which keeps them from getting crispy.
🥔✨ These Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are everything you love about roasted potatoes—but faster, crispier, and cheesier. Perfect as a side, snack, or appetizer, they’ll win over everyone at the table.

Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Add grated parmesan and toss again to coat evenly.
- Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with more parmesan or parsley.