Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy within these Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes are my answer to the easiest and most delicious side with any meal Their cheesy golden crust and buttery centers disappear fast at the dinner table

The first time I served these potatoes at a family dinner they vanished before I could put the rest of the food on the table Now they are requested at every holiday

Ingredients

• Mini potatoes: Choose small, firm potatoes for the best crispness and even cooking Yukon gold or red work great
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the outside crisp up Melt it fully before using and opt for high quality for the best flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the most cheesy, golden crust Use a microplane or fine grater for best results
• Paprika: Adds smokiness and a hint of color I prefer sweet paprika for a milder flavor
• Garlic: Finely mince for more garlicky flavor Use fresh over jarred for the best taste
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors A flaky or coarse salt sticks best to potatoes
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible for extra zing
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color Use flat-leaf for softer texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer:

Remove the slotted basket from your air fryer so only the base tray is in place Set the temperature to 390 Fahrenheit and let it preheat while you prep the potatoes

Prepare Potatoes and Butter Mix:

Score the inside of each potato half with a small pairing knife This helps the butter and cheese soak in In a bowl mix melted butter with half the parmesan cheese paprika minced garlic salt and black pepper

Arrange and Coat the Potatoes:

Place potato halves cut side down onto the air fryer tray Use a silicone brush to generously coat the tops with the butter mixture so every bit is covered Sprinkle two to three tablespoons extra parmesan on top

Start Air Frying:

Air fry the potatoes cut side down for twenty minutes Do not crowd the tray so every potato gets crispy

Flip and Finish:

After twenty minutes use tongs to flip potatoes over Sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan and half the chopped parsley air fry for ten more minutes

Serve:

Once golden and crisp remove the potatoes and scatter the remaining fresh parsley over them Serve while hot for the ultimate cheesy bite

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Parmesan is my favorite part here because it crisps and browns beautifully creating the crunchiest bites I remember making these for a picnic and having everyone ask for the recipe right away

Storage Tips

Store leftover parmesan potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the air fryer or oven to get them crispy again but avoid microwaving which can make them soggy For freezing cool them completely first and freeze on a tray then transfer to a bag or container Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer until hot and crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have mini potatoes use larger Yukon gold or red potatoes and cut them into one inch pieces Pecorino Romano works as a sub for parmesan For a dairy free version brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with nutritional yeast and your favorite vegan cheese

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes go with just about anything from roasted meats to grilled fish They are fantastic with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a simple green salad For special occasions add them to a brunch board or serve as appetizers with toothpicks and extra parmesan

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Cultural Historical Context

Potatoes with cheese are loved worldwide but this version brings together American comfort cooking and the convenience of air frying Drawing inspiration from Italian parmesan crusted sides and classic baked potatoes these combine the best of both worlds with modern ease

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve extra crispy potatoes?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes to remove starch, then dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.

→ Can I leave the potato skins on?

Yes, keeping the skin adds flavor and results in an even crispier texture after cooking.

→ What kind of potatoes work best?

Mini potatoes are ideal for this method, but Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes also yield great results.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and gets the exterior nice and crispy.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Try mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra kick.