There’s something incredibly satisfying about crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside baby potatoes—especially when they’re tossed in olive oil, garlic, and plenty of parmesan. I’ve always loved roasted potatoes, but once I tried them in the air fryer, I was completely hooked. Not only do they cook up faster, but the golden crunch is unreal. This recipe is my go-to whenever I need a simple side dish that feels a little extra without adding much effort.
These air fryer parmesan baby potatoes are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or just snacking straight off the tray (guilty!). The seasoning is basic but bold, and the parmesan adds that rich, nutty edge that makes everything taste better. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing side that practically cooks itself, this one’s for you.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Baby Potatoes: These small, tender potatoes cook evenly and quickly, making them perfect for the air fryer. Their thin skins crisp up beautifully while the inside stays soft and buttery.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps the potatoes get that golden, crispy texture. It also helps the seasoning stick to every bite.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds savory depth without the risk of burning like fresh garlic. It’s an easy way to infuse flavor fast.
Paprika: A little paprika gives these potatoes a warm color and a subtle smoky kick. You can use regular or smoked depending on your flavor preference.
Salt and Pepper: A must! These bring out the flavor of the potatoes and balance the richness of the parmesan.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan melts onto the hot potatoes, forming a crispy, salty coating that takes things to the next level.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness. Totally optional, but I love the contrast it brings.
Ingredients List
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Baby Potatoes
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the potatoes start crisping up as soon as they go in and gives a better golden finish.
Prep the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half. If some are smaller than others, you can leave them whole to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them crisp instead of steam.
Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Add the parmesan last and toss gently to coat without clumping.
Air Fry the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be fork-tender and beautifully crisped on the edges.
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using, and maybe even a little extra parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy every crunchy bite!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Dry the potatoes well before seasoning. Excess moisture keeps them from crisping up.
- Use freshly grated parmesan if possible—it melts and crisps better than the pre-packaged kind.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate to get that crispy texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get golden.
- Add a squeeze of lemon after cooking for a bright, zesty contrast.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes! Just cut them into 1-inch pieces to keep the cooking time similar.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
What kind of parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated works best, but you can use pre-grated as long as it’s not the super-fine powdery kind.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! The skins help them crisp up and add texture, so leave them on.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—just skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative that melts well.