Let’s dive into creating these crispy, flavorful potatoes. Here’s how you can achieve potato perfection:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures that the potatoes will start cooking immediately once they’re in, giving them a nice crisp.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. I learned from my mom that a clean potato makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
3. Using a sharp knife, make slits across each potato, about 1/8 inch apart, being careful not to cut all the way through. A trick I use is placing the potato between two wooden spoons as a guide to prevent slicing too deep.
4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the seasoned oil mixture over the potatoes, making sure to get between the slices. This step always reminds me of painting with my grandmother, meticulous and rewarding.
6. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the centers are tender.
7. Halfway through cooking, brush the potatoes with the melted butter for an added layer of richness.
8. Once cooked, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

The end result? A potato dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor—a perfect nod to my heritage with a modern twist.