Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries Recipe
If you’re craving that golden, crunchy, addictive goodness without the guilt, these Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries will become your new obsession. Imagine hand-cut russet potatoes turned into crispy fries, kissed with fresh and roasted garlic, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and a shower of fresh parsley — all achieved with barely any oil. This easy, flavor-packed recipe delivers everything you love about fries, but lighter and shockingly simple to whip up, anytime the mood strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and simple aromatics, you’ll create a batch of fries bursting with complex flavor and irresistible crunch. Each ingredient really shines in this recipe, adding something crucial — whether it’s color, punch, or that signature crispy edge.
- Russet potatoes: These are the gold standard for fries, with their starchy texture creating perfectly crispy fry outsides and fluffy insides.
- Olive oil: Just a couple tablespoons are all you need for that craveable golden crisp without deep frying.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses every fry with bold, savory flavor; feel free to adjust for even more garlic punch.
- Garlic powder: This boosts the garlicky notes, ensuring every fry has flavor in every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color, making your fries pop visually and on the palate.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for waking up all the flavors—season generously for best results.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Don’t skip this! It adds color, brightness, and a refreshing contrast to the savory fries.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel your russet potatoes and slice them into classic fry shapes — aim for even thickness for even cooking. If you have time, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before starting. This extra step draws out excess starch, helping your Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries achieve that next-level crunch. Pat the potatoes very dry with towels before proceeding; this makes all the difference for crispiness.
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Toss the potato sticks in a large bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure every fry is coated with the garlicky, paprika-infused oil. This is where the magic happens — not only does the coating make your fries golden, but the double garlic brings serious flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Give the basket a gentle coating of nonstick spray if you’re worried about sticking. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer, ensuring space between them; you might need to cook in batches. Crowding the fries prevents that epic crispiness, so it’s worth a few extra minutes for the best results.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Cook the fries for 15 to 20 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to make sure every fry gets equal air-frying love. They should emerge from the fryer golden brown with crisp edges and tender insides. Keep an eye on them toward the end—they can go from golden to burned fast!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your piping hot fries to a serving dish and immediately sprinkle them with chopped parsley. This final flourish makes your Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries restaurant-worthy—delightfully aromatic, beautifully vibrant, and ready to devour.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries Garnishes
Elevate these fries further with simple, thoughtful garnishes. Classic freshly chopped parsley is a must for brightness, but thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of grated parmesan add extra flavor and color. For garlic lovers, a light dusting of garlic powder after air frying turns up the pungency to eleven—just go lightly to avoid overpowering the fries.
Side Dishes
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries play beautifully with so many meals. Serve them alongside burgers, grilled sandwiches, or even vibrant salads for contrast. They also make a fantastic partner to veggie wraps or roasted chicken, transforming any simple plate into something extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your fry-game for parties or weekend treats by serving these in paper cones, mini baskets, or even atop a wooden board for a rustic touch. Add an assortment of dips—think spicy aioli, herby ranch, or classic ketchup—to encourage dipping and sharing. For a fun twist, top the fries with a fried egg or drizzle with cheese sauce for late-night snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries (honestly, that’s a big “if”), let them cool completely before storing. Move them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid sealing them while still warm, as trapped steam will zap their signature crispiness.
Freezing
Freezing fries is totally doable, especially if you want to meal-prep ahead. Arrange cooked, completely cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them from sticking and preserves their texture. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For best results, skip the microwave and use your air fryer once again! Spread fries in a single layer and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. They’ll reclaim much of that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch and garlicky aroma that makes these so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give you that classic fry texture, Yukon Golds will also work well and offer a slightly creamier bite. Just be mindful that cook times might vary slightly depending on the potato’s moisture content and thickness of your fries.
How do I get the crispiest fries possible in the air fryer?
Soaking the cut fries in cold water before air frying is a game changer—it removes excess starch, upping the crunch factor. Also, make sure to pat them completely dry, don’t crowd the fryer basket, and always cook in a single layer. These tips ensure your Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries will rival any restaurant version!
Is there a way to make these fries oil-free?
You can prepare garlic fries without oil, but they’ll be a bit less crispy and golden. If you’re watching oil intake, reduce the quantity to just enough to lightly coat the potatoes, or use a spray bottle to mist them evenly. It’s all about balance—just don’t skip the oil entirely if maximum crisp is your goal.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
You can definitely double (or even triple) the ingredients for a crowd. Just remember to cook the fries in batches, ensuring a single layer each time in the air fryer basket. This helps every fry get evenly crisp. Keep cooked batches warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
What are the best sauces to serve with these garlic fries?
Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries are ultra-dippable and team up with nearly anything—think creamy aioli, classic ketchup, spicy sriracha mayo, or cooling ranch. Don’t be afraid to get creative by mixing your own signature dip with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries, it’s tough to go back to takeout or frozen varieties. They’re quick, satisfying, and make any meal feel special. Grab your potatoes, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to fries that are crisp, garlicky, and downright addictive!
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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of these Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries, a flavorful side dish that pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces. These fries are seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Potato Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Finish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the potato sticks in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking, then pat dry.
- Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like aioli or ketchup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
