These incredibly crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries are actually vegan! With minimal effort, you can make homemade garlic parmesan fries that are full of flavour. Included is a recipe using store bought frozen French fries for a quick and easy side dish.

If you haven’t already tried garlic parmesan French fries, then you are seriously missing out. I don’t even know how I went so long without trying them myself!
The first time I tried them, I made a small batch with leftover hard cheese and since I’ve been craving them! This time round, I’ve made a bigger batch and used some dried rosemary and parsley!
Homemade French fries are coated in an irresistible vegan garlic, rosemary and parmesan topping for the best air fryer fries recipe you’ll ever try! Its big on flavour and texture!
If you want to simply make Air Fryer French Fries, then you can also use this recipe. Simply omit the seasoning and stick to the oil and salt only for crispy french fries.
The Air Fryer is hands down my favourite way to cook potatoes, whether it is Air Fryer Potato Slices , Air Fryer Indian Potatoes or Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Potatoes .
These garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are so crispy and easy to make!
Why you should make Air Fryer Garlic Fries
A super tasty side dish for burgers, pies, BBQ and more!
Made with simple ingredients – all ingredients are easily available from a quick trip to the supermarket
Naturally vegan – the ingredients used are plant based. If you are not vegan or vegetarian, simply use normal parmesan or other hard cheese.

Ingredients:
Full measurements and method can also be found in the recipe card below.
- Potatoes
The type of potatoes used are very important for the best fries. Floury potatoes are best and waxy potatoes should be avoided.
In the UK, the best potatoes are Maris Piper or King Edwards. In the US, you can use russet potatoes
All-rounder potatoes work well enough too!
I’ve used strachy potatoes in this Triple Cooked Chips in Air fryer
Garlic Seasoning:
Garlic powder – I prefer to use garlic powder compared with fresh garlic as it is much quicker and requires less equipment. Fresh garlic needs to be well minced or pureed and also, the garlic flavour is a bit more mellow with the powder.
Vegan/Vegetarian hard cheese – a vegetarian friendly replacement to parmesan cheese
Dried Parsley and dried rosemary – you can use fresh also! These herbs can be changed to whichever flavour you fancy.
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking oil spray – you can use an olive oil cooking spray or any other kind of oil that does not have a strong flavour of its own.
Optional
Fresh parsley
Truffle oil – add a drizzle of truffle oil to make these classic french fries extra fancy!
Soaking the potatoes
Soaking your sliced potatoes is a crucial step for this french fry recipe. This is the best way to get a crispy outside like traditional French fries.
You want to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for around 30 minutes or 1 hour. This process helps to remove starch from the potatoes.
Of course, if you are pushed for time then leave this step out.
How to make Air Fryer Garlic Fries
Thoroughly wash your potatoes in running water. Peel the skin and remove any eyes from the potato
Slice the potato into thin strips. Firstly, slice the potatoes lengthways into layers and then cut into each layer to make thin fries.
Soak fries for around 30 minutes.
Drain the water and pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Arrange the fries into a single layer in the air fryer basket and generously spray more cooking oil. Try not to overlap the fries otherwise they will remain soft.
Instead of cooking oil, you can add the potatoes and oil to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Air Fry the freshly cut fries at 200C or 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to get crispy fries that are beginning to brown.
The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the slices and air fryer used.
At this stage, you can use frozen fries if you wish. Frozen Fries may cook faster so keep an eye on them at the halfway point.

Meanwhile, you can prepare the seasoning – mix together garlic powder, dried parsley and rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl

Coat the cooked fries in the seasoning and place back into the air fryer.
Squirt on a little oil as extra.
Air Fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra hard cheese if you want

How to make Air Fryer Garlic French Fries from frozen
The recipe remains almost the same except you do not need to prep the potatoes.
Air Fryer frozen french fries at 200C for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Coat with the garlic parmesan seasoning and air fryer for an extra minute to melt the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these crispy garlic fries with your favourite dipping sauce. Some examples include tomato ketchup, garlic aioli or ranch dressing.
I love hot fries alongside veggie burgers , Sundried tomato chickpea cakes , pies, or vegetable stews!
Pizza and fries make for a comforting meal! Try these Air Fryer French Bread Pizzas
Storage
These fries are best eaten straight away but can definitely be stored for later
Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating in the air fryer is a great way to summon magical crispy crunchy fries all over again!
You can freeze these fries – place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer into a freezer bag. You can then cook the garlic fries directly from frozen whenever you want. You may need to use a lower temperature like 180C when re-cooking.

Yes, you can. Bake in a preheated oven at 200C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. You can follow the same steps as above.
Reheat french fries in the air fryer, oven or microwave. The latter will lead to soft fries.
You can certainly prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend air frying just before serving. You can mix the seasoning in advance and also cut and soak the potatoes in advance.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Parsnips
Frozen Spring Rolls in Air Fryer
Donut Holes
Air Fryer Chestnuts
Frozen empanadas in air fryer
Chinese Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries
Air Fryer Frozen Samosas
Breaded Mushrooms in Air Fryer
Air fryer Baked Potatoes Microwave
Pasta Bake in Air Fryer
Air fryer Cauliflower
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Air Fryer Garlic Fries (So Crispy)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
- 1 Chopping board
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese vegan hard cheese
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1 tablespoon rosemary dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder/granules
- 1 tablespoon oil spray
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash your potatoes in running water. Peel the skin and remove any eyes from the potato 4 large potatoes
- Slice the potato into thin strips.
- Soak fries for around 30 minutes.
- Drain the water and pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. 1 tablespoon oil
- Arrange the fries into a single layer in the air fryer basket and generously spray more cooking oil. Try not to overlap the fries otherwise they will remain soft.
- Instead of cooking oil, you can add the potatoes and oil to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry the freshly cut fries at 200C or 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to get crispy fries that are beginning to brown.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the slices and air fryer used.
- At this stage, you can use frozen fries if you wish.
- Meanwhile, you can prepare the seasoning – mix together garlic powder, dried parsley and rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Coat the cooked fries in the seasoning and place back into the air fryer.
- Squirt on a little oil as extra.
- Air Fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra hard cheese if you want.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Air Fryer Garlic Fries (So Crispy)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
- 1 Chopping board
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese vegan hard cheese
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon parsley dried
- 1 tablespoon rosemary dried
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder/granules
- 1 tablespoon oil spray
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash your potatoes in running water. Peel the skin and remove any eyes from the potato 4 large potatoes
- Slice the potato into thin strips.
- Soak fries for around 30 minutes.
- Drain the water and pat dry each fry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. 1 tablespoon oil
- Arrange the fries into a single layer in the air fryer basket and generously spray more cooking oil. Try not to overlap the fries otherwise they will remain soft.
- Instead of cooking oil, you can add the potatoes and oil to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry the freshly cut fries at 200C or 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to get crispy fries that are beginning to brown.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the slices and air fryer used.
- At this stage, you can use frozen fries if you wish.
- Meanwhile, you can prepare the seasoning - mix together garlic powder, dried parsley and rosemary, vegan hard cheese, salt and pepper in a small bowl 5 tablespoon parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 tablespoon garlic
- Coat the cooked fries in the seasoning and place back into the air fryer.
- Squirt on a little oil as extra.
- Air Fry for a further 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
- Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra hard cheese if you want.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
This Vegan Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash is an easy side dish. It is made by mashing a head of cauliflower with vegan butter, dairy-free sour cream and flavoured with fresh chives and garlic. It is a delicious side dish made from simple ingredients. It is the perfect low carb alternative to creamy mashed potatoes and can be prepared during busy weeknights.

Cauliflower Mash recipe is as super easy as preparing mashed potato, you will not require many ingredients and much time.
Either steam or boil the cauliflower florets, blend with a hand blender or food processor, but if you want a little work out for your biceps use a traditional potato masher until fluffy and smooth, flavoured with garlic, vegan cream/cheese/butter, or olive oil and garnish it with freshly chopped herbs.
You can achieve the same silky texture as mashed potato. If you want thick, creamy and velvety texture use butter, cream cheese or whipped cream if you are vegetarian but not strictly vegan. The trick is to ensure the mash is not chunky
The recipe has a close taste to mashed potato making it a great recipe for picky eaters and a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes
Naturally, cauliflower is low in carbs and calories and high in nutrition in comparison to white potatoes.
This recipe can be prepared on a stovetop or stovetop pressure cooker. In a normal pressure cooker, add water put a trivet and cook the cauliflower for one whistle. In the pan, the same procedure can be done but it will take more time to cook the cauliflower.

Why you should make this recipe
Healthy side dish – this cauliflower recipe is lower carb
Easy Instant Pot Recipe -if you’re looking for easy Instant Pot recipes, this is definitely one of them! The prep is easy peasy with a small cook time
Nutritious meal for the whole family – the great taste of this cauliflower mash will convert the most passiionate cauliflower hater.
Festive – great for your Christmas and Thanksgiving table as a lighter alternative – serve alongside Air Fryer Parsnips
Diets – Suitable for those following a keto diet or who are diabetic.

Ingredients
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
Cauliflower – use fresh cauliflower for the best results. Pick a cauliflower that is creamy white all over without yellow or dark spots.
Vegan milk – use a plant-based milk such as oat. If you are not vegan, use dairy milk or cream
Vegan butter or olive oil
Vegan sour cream or yogurt – if you are vegetarian, you could use greek yogurt
Seasoning – salt, black pepper and nutmeg powder
Fresh chives – or any other winter herbs.
Garlic – I have used garlic powder/granulels.
Variations:
It is personal preference however you want to flavour the dish. Here are some ideas
Stir through parmesan cheese – it is possible to find vegetarian and vegan hard cheese in most supermarkets
Mash with some roasted garlic for a warm earthy flavour – simply roast fresh garlic cloves in the oven until light brown.
How to make Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
I have used the Instant Pot pressure cooker but you can use any other electric pressure cooker.
Remove all the green leaves of cauliflower and roughly chop the cauliflower.
Wash thoroughly under the hot running water.
Place 1/2 cup water in the inner pot and place the trivet/ steamer basket inside.
Place cauliflower on it and close the lid. Place the vent on Seal (according to your model)
Select the steam button and select 2 minutes.

Do a quick pressure release by switching the valve to the venting position and remove the steamed cauliflower into another plate.
Clean the inner pot and select sauté button for 4 minutes.
Add butter, once melted add steamed cauliflower and milk.

Start mashing the cauliflower with a masher or immersion blender until the milk is absorbed and you reach the desired consistency.
Add sour cream, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Sprinkle over chopped chives and mix well.
Transfer in a serving dish, pour some melted butter or olive oil and garnish the mash with the remaining chives and black pepper.

Serving Suggestion
This cauliflower mash would go wonderfully with a warming Veggie Pie. Why not spoon it over your Shepards Pie as a great substitute to mashed potato.
Great with vegan swedish meatballs or a green bean casserole.
I like to use up leftovers to make my Loaded Cauliflower Mash Cheese balls
Storage
Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I do not recommend freezing cauliflower mash as it will release water upon thawing.

Other Cauliflower Recipes
Tandoori Cauliflower Tacos
Roasted Cauliflower & Parsnips Soup
Vegan Cauliflower Korma (Instant Pot)
Aloo Gobi (Instant Pot)
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (vegan)
Equipment
- 1 Instant pot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cup cauliflower florets approx 500-600g trimmed green leaves.
- 3 tablespoon vegan Butter or Olive Oil
- ¼ cup vegan sour cream or cream cheese
- 5 tablespoon milk any vegan
- salt
- black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg Powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic Powder or granules
- 1 tablespoon chives freshly chopped
Instructions
- Arrange Instant Pot or other electric pressure cookers according to manufacture instruction. 4 cup cauliflower florets
- Add 1/2 cup plain water into the inner pot.
- Put a trivet in the inner pot and place cauliflower on it.*
- Select steam and press for 2 minutes.
- Once done, quickly release the pressure and carefully remove the cauliflower.
- Mash the cauliflower into the small pieces using a fork.
- Remove the water from the inner pot, clean the pot again and dry it with the clean kitchen towel.
- Select saute button and press it for 3-4 minutes.
- Add butter, once it starts melting add steamed cauliflower pieces. 3 tablespoon vegan Butter
- Mix well, add milk and start mashing it with the potato masher or you can use a hand blender. 5 tablespoon milk
- Add cheese or cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg and garlic powder. 1/4 cup vegan sour cream, salt, black Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Powder, 1 teaspoon garlic Powder
- Mix all well, the mash will thicken slowly.
- Once done, transfer it in a serving bowl and topped it up with garnish it with pepper powder and garnish it with freshly chopped chives. 1 tablespoon chives
- Enjoy hot as side dish with your favourite meal.
Video
Notes
This dish can be prepared in a normal pressure cooker or pan.
Want to make this dish as a vegetarian, go ahead and use all the dairy products instead of vegan.
Don't have chives? use thyme, parsley, rosemary or coriander.
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Note – This recipe has been updated from our recipe archives with new images and content, but the recipe remains the same. First time published in February 25th, 2012.