It wasn’t too long ago when my best friend lent me her air fryer. “Try it,” she said, “it’ll change your life!” Boy, she wasn’t exaggerating. The first time I used it, I made these Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, and let’s just say, they became an instant hit. I mean, potatoes with a Parmesan twist? Who wouldn’t be all over that? Plus, the fact that it only takes 20 minutes from start to finish is a real lifesaver on hectic weeknights.
I often make these for our family movie nights as a healthier twist on traditional fries. The kids have gotten so good at shaking the fryer basket that it’s turned into a bit of a game – they’re the “potato patrol” with the all-important task of making sure no potato is left unshaken! It’s become a delightful part of our routine, almost as much fun as picking out what movie to watch.
If you’re new to using air fryers or just looking for a quick side dish that grabs attention, I promise these Parmesan roasted potatoes won’t let you down. Not only are they super simple and easy, with ingredients you probably already have lurking in your pantry, but they give you that satisfaction of crunch without any of the guilt. I’m all about making life simpler, and this recipe does just that.
So grab your potatoes, fire up that air fryer, and let’s get cooking! You might find this little kitchen gadget might just become your new best friend, too.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- 2 lb baby potatoes (or fingerling, with skins on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Set your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F, consulting the manual if necessary to check specific preheating instructions.
- Rinse and thoroughly clean the potatoes, drying them before slicing each one in half. Leave the skin on for added texture.
- In a roomy bowl, mix the halved potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the top, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Apply a light layer of cooking spray to the basket of your air fryer to prevent sticking.
- Spread the seasoned potato halves in the air fryer basket and cook for about 15 minutes. Give them a good shake or flip them midway to ensure even browning.
- At around 10 minutes in, stop the air fryer briefly to sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Resume cooking until the cheese is deliciously melted and the potatoes have that irresistible crisp.
- If desired, finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or thyme as a garnish before serving. Enjoy!
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
If you’re missing any ingredients, don’t fret! Swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor. Vegetable or avocado oil makes a fine replacement for olive oil if needed. And for something a tad spicier, try red pepper flakes instead of black pepper. There’s always room to tweak ingredients to your preference!
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Last Longer
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, reheating in the air fryer for a few minutes will bring back the crispiness, just like when they were first cooked. If you plan to freeze them, do so before adding the parmesan cheese, and they can last for up to a month.
The Best Accompaniments for Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These potatoes are versatile and pair well with grilled chicken or roasted beef for a full meal. For an added crunch, you can serve them alongside a fresh garden salad. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a side dish and try them with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp white wine.
Secrets to Perfecting Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy potatoes is all about ensuring they’re not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. A little breathing room helps them crisp up nicely. Another tip—don’t skimp on the cheese; it’s the key ingredient that gives these potatoes their distinctive flavor. Try flipping the potatoes more than once if you like them extra crispy!
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
During the summer, toss fresh basil or rosemary into the mix for a fragrant aroma. In the colder months, consider sprinkling a bit of smoked paprika or adding diced squash to the potatoes for a hearty winter vibe. Seasonal herbs and spices can truly transform this dish year-round.
FAQs:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, Yukon gold or even red potatoes can be a great substitute. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, as larger pieces may require more time to cook thoroughly.
Is it okay to use powdered parmesan cheese?
While freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for its superior melting quality and taste, the powdered version can be used when necessary. Just remember, powdered cheese may not melt the same way and could affect the overall texture of the dish.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can roast these potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and follow the same preparation steps. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How can I tell when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are cooked when they are fork-tender and golden brown on the outside. If a fork slides in easily, they’re done. You can also break one apart to make sure the inside is soft and creamy before serving.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan variation, skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor without the need for dairy. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preference.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can cut and season the potatoes a few hours before cooking. Store them in the fridge covered in olive oil to prevent oxidation. When ready to cook, follow the directions, and your potatoes will taste just as fresh!
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 lb baby potatoes or fingerling, with skins on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or as needed
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Thoroughly clean, scrub, and dry the baby potatoes. Cut them in half while keeping the skins intact.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, tossing to ensure an even coating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes, giving them a shake or turn halfway through for even cooking.
- At the halfway point, pause the air fryer and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the potatoes. Resume cooking until the potatoes are golden and the cheese has melted.
- For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. Enjoy!
