When it comes to preparing a quick and delicious side dish, frozen fries in air fryer have become a go-to option for many households.

The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook, offering a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying methods.

Gone are the days of soggy fries that lack the crispiness and flavor you crave.

With the right technique, you can achieve perfectly crispy frozen fries in air fryer every time.

But what makes the air fryer such a great tool for cooking frozen fries?

Let’s dive into the advantages and tips for mastering this simple, yet tasty dish.

Why an Air Fryer Is Perfect for Cooking Frozen Fries

The air fryer is more than just a trend—it’s a kitchen powerhouse for cooking everything from appetizers to full meals.

But when it comes to frozen fries, the air fryer shines due to several key reasons:

1. Crispy Results Without the Guilt: Unlike deep frying, which submerges food in oil, the air fryer uses hot, circulating air to cook food evenly. This results in crispy fries without the excessive oil and calories.
2. Quick and Convenient: Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is faster than using an oven and more efficient than waiting for a deep fryer to heat up. With preheating and cooking times combined, you can have crispy fries in under 20 minutes.
3. Versatile Cooking Options: The air fryer allows for customizable cooking. Whether you prefer your fries extra crispy or lightly golden, you can easily adjust the settings to match your preferences.
4. Energy Efficient: Air fryers use less energy compared to ovens, making them a great option for small households or quick meals.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making frozen fries in an air fryer—from the types of fries to choose, to seasoning tips, and cooking times for perfect results.

Choosing the Best Frozen Fries in Air Fryer Cooking

When selecting frozen fries for your air fryer, not all options are created equal.

The type of fries you choose can greatly impact the texture, crispiness, and overall flavor.

From thin shoestring fries to thick steak fries, the air fryer handles them all with ease, but each variety comes with its own quirks and cooking times.

To help you make the best choice, we’ll break down the most popular types of frozen fries and recommend the top options each category.

1. Shoestring Fries

Shoestring fries are thin and crispy, making them ideal for air fryer cooking.

Their slim shape allows them to cook quickly and evenly, often resulting in extra crispy fries.

If you love fries with a satisfying crunch and minimal cooking time, shoestring fries are a fantastic option.

Best Recommendation: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Potatoes Shoestring Organic

• These classic fries are beloved for their thin cut and crispy finish.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market, Potatoes Shoestring Organic has perfected the art of making shoestring fries that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer with minimal effort.
• They also cook quickly, typically needing only 10 minutes for a golden, crunchy result.

2. Crinkle Cut Fries

Crinkle cut fries are a fan-favorite due to their wavy ridges, which not only add texture but also help hold onto seasonings.

These fries are thicker than shoestring fries but cook evenly in the air fryer, producing a golden-brown exterior with a fluffy interior.

Best Recommendation: Alexia Organic Crinkle Cut Fries with Sea Salt

• Alexia’s crinkle cut fries are made from high-quality organic potatoes and come lightly seasoned with sea salt.
• They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while maintaining a soft, fluffy center, making them a great option for those looking for a more natural, healthier fry alternative.

3. Steak Fries

Steak fries are the thickest cut fries you can find.

Their large surface area means they take a bit longer to cook, but they offer a hearty potato experience with a crispy outside and soft, creamy interior.

Steak fries are perfect for those who prefer a thicker fry with a bit more bite.

Best Recommendation: Ore-Ida Golden Steak Fries

• These steak fries are thick, hearty, and offer the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Ore-Ida’s Golden Steak Fries are specifically designed to retain their texture even when cooked in an air fryer, providing a satisfying bite with each fry.
• They’re especially good for pairing with burgers or steak.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries have become a popular alternative to regular fries due to their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.

While sweet potatoes contain more moisture than regular potatoes, making them slightly trickier to crisp up in an air fryer, the right brand and cooking technique can yield fantastic results.

Best Recommendation: Alexia Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt

• Alexia’s sweet potato fries are known for their quality and flavor.
• They come pre-seasoned with sea salt and are designed to crisp up nicely in an air fryer, offering a slightly sweet, savory snack that’s healthier than traditional fries.
• Cooking these in smaller batches can help you achieve an ideal crisp.

5. Curly Fries

Curly fries are a fun and flavorful option that are often pre-seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder.

Their spiral shape adds texture and crunch, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Curly fries hold up well in the air fryer, giving you a perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.

Best Recommendation: Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries

• If you love the taste of Arby’s iconic curly fries, you can now make them at home.
• These pre-seasoned curly fries cook up perfectly in the air fryer, providing the same spicy, crispy experience you’d expect from a fast-food restaurant.

6. Waffle Fries

Waffle fries are unique in their shape, offering large, grid-like pieces that cook quickly and crisp up well in the air fryer.

Their shape provides more surface area for crisping, while still delivering a soft, fluffy potato texture inside.

Waffle fries are excellent for dipping due to their shape and sturdy texture.

Best Recommendation: Alexia Foods Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries

• Alexia Foods Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries are a fun alternative to traditional fries, and their shape makes them especially suited for air fryer cooking.
• They cook evenly and become crispy without losing their tender inside.
• These waffle fries are also great for pairing with sauces and dips due to their ridged texture.

7. Tater Tots

Though not technically fries, tater tots deserve a mention as they are also commonly cooked in air fryers.

Tater tots offer a crispy outer shell and a soft, potato-filled interior, making them a fun and delicious side dish or snack.

Their small size allows them to cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.

Best Recommendation on Amazon: Alexia Crispy Seasoned Potato Puffs Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper

• Alexia Crispy Seasoned Potato Puffs Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper are a classic choice for anyone craving bite-sized, crispy potato snacks.
• These tots cook quickly in the air fryer, giving you a crunchy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
• They are a favorite among kids and adults alike.

How to Achieve the Best Results for Each Type of Frozen Fries

No matter which type of fries you choose, the air fryer can help you achieve crispy, golden results with the right techniques.

Here are some general tips to ensure perfect fries every time:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the fries.

This ensures the fries cook evenly and start to crisp up immediately.

Preheating typically takes 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

2. Cook in Single Layers

For the crispiest fries, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Fries need space for air to circulate around them in order to cook evenly.

If you’re making a large batch, cook the fries in multiple smaller batches.

3. Shake the Basket

Halfway through the cooking process, give the air fryer basket a shake to move the fries around.

This prevents uneven cooking and ensures every fry gets crispy.

4. Monitor the Cooking Time

Different types of fries have different cooking times.

For thinner fries like shoestrings, 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) should suffice, while thicker fries like steak fries may need up to 20 minutes.

Always check on the fries near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning.

5. Use Oil Sparingly

Most frozen fries come pre-coated in oil, so additional oil isn’t necessary.

However, if you want an extra golden finish, a light spray of cooking oil can help.

Be cautious not to add too much, as air fryers require minimal oil for crisping.

6. Add Seasoning Before or After Cooking

If your frozen fries aren’t pre-seasoned, you can choose to add seasoning before or after cooking.

Adding seasoning after cooking may help the spices stick better, but you can also toss the fries in oil and seasoning before air frying for a more flavorful bite.

By choosing the right type of frozen fries and following these easy tips, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality fries in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, frozen fries in an air fryer are always a hit.

Preparing Frozen Fries for the Air Fryer

Before you pop those fries into the air fryer, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure maximum crispiness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the fries begin cooking immediately when placed in the basket.

This step is key for crispy results, as it allows the fries to cook evenly.

2. Do Not Overcrowd the Basket

One of the most common mistakes when cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is overcrowding the basket.

When fries are piled on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly, and you’ll end up with soggy fries.

Make sure the fries are in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate around each piece.

3. Lightly Coat with Oil (Optional)

Most frozen fries already come lightly coated in oil, but if you want an extra golden-brown finish, you can lightly spray or toss the fries with a little more oil before cooking.

Just be careful not to use too much, as the air fryer needs minimal oil to achieve crispy results.

4. Seasoning Before or After?

You can choose to season your fries before or after cooking.

Pre-seasoned fries like curly fries often don’t need additional seasoning, but plain fries can be enhanced with a sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, paprika, or even Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Frozen Fries in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once your fries are prepared, it’s time to start cooking!

Here’s a simple, foolproof method for achieving the perfect batch of frozen fries in an air fryer:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the Fries

Place your frozen fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

3. Cook for 10-15 Minutes

The cooking time for frozen fries in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fries and your desired level of crispiness.

As a general guide, cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Check for Crispiness

After 10 minutes, check the fries to see if they’ve reached your preferred level of crispiness.

For extra crispy fries, continue cooking for another 2-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the fries from the air fryer, season as desired, and serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Frozen Fries in Air Fryer

1. Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating ensures the fries start cooking immediately and helps lock in that crunch.
2. Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket to move the fries around. This promotes even cooking and prevents certain fries from becoming too crispy or too soft.
3. Monitor the Cooking Time: Fries can go from crispy to burnt quickly in an air fryer.
4. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: If you’re worried about fries sticking to the air fryer basket, use parchment paper or a silicone liner specifically designed for air fryers. This will make cleanup a breeze!

What Not to Do When Cooking Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer

While air frying frozen fries is a relatively simple and foolproof method for achieving crispy results, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your fries come out perfect every time.

These pitfalls can lead to uneven cooking, soggy fries, or even damage to your air fryer.

Let’s go over some things you should never do when cooking frozen fries in an air fryer.

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

One of the biggest mistakes people make when using an air fryer is overcrowding the basket.

If you try to cook too many fries at once, the hot air won’t be able to circulate evenly, which can result in fries that are soggy or undercooked.

To avoid this, always cook your fries in a single layer and leave enough space for air to flow around them.

If you have a large batch, it’s better to cook in multiple smaller batches for consistent crispiness.

2. Don’t Skip Preheating

While it may be tempting to throw the fries in right away and start cooking, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that should not be skipped.

Without preheating, the fries may not cook evenly, resulting in some fries being undercooked while others are overly browned.

A preheated air fryer ensures that the fries start cooking immediately, leading to more consistent results.

3. Avoid Using Too Much Oil

One of the great benefits of air frying is that you don’t need much oil to achieve crispy fries.

In fact, most frozen fries come pre-coated in oil, so additional oil isn’t usually necessary.

Adding too much oil can result in greasy fries and might even cause excess smoke in your air fryer.

If you want an extra golden finish, use a very light spray of cooking oil—but be cautious not to overdo it.

4. Don’t Forget to Shake the Basket

Another common mistake is leaving the fries to cook without shaking or stirring them midway through the cooking process.

This can lead to uneven cooking, with some fries becoming overly crispy while others remain undercooked.

To ensure all the fries get evenly cooked, pause halfway through the cooking time to give the basket a good shake, or use tongs to turn the fries.

5. Don’t Cook Fries at Too Low a Temperature

Cooking frozen fries at a temperature that’s too low can result in soggy, limp fries.

For most frozen fries, the ideal cooking temperature is 400°F (200°C).

If you cook them at a lower temperature, they may not crisp up properly and will lack the satisfying crunch you’re looking for.

Always refer to the recommended temperature settings for your specific brand of fries, but as a general rule, 400°F is a safe bet for most varieties.

6. Avoid Seasoning Fries Too Early

If you’re adding extra seasoning to your fries, avoid doing so before cooking unless you’ve lightly coated them in oil.

Seasonings may burn or become unevenly distributed when added too early, especially if the fries aren’t properly coated.

It’s usually best to season your fries immediately after cooking, when they’re still hot and crispy, so the seasoning can adhere better.

7. Don’t Ignore the Cooking Time

Different types of frozen fries have different cooking times, so it’s important not to set a generic time for all types of fries.

Thinner fries like shoestrings will cook faster, while thicker fries like steak fries will take longer.

Always check on your fries near the end of the cooking process and adjust the time accordingly.

Overcooking your fries can lead to a dry, tough texture, while undercooking them will leave them soft and soggy.

8. Avoid Overloading on Oil-Based Seasonings

While it’s tempting to toss fries in a variety of flavored oils or sauces before air frying, too much oil-based seasoning can hinder the crisping process.

Sauces or marinades may make the fries soggy instead of crispy.

If you want to flavor your fries with oil-based seasonings or sauces, it’s best to add them after cooking rather than before.

9. Don’t Use Parchment Paper Improperly

Many people use parchment paper to prevent fries from sticking to the air fryer basket, but it’s important to use it correctly.

Make sure the parchment paper has holes or perforations to allow proper air circulation.

Using non-perforated paper can block airflow and lead to unevenly cooked fries.

Additionally, never place parchment paper in the air fryer without any food on it, as it can fly up into the heating element and cause a fire hazard.

10. Don’t Overlook Cleaning Your Air Fryer

Lastly, always remember to clean your air fryer after each use, especially after cooking fries.

Grease and residue from the fries can build up over time, leading to smoke during cooking or affecting the flavor of future meals.

Clean the basket and tray thoroughly to maintain the quality of your air fryer and ensure every batch of fries comes out perfectly.

Conclusion: The Foolproof Way to Cook Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfectly crispy fries every time—without the need for excessive oil or a deep fryer.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can elevate your frozen fries to restaurant-quality snacks in just minutes.

Whether you prefer shoestring, crinkle cut, or sweet potato fries, the air fryer is the perfect tool for achieving crispy, golden results with minimal effort.

Just be sure to choose the right type of frozen fries, preheat your air fryer, cook in single layers, and give the basket a good shake halfway through.

By avoiding overcrowding, excessive oil, and low temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy crispy, delicious fries every time.

Mastering Frozen Fries in Air Fryer for Crispy Results Every Time

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get crispy, golden fries without the need for deep frying.

By choosing the right type of fries, preparing them properly, and following a few simple tips, you can achieve restaurant-quality fries in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re making fries as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, the air fryer is the perfect tool to get crispy results every time.

So next time you’re craving fries, remember: frozen fries in air fryer are the way to go for foolproof, crispy results.

Enjoy!

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