Today’s air fryer recipe is all about keeping it fast and simple, and tasty in the kitchen! Ever wondered how to make frozen French fries in an air fryer? Well, you’re in the right place! I’m going to walk you through this easy and super handy method. Trust me; it’s about to become your go-to method for a quick side dish or snack.
So, let’s dive in and whip up some lip-smackingly good fries in record time that are crispy but never crease.
Why Air Fry Frozen Fries?
- Convenience: First and foremost, it’s super easy and convenient. You don’t need to peel, cut, or soak the potatoes and wait for the oil to heat up, nor do you need to thaw the fries. Just grab the bag from the freezer, and you’re ready to go.
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods like deep frying or shallow frying. So, you get the delicious taste and crispiness of fried food, but with fewer calories and less fat.
- Crispiness: When cooked correctly, air fryer frozen fries get wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside.
- Quick and Efficient: Frozen French fries are already partially cooked, so they take less time to finish cooking in the air fryer.
- Less Mess: Forget about dealing with a pot of hot oil. With air frying, clean-up is a breeze!
You Need Just Three Simple Ingredients
Not much, right? Just three simple things:
1. Frozen French Fries: Grab a bag of your favorite frozen fries. You’re not limited to one brand here – any brand like Red Robin, Kroger, McCain’s, Ore-Ida, Whole Foods 365, Trader Joe’s fries, or even Great Value’s seasoned fries will do. Just be sure if you’ve got a larger bag, you’ll want to cook them in batches to keep everything nice and crispy.
2. Salt: This is where you can personalize your fries. I prefer seasoning salt for an extra kick. But go ahead, use plain salt or your favorite spices. The goal here is to find a taste that suits you best!
3. Oil Spray: Lastly, don’t forget about some olive oil spray or any cooking oil spray that you prefer. This prevents the fries from sticking to your air fryer basket. A quick spray, and you’re good to go!
Air Fryer French Fries Time and Temp
Okay, before we start cooking, let’s look at the different cooking times for different types of frozen French fries. Here’s your handy Air Fryer French Fries Time and Temp guide:
1. Regular/Straight-Cut Fries: Our old faithful that I am using in this recipe. In the air fryer, these take about 12-14 minutes at 390°F (or 200°C) to reach perfect crispiness.
2. Crinkle-Cut/Waffle Fries: With their delightful ridges, these take around 10-11 minutes at 390°F (or 200°C) in the air fryer to become beautifully crispy.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: A favorite for those seeking a slightly healthier option, these take a bit longer; try about 16-17 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
4. Lattice Cut Fries: More surface area equals more crunch! Try them for 10-11 minutes at 390°F (or 200°C) in your air fryer.
5. Shoestring Fries: Thin, crispy, and ready in a jiffy. Aim for around 8-10 minutes at 390°F (or 200°C) in your air fryer.
As always, keep in mind that each air fryer is a bit unique, so these timings are just a guideline. Make sure to keep an eye on your fries the first few times you make them, and adjust as necessary. Happy air frying!
How To Cook Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer?
Step 1: Warm up the Air Fryer. Start by getting your air fryer warmed up. I recommend setting the air fryer to 390°F (or 200°C). The air fryer needs a few minutes to preheat, but it’s worth the wait.
Step 2: Prep the Basket. Before adding the frozen fries, a light spritz of cooking oil is a great way to ensure your fries don’t stick and they get the chance to achieve ultimate crispiness.
Step 3: Bring in the Fries. Now for the main attraction: the fries! Toss in 2-3 handfuls of frozen French fries straight from the freezer into the basket. Make sure they have a little room – a crowded basket can mean uneven cooking and undercooked or soggy fries.
Step 4: Season to Taste. Before they hit the heat, I like to season those fries with some salt, but you can use any other of your favorite seasonings. Don’t be afraid to get creative here – a little dash of something unexpected could take your fries to the next level, like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.
Step 5: Cook. Pop your basket into the air fryer and set your timer for 12-14 minutes. At the halfway point, don’t forget to give the fries a shake or a stir so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Step 6: Look for Golden Brown. Once the fries are crispy and the edges start to turn slightly golden brown, you’ll know your fries are ready.
How to Serve Air Fryer Frozen French Fries?
And there you have it – the super simple method for making frozen French fries in an air fryer! This easy process always results in delicious crispy fries that are perfect as a side dish or a quick snack. So, grab that bag of frozen fries and get air frying!
- With Traditional Ketchup: You can’t go wrong with a classic. I like dipping my fries in a dollop of ketchup; it’s a timeless pairing!
- Using a Homemade Fry Sauce: For a fun twist, I recommend combining mayo, ketchup, and a dash of hot sauce. It brings a tangy zing that perfectly complements the fries.
- Topped with Cheese: Who can resist cheesy fries? I enjoy sprinkling some sharp cheddar over my hot fries fresh from the air fryer. The melty goodness is just irresistible!
- Served with Barbecue Dip: When I want a sweet and tangy experience, I like dipping my fries in barbecue sauce. It’s a smoky delight that never disappoints!
- Alongside Ranch Dressing: A fan favorite, I find ranch dressing provides a cool and creamy contrast to the hot, crispy fries.
- Accompanied by Spicy Mayo: For those days when I crave a little heat, I mix mayo with sriracha to make a spicy dip that certainly livens up the fries!
Remember, these fries are your canvas, and there’s no end to the flavorful combinations you can create. Enjoy experimenting with different dips and toppings!
FAQs
What are some of the best frozen fries for air fryer?
In my experience, when it comes to top frozen fries for your air fryer, here are the real stars. Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles – classic and dependable, always a hit. For a fancier touch, Alexia House Cut Fries with Sea Salt have a unique taste that’s hard to beat. If you’re a crunch fan, you can’t miss McCain Extra Crispy Straight Cut Fries. Health-conscious? Trader Joe’s Handmade Sweet Potato Fries are a tasty choice. Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries will give you a kick of flavor, and for an organic option, try 365 Organic Crinkle Cut Fries from Whole Foods.
Do you need to defrost before air frying?
No, you don’t need to defrost frozen fries before air frying. The air fryer is designed to cook food from frozen, and defrosting the fries first could result in a mushy texture.
Why are air fryer fries not crispy?
If your air fryer fries aren’t crispy, it could be due to overcrowding the basket or not cooking at a high enough temperature. To fix it, make sure not to fill the basket more than half full and cook at a higher temperature. Shake the basket during cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Are frozen french fries that are made in an air fryer lower in calories?
Yes, frozen french fries made in an air fryer are generally lower in calories compared to those deep-fried. This is because an air fryer uses circulating hot air to cook the fries, reducing the amount of oil that is absorbed during the cooking process.
Do you spray oil on frozen french fries in an air fryer?
No, you don’t need to spray oil on frozen french fries when using an air fryer. They are typically pre-cooked in the factory with a bit of oil, so they will still get crispy and golden without any additional oil.
Read Also: Double Frying French Fries – Secret To Crispy Fries or a Waste of Time?
How To Make Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer
2
servings5
minutes12
minutes210
kcal17
minutesFrozen French fries, prepared in an air fryer, yield a delightfully crispy texture with edges tinged in golden brown. Requiring minimal effort, they make an excellent side dish for those bustling, action-packed days. Refer below for specific cooking times tailored to various fry shapes.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2-3 handfuls of frozen French fries
Cooking oil (for spraying)
Salt, to taste
Other seasonings, as desired (paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.)
Directions
- Other seasonings, as desired (paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.)
- While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen French fries out of the freezer.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with some cooking oil. This will prevent the fries from sticking to the basket and allow for even cooking.
- Place 2-3 handfuls of frozen French fries into the basket, taking care not to overcrowd the fries as this could prevent them from crisping up.
- Season the fries with salt to taste. If you wish to use additional seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder, now is the time to sprinkle them on.
- Insert the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 12-14 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking process, pull out the basket and give the fries a good shake or mix to ensure they are evenly cooked.
- Continue cooking until the fries are crispy and their edges start to turn slightly golden brown.
Once done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. - Serve the crispy air fryer French fries immediately, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the golden rule when using an air fryer. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly and could result in uneven cooking. For the crispiest fries, make sure they have some breathing room.
- Shake it up: Halfway through the cooking time, give your air fryer basket a good shake. This ensures all the fries are exposed to the hot air and will get crispy.
- Adjust Time for Different Cuts: Not all fries are made equal. Shoestring fries will cook faster than thick steak fries, for example. So adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Every air fryer is a little different, and cooking times can vary. Start checking your fries a few minutes before the recommended cooking time ends to make sure they don’t burn.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning. Try tossing your fries in garlic powder, chili powder, or even some grated parmesan cheese after they’re done cooking for a flavor boost.
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If you don’t have an air fryer, check out How To Fry Frozen French Fries In a Pan.
How To Store Cooked French Fries?
Cooked fries are never really the same when cold and eaten later, but if you must store them, here’s how: First, let the fries cool completely to prevent them from becoming soggy. Then, put them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. For reheating, use the air fryer at 390°F (or 200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
In Conclusion
Alright, that’s all there is to it! Air-frying frozen fries isn’t rocket science – it’s just a quick, tasty, and less creasy way to enjoy your favorite snack. So, next time you have a bag of frozen fries, just remember these tips, and you’re good to go. Ready to start air frying? Let’s do it! Enjoy those crispy, delicious fries!
Also, I want to hear from you! Got any questions about how to make frozen French fries in an air fryer? Or maybe you’ve tried it and want to share your experience? Drop your thoughts, questions, or favorite fry moments in the comments below.