If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my easy Garlic Butter Parmesan Fries recipe, made perfectly in an air fryer. These fries are golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor from fresh garlic and creamy Parmesan. You will love how simple it is to whip these up at home. Ready to elevate your fry game? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 2 large russet potatoes
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gathering good ingredients is key to great fries. I love using russet potatoes. They are perfect for fries because they are starchy and turn crispy. You want to choose large ones for enough fries to share.
Next, you need unsalted butter. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with garlic. Speaking of garlic, you’ll need four cloves. Fresh garlic gives the best taste in this recipe.
Adding dried oregano and smoked paprika brings extra flavor to the mix. Don’t forget salt and black pepper; they boost the taste of everything. Finally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must-have. It melts perfectly on hot fries.
Chopped fresh parsley adds a nice touch and bright color. Having fresh herbs makes the dish look even better. Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
Start by washing your russet potatoes. Use cold water to scrub them well. Once clean, cut the potatoes into sticks about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. After cutting, soak the potato sticks in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking removes extra starch. This step is key for crispy fries. After soaking, drain them and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Making the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with 4 minced cloves of garlic. Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir this mixture until it combines well. The aroma will be inviting!
Air Frying the Fries
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Once preheated, place the coated fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Air fry the fries for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The fries should turn golden and crispy.
When they are done, sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the fries right away. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly. Remove the fries from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter Parmesan fries!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Crispy Fries
To make the best fries, start with soaking the potatoes. Place the cut fries in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch. Less starch means crispier fries.
After soaking, it is crucial to dry the potatoes well. Use a clean towel to pat them dry. Moisture can make the fries soggy in the air fryer.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost the flavor, think about adding spices. Consider garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for some heat. These spices can make your fries even tastier.
If you want to switch things up, try alternatives to Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Crumbled feta or cheddar can also work great. Get creative and find what you love!
Variations
Different Potato Options
You can play with different potatoes to mix things up. Sweet potatoes are a great choice. They add a tasty, sweet flavor. Simply follow the same steps as with russet potatoes. Other types of potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, also work well. Each type gives a unique taste and texture.
Flavor Customizations
For a twist, try adding different herbs. You can use fresh rosemary or thyme. These herbs pair well with garlic. If you want more garlic flavor, add a bit more minced garlic to the mix. After cooking, sprinkle on some spicy toppings like chili flakes or fresh herbs. These will kick up the flavor even more. Enjoy being creative with your fries!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Fries
To keep your garlic butter parmesan fries fresh, follow these steps:
– Place leftover fries in an airtight container.
– Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
– Make sure they cool down before sealing the container to prevent steam.
For reheating, you want to keep that crispy texture. Here’s how:
– Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
– Place the fries in a single layer in the basket.
– Heat for about 5-7 minutes.
– Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some fries for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s a simple guide:
– Allow the fries to cool completely.
– Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
– Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
– Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to cook from frozen:
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
– No need to thaw; just cook frozen fries for 20-25 minutes.
– Shake the basket halfway through for crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fries. Frozen fries save time and work well in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket halfway through to get even crispiness.
What dipping sauces pair well with garlic butter fries?
Garlic butter fries taste great with many dipping sauces. Here are some choices:
– Garlic aioli
– Ketchup
– Ranch dressing
– Spicy mayo
– Barbecue sauce
Try out different sauces and find your favorite!
How do I make these fries vegan-friendly?
To make vegan garlic butter fries, replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Enjoy a tasty vegan treat!
We explored how to make crispy garlic butter Parmesan fries using simple steps. You learned about the key ingredients, including russet potatoes, butter, and garlic, and how to prep them for air frying. We shared tips for achieving that perfect crunch and suggested tasty variations. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking fries at home can be fun and rewarding. Get creative and enjoy the process!
