Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Frozen French Fries Recipe

I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Fries recipe because it’s the ultimate quick-fix comfort food that satisfies my crispy, cheesy cravings with minimal effort. Plus, using the air fryer makes it feel like I’m indulging guilt-free, turning frozen fries into a gourmet treat that’s perfect for sharing—or not!

My love for gourmet snacks has driven me to turn basic frozen French fries into something special. Using an air fryer allows me to obtain fries that are perfectly crispy and texturally delightful with minimal oil.

But it’s what I do afterward that truly brings these fries to the next level. I give them an aromatic twist with garlic, and I really hit them with the cheese (Parmesan is my favorite).

A sprinkle of parsley adds some freshness that makes these fries so good I could eat them for dinner.

Ingredients

Olive Oil:
An aid in achieving a crispy texture and a source of healthy fat.

Garlic:
Antioxidants are present in high amounts and give a delicious, savory flavor.

Parmesan Cheese:
Delivers protein, brings a sharp creaminess.

Frozen French Fries:
Base rich in carbohydrates, a delightful crunch.

Parsley:
Provides a burst of color and slight herbal notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound frozen French fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen French fries and olive oil. Toss them together until the fries are evenly coated.

3. Mix the fries well with the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

4. Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. If the air fryer cannot hold all the fries at once, fry them in batches.

5. The fries should be air-fried for 15-20 minutes, and the basket should be shaken halfway through to guarantee that they cook evenly.

6. For the fries, check for crispness. If they are not crisp, cook them for 1-2 additional minutes.

7. Return the cooked fries to the mixing bowl.

8. Distribute the grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley over the hot fries and gently toss to ensure an even coating.

9. If you want, you can season with additional salt or pepper to taste.

10. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Fries piping hot, and here’s the best part: they’re best enjoyed straight out of the oven. If you have a significant other, a close friend, or a family member to share the joy, then do. But I can’t lie: these fries are so decadent, so indulgent, that I would understand if you kept them all to yourself.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Tongs or kitchen tool to toss fries
8. Serving dish or plate

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?Q: Can you substitute fresh fries in the recipe?
• Q: Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic from a jar?Certainly! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic. But if you have the time and patience, freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor.
• Q: What if I don’t have dried parsley?A: Fresh parsley is a good substitute; if you don’t have it, you can leave it out; just know that the dish will lose something without it.
• Q: How can I make these fries spicier?A: For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?To achieve proper doneness, you may bake the fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
• Q: Can I add more cheese?Certainly! You can add even more Parmesan if you’d like. Or you can try mixing in some mozzarella, which would give it an even cheesier flavor.
• Q: How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?A: Make sure not to overfill the air fryer basket. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crisping of the food.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Garlic: Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.
Parmesan cheese: If you don’t have this on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano or a non-dairy option like nutritional yeast.
Dried parsley: If necessary, use dried oregano or dried basil.
Black pepper: Use white pepper or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a spicier punch.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Air Fryer Before adding the fries, ensure the air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C). This helps to achieve a crispier texture right from the start.

2. Thoroughly Coat the Fries When mixing the fries with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, make sure they are evenly coated. This ensures that every fry has a consistent flavor and crisps up evenly.

3. Avoid Overcrowding Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and lead to soggy fries. Cook them in batches if necessary for the best results.

4. Shake the Basket Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to allow all sides of the fries to crisp up evenly. This helps achieve a uniform golden-brown color.

5. Quick Toss with Parm and Parsley After cooking, immediately toss the hot fries with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. The residual heat helps the cheese adhere to the fries and enhances the flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.