These Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries are golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Made with fresh potatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of seasonings, these oven-baked fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions—without sacrificing taste or crispiness. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, these fries are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Golden – Baked to perfection with a crunchy Parmesan coating.
- Packed with Flavor – Garlic, Parmesan, and herbs make these fries irresistible.
- Healthier Alternative – Baked instead of fried for a lighter option.
- Simple & Easy – Uses pantry-friendly ingredients and is ready in 35 minutes.
- Perfect for Dipping – Great with ketchup, aioli, ranch, or marinara sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fries:
- Russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt & black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven – Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Fries – Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes, then cut into thin strips.
- Soak in Cold Water – Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this makes them extra crispy). Drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Season & Bake
- Toss with Oil & Spices – In a large bowl, mix the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread on Baking Sheet – Arrange the fries in a single layer for even crisping.
- Bake & Flip – Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Parmesan
- Toss with Fresh Garlic – As soon as the fries come out of the oven, toss with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Truffle Parmesan Fries – Drizzle with truffle oil for an upscale twist.
- Spicy Garlic Fries – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Loaded Parmesan Fries – Top with crispy bacon and melted cheese.
- Sweet Potato Version – Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked fries for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make my fries extra crispy?
Soak them in cold water, dry thoroughly, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Can I use frozen fries instead?
Yes! Just toss them with the seasonings and bake as directed.
Can I air fry these?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What dipping sauces go well with these fries?
Garlic aioli, ketchup, ranch, or marinara sauce pair perfectly.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and coats the fries better than pre-shredded.
Can I skip the soaking step?
Yes, but soaking removes starch and results in crispier fries.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Golds work well, while sweet potatoes give a different flavor.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Yes! Cut and soak the potatoes, then dry and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What’s the best way to cut fries evenly?
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for consistent thickness.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries are the ultimate homemade side dish—flavorful, crunchy, and packed with cheesy garlic goodness. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a party snack, or game day, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try them today and enjoy the perfect crispy fries!
PrintCrispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries
These Crispy Baked Parmesan Garlic Fries are golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor! Made with fresh potatoes, garlic, and parmesan, they’re healthier than deep-fried fries and make a perfect side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Garlic Butter (Optional but Amazing!)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Dipping:
- Garlic aioli, ranch, or marinara sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut potatoes into thin fries (¼-inch thick).
- Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this makes them crispier!).
- Drain and pat completely dry with a towel.
Step 2: Season the Fries
- In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange fries in a single layer on the baking sheet (don’t overcrowd them).
Step 3: Bake the Fries
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter & Parmesan
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic. Drizzle over the fries.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan and fresh parsley. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- Extra Crispy? Use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- No Russet Potatoes? Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes work too!
- Spicy Kick? Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.