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If you’re looking for an easy potato side dish, these Air Fryer Potatoes are sure to become a favorite. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and tossed with garlic, Parmesan, and simple seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, they pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Potatoes are one of those side dishes I never get tired of, especially when they’re cooked in the air fryer. They turn out perfectly crisp without using much oil, and they’re so much faster than roasting them in the oven. The garlic and Parmesan take these potatoes to the next level, and they’re always one of the first things to disappear whenever I make them.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients Notes
Below are the ingredients to make these baby potatoes in the air fryer. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.
- Baby Potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes both work well. If some are larger than others, simply cut them in half so they cook evenly.
- Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up while keeping the seasonings in place.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Mince it finely so it coats the potatoes evenly.
- Thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan melts onto hot potatoes, creating a delicious, savory coating.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Try to cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Let the potatoes release their steam after microwaving to help them crisp in the air fryer.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with space between them for maximum crispiness.
- Toss the potatoes with the Parmesan while they’re still hot so it melts and coats every bite.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Potatoes
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Place the halved baby potatoes in a large microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Drain any moisture and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes so excess steam can escape.
Tip: Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be just tender enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the warm potatoes and gently toss until they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If halved, place the cut sides down whenever possible. Air fry at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Tip: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket prevents the potatoes from crisping properly.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Transfer the hot potatoes to a serving bowl and immediately sprinkle with the grated Parmesan. Toss gently so the cheese melts onto the potatoes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
These air fryer potatoes are easy to customize.
- Swap the thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning.
- Add some onion powder for extra savory flavor.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Finish with shredded cheddar instead of Parmesan.
- Toss with fresh dill or chives before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For the crispiest leftovers, reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, although they’ll be less crispy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Potatoes
These potatoes pair well with almost any main course.
- Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Marinated Flank Steak
- Blackened Salmon
- Homemade Meatloaf
- Chicken Thighs Recipes
- Flying Dutchman Burger
- Roasted turkey
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the microwave step: Partially cooking the potatoes first ensures they’re soft and fluffy inside while allowing the outside to get perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
- Overcrowding the basket: The potatoes need space for the hot air to circulate. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Not drying the potatoes: After microwaving, drain off any moisture and let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to allow excess steam to escape.
- Adding the Parmesan too soon: Wait until the potatoes are fully cooked before tossing them with the Parmesan. This helps the cheese melt onto the hot potatoes instead of burning in the air fryer.
- Cutting uneven pieces: Keeping the potatoes about the same size helps them cook evenly.
Common Questions
No, but I highly recommend it. Microwaving gives the potatoes a head start so they become fluffy inside while developing a crispy, golden exterior in the air fryer.
Yes. Yukon Gold, russet, or red potatoes all work well. Just cut them into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces before cooking.
Absolutely! Try Italian seasoning, rosemary, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herb blend.
They’re best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again.
This usually happens if the basket is overcrowded or the potatoes still have too much moisture after microwaving. Give them room to cook and let the steam escape before air frying.
Yes. The potatoes are delicious on their own, or you can finish them with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or another grated cheese.
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Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and ⭐️ rating below.
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved if bigger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley , or fresh herbs of choice
Instructions
- Place the halved 1½ pounds baby potatoes in a large microwave-safe shallow dish (arrange with minimal overlapping). Cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid and microwave for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Make sure you check after 5 to 6 minutes by piercing with the tip of a paring knife. Give them a stir and microwave further, if needed. When done, drain off any moisture and let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes so excess steam can escape.
- Meanwhile, stir together the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the warm potatoes to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoned oil.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (If you cut them, arrange with the cut sides facing down as much as possible.
- Air fry at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are deeply golden and crispy on the outside.
- Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl while they're still hot. Immediately sprinkle over the ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently so the residual heat melts the cheese onto the potatoes.
- Finish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Microwaving the potatoes first helps them cook faster and creates an extra crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Be sure to let the potatoes sit for a couple of minutes after microwaving so excess steam can escape. This helps them crisp up better.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed for the crispiest potatoes.
- Toss the potatoes with the Parmesan while they’re still hot so the cheese melts and sticks to the potatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
