Dinner

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries: The Ultimate Seasoned Crispy Fries Recipe

BySophie Carsel February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Introduction

These Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Fries are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. Made with a flavorful blend of garlic and spices, they come out golden and crispy every time without the extra oil of traditional frying.

A close-up view of a pile of golden-brown French fries in a white bowl, each fry crispy with slight rough texture and a light coating of grated cheese scattered evenly on top. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding a fresh color contrast against the warm fries. The fries appear thick and soft inside, with some showing slight variations in color, from light yellow to deeper golden brown. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and flavor.
Step 2: Slice the potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick strips using a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Soak the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and achieve crispier fries.
Step 4: Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove moisture.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 6: Place the dried fries in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss again to distribute the spices.
Step 7: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 8: Arrange a single layer of fries in the air fryer basket without overcrowding for even cooking.
Step 9: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (around 8-10 minutes) to ensure even crisping. Add 2-5 extra minutes if you want them extra crispy.
Step 10: Check the fries for a golden-brown, crispy finish. Continue to cook in 2-minute increments if needed.
Step 11: Carefully remove the fries and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Step 12: If desired, top the hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 13: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
Step 14: Enjoy these crispy, garlicky fries fresh and savor every delicious bite!

Tips & Variations

For an extra crispy texture, soak the fries for longer and make sure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
Swap smoked paprika with cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a herbaceous twist.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweet and savory variation.

Storage

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl full of golden brown French fries covered with a generous layer of grated white cheese and small sprinkles of green herbs on top. The fries have a crispy texture with tiny specks of seasoning visible. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?

While fresh potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen fries. Just adjust the cooking time according to your air fryer’s instructions and skip the soaking step.

How do I prevent the fries from sticking together?

Make sure to dry the fries thoroughly before tossing them with oil and seasoning. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking in batches if necessary for even crisping.