These air fryer garlic parmesan potatoes are crispy around the edges, tender in the center, and coated with garlic, herbs, and savory parmesan cheese. They make an easy side dish for chicken, steak, burgers, or a simple family dinner.

Using baby potatoes keeps preparation straightforward, while the air fryer helps create a golden exterior without using a large amount of oil. Serve them hot with fresh parsley and additional parmesan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy outside and tender inside
Made with simple ingredients
Requires minimal preparation
Uses less oil than traditional deep frying
Pairs with numerous main dishes
Easy to customize with different seasonings
Suitable for weeknight dinners and entertaining

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ pounds baby potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Additional parmesan for serving, optional

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Baby potatoes

Baby gold or red potatoes work particularly well because their skins become crisp while their centers remain creamy. Cut larger potatoes into evenly sized pieces.

Parmesan cheese

Use finely grated parmesan so it adheres to the potatoes. Freshly grated parmesan usually melts and browns more evenly than large shreds.

Garlic

Garlic powder coats the potatoes evenly and is less likely to burn than fresh minced garlic during air frying. Fresh garlic can be added near the end if desired.

Olive oil

A small amount of olive oil helps the seasoning and parmesan adhere while encouraging browning.

Italian seasoning

Italian seasoning adds a mixture of dried herbs. You can replace it with oregano, thyme, rosemary, or a combination of your preferred herbs.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Dry them well with a clean kitchen towel.

Cut the baby potatoes in half. Quarter any larger potatoes so all the pieces are approximately the same size.

Drying the potatoes helps their surfaces become crisp in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Add olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Toss until every potato is evenly coated with oil, seasoning, and parmesan.

Step 3: Arrange Them in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if recommended by the manufacturer.

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in the basket with their cut sides facing down where practical. Keep them in a mostly single layer and avoid overcrowding.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy

Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for approximately 16 to 20 minutes.

Shake the basket or turn the potatoes after approximately 8 to 10 minutes so they cook evenly.

The potatoes are ready when their edges are golden and crisp and the centers can be pierced easily with a fork.

Air-fryer models and potato sizes vary, so begin checking before the estimated cooking time ends.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl.

Add chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan, if desired. Taste carefully and add more salt only if needed, as parmesan already contributes saltiness.

Serve immediately while the edges are still crisp.

Tips for Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

Dry the potatoes thoroughly

Moisture left on the surface can create steam and reduce browning.

Cut them evenly

Similarly sized pieces finish cooking at approximately the same time.

Avoid overcrowding

Leaving space between the potatoes allows hot air to circulate around them.

Use finely grated parmesan

Fine parmesan adheres more effectively than thick shreds and forms a more even crust.

Shake the basket

Turning or shaking the potatoes helps multiple sides become golden.

Serve them immediately

The potatoes will gradually soften as they cool, so they are best served shortly after cooking.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

These crispy potatoes pair well with:

Air fryer chicken tenders
Honey garlic chicken
Grilled chicken breast
Steak
Hamburgers
Baked salmon
Meatloaf
Roasted vegetables
Garden salad
Breakfast eggs

For an easy family meal, serve the potatoes alongside crispy chicken tenders with honey mustard or garlic dipping sauce.

Internal-link opportunities

Serve these crispy potatoes with our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for an easy air-fryer dinner.

They also pair beautifully with our Easy Honey Garlic Chicken.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Serve the potatoes with:

Garlic aioli
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayonnaise
Honey mustard
Ketchup
Sour cream and chives
Parmesan herb dip

Recipe Variations

Spicy garlic parmesan potatoes

Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Ranch parmesan potatoes

Mix a small amount of dry ranch seasoning into the coating. Check its sodium content before adding extra salt.

Lemon herb potatoes

Add fresh lemon zest and lemon juice after cooking.

Rosemary parmesan potatoes

Replace the Italian seasoning with dried or finely chopped fresh rosemary.

Cajun potatoes

Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning. Adjust the added salt according to the seasoning blend.

Parmesan potatoes without paprika

Leave out the paprika if you prefer a milder seasoning profile. The potatoes can still become golden from the oil and parmesan.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow leftover potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within 3 to 4 days.

Reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at approximately 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Heat them until hot throughout.

The microwave can also be used, although the potatoes will generally be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

No. Small, evenly cut baby potatoes can cook directly in the air fryer. Larger pieces may require more time.

Why are my air fryer potatoes not crispy?

They may have been wet, overcrowded, cut too large, or cooked at an unsuitable temperature. Air-fryer performance also varies by model.

Can I use regular potatoes?

Yes. Yukon Gold, red, or russet potatoes can be used. Cut them into evenly sized pieces and monitor the cooking time.

Can I use fresh garlic?

Yes, but fresh minced garlic can burn at high temperatures. Consider adding it during the final few minutes or mixing it with melted butter after cooking.

Can I make these potatoes without parmesan?

Yes. Leave out the parmesan and adjust the seasoning. The flavor and crust will be different.

Should I peel the potatoes?

Peeling is unnecessary for baby potatoes. Wash and scrub them thoroughly before cutting.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Add these links as the related recipes are published:

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe Card

Preparation time: Approximately 10 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 16–20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 26–30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Cooking method: Air fryer

Ingredients

1½ pounds baby potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup finely grated parmesan
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

Wash, scrub, and thoroughly dry the potatoes.
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized halves or quarters.
Combine the potatoes with olive oil, parmesan, and seasonings.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if recommended for your model.
Arrange the potatoes in a mostly single layer.
Air fry for approximately 16 to 20 minutes.
Shake or turn them halfway through cooking.
Check that the centers are fork-tender.
Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan.
Serve immediately.