How To Cook Frozen French Fries In An Air Fryer?A full guide

Craving crispy, golden French fries without the hassle of deep frying? Look no further than your air fryer! This handy appliance lets you cook frozen fries with little to no oil for guiltless indulgence. With just a few simple steps and tips, you can achieve restaurant-quality fries in the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to greasy, soggy fries and hello to perfectly cooked, crispy deliciousness every time.

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How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer-Frozen French Fries

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden-brown French fries but want a healthier alternative to deep-frying, then the air fryer is your new best friend. This kitchen gadget uses hot air and little to no oil to create crunchy fries that are just as delicious as the ones from your favorite fast-food joint. Plus, air frying frozen French fries is incredibly easy and gives you that fresh-from-the-fryer taste in just minutes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making air fryer frozen French fries, from the essential equipment and tips to the best cooking techniques for different types of frozen fries. We’ll also share some mouth-watering dipping sauces and serving suggestions to take your fry game to the next level.

1. Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have the right tools for the job:

Air Fryer: Obviously, you’ll need an air fryer. Look for a model with a larger basket capacity if you plan on cooking larger batches of fries.
Tongs or spatulas: You’ll need these to flip and remove the fries from the basket.
Baking Sheet or Plate (Optional): Useful for transferring the cooked fries to let any excess oil drain off.

2. Tips for Making Air Fryer French Fries for the First Time

If this is your first time air frying frozen fries, keep these tips in mind:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the frozen fries. This helps ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly.
Shake or Toss the Fries: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to shake or toss the fries halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
Check for doneness: Different air fryers and fry types may require adjustments to the cooking time. Keep an eye on the fries and remove them when they’re golden and crispy.

Now that you’re equipped with the essentials, let’s move on to the cooking process.

3. How to Make Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making perfect air fryer frozen French fries:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Frozen Fries: Open the air fryer basket and spread the frozen fries in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding.
Cook for 10 Minutes: Set the timer for 10 minutes and let the fries cook undisturbed.
Shake or Toss: After 10 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Cook for an Additional 8–10 Minutes: Depending on your desired level of crispiness, cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, shaking or tossing the fries halfway through.
Check for doneness: The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for a few more minutes.
Transfer and enjoy: Remove the fries from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving plate or bowl. Season with salt or your favorite seasonings, if desired, and enjoy hot.

That’s all there is to it! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy deliciously crispy air fryer frozen French fries in no time.

4. Spread the Frozen Fries in a Single Layer in the Air Fryer Basket

One of the most important tips for achieving perfectly crispy air fryer frozen French fries is to spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will cause the fries to steam instead of getting the desired crunch.

Here’s why spreading them out is crucial:

Air Circulation: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If the fries are piled on top of each other, the hot air won’t be able to reach all surfaces evenly, resulting in unevenly cooked fries.
Steaming Effect: When too many fries are packed together, they release moisture, which can lead to a steaming effect. This causes the fries to become soggy and soft instead of crispy.
Browning: Proper air circulation and exposure to the hot air is essential for the fries to achieve that golden-brown color and crispy exterior.

To ensure your fries are spread in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches, depending on the capacity of your air fryer basket. It’s better to cook smaller portions perfectly than to overcrowd the basket and end up with subpar fries.

5. Cook the Fries at a High Temperature for 20 Minutes

Air fryers work best when cooking at high temperatures, typically between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). For frozen French fries, we recommend cooking them at 400°F (200°C) for a total of 20 minutes.

Here’s why a high temperature and longer cooking time are essential:

Crisping Effect: The high heat helps create that crispy, golden-brown exterior that we all love in French fries.
Cooking Time: Frozen fries are best cooked for a longer period to ensure the interior is fully cooked and the outside is crispy.
Texture: Cooking at a lower temperature or for a shorter time may result in soggy or unevenly cooked fries.

To achieve the best results, follow these steps:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Cook for 10 minutes: Add the frozen fries to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
Shake or Toss: After 10 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Cook for an Additional 8-10 Minutes: Depending on your desired level of crispiness, cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, shaking or tossing the fries halfway through.
Check for doneness: The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for a few more minutes.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the fries. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

6. Can You Make Homemade Fries in the Air Fryer Too?

Absolutely! While frozen French fries are incredibly convenient, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade fries made from fresh potatoes. And the good news is, you can absolutely make them in your air fryer.

Here’s a quick overview of how to make homemade air fryer French fries:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for making crispy fries due to their high starch content.
Wash and Cut: Wash the potatoes, peel them if desired, and cut them into even strips or wedges.
Soak and Dry: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, thoroughly dry them with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Season: Toss the dried potato strips with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
Air Fry: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through.
Check for doneness: The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for a few more minutes.

Making homemade air fryer French fries does require a bit more effort than using frozen ones, but the fresh, homemade taste is well worth it. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients and can customize the seasonings to your liking.

7. Can You Reheat French Fries in the Air Fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is an excellent tool for reheating leftover French fries and reviving their crispiness. Whether you have leftover fries from a restaurant or you cooked too many homemade or frozen fries, the air fryer can breathe new life into them.

Here’s how to reheat French fries in the air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Leftover Fries: Spread the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 3-5 Minutes: Reheat the fries for 3-5 minutes, shaking or tossing them halfway through.
Check for crispiness: The fries should be hot and crispy again. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Once the fries are reheated and crispy, transfer them to a plate or bowl and season with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings. Serve hot!

The air fryer’s hot air circulation and high temperature will help revive the texture of the fries, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside once again.

Keep in mind that reheating may not work as well for fries that were initially soggy or undercooked. For best results, start with high-quality, fresh fries that were cooked correctly the first time.

8. Frozen Fries in Air Fryer Ultimate Guide: Types & Times

When it comes to air frying frozen French fries, not all fries are created equal. Different types of fries may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature to achieve the perfect crispiness.

Here’s a handy guide to help you nail the cooking times for various types of frozen fries in the air fryer:

Fry Type	Cooking Temp	Cooking Time	Instructions
Waffle Fries	400°F (200°C)	12-16 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through
Fast Food-Style Fries	400°F (200°C)	14-18 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through
Crinkle fries	400°F (200°C)	15-18 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through
Classic Cut/Straight Cut Fries	400°F (200°C)	16-20 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through
Steak Fries/Thick Cut Fries	400°F (200°C)	18-22 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through
Sweet Potato Fries	380°F (193°C)	15-20 minutes	Spread in a single layer, shaking halfway through

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and cooking times may vary slightly depending on the specific brand or thickness of the fries, as well as your desired level of crispiness.

It’s always a good idea to start checking on the fries a few minutes before the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed. And remember, shaking or tossing the fries halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and crispiness.

9. How To Air Fry Frozen Waffle Fries

If you’re a fan of those delicious, crispy waffle fries, the air fryer is the perfect way to cook them from frozen. Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked waffle fries in your air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Frozen Waffle Fries: Spread the frozen waffle fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 12-16 Minutes: Set the timer for 12-16 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Shake or Toss: After 6-8 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Check for Doneness: The waffle fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Once the waffle fries are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate or bowl and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Serve hot!

Waffle fries are a great option for air frying because their unique shape and ridges provide more surface area for crisping up in the hot air. Just be sure to spread them out in a single layer and shake or toss them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

10. How To Air Fry Fast Food-Style Frozen Fries

If you love the taste of classic fast-food French fries but want a healthier option, air frying frozen fast food-style fries is the way to go. Here’s how to achieve that familiar crispy exterior and fluffy interior:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Frozen Fries: Spread the frozen fast food-style fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 14-18 Minutes: Set the timer for 14-18 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Shake or Toss: After 7-9 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Check for doneness: The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Once the fries are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate or bowl and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Serve hot!

Fast food-style frozen fries are typically thinner and more uniform in shape, which allows them to crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Just be sure to spread them out in a single layer and shake or toss them halfway through cooking for best results.

11. How To Air Fry Crinkle Cut Frozen Fries

Crinkle cut fries are a fun and tasty variation on classic French fries, with their unique ridged texture. And the good news is, they air fry beautifully! Here’s how to achieve perfectly crispy crinkle cut fries in your air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the frozen Crinkle fries: Spread the frozen crinkle cut fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 15-18 Minutes: Set the timer for 15–18 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Shake or Toss: After 7-9 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Check for doneness: The crinkle cut fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Once the fries are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate or bowl and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Serve hot!

The ridged texture of crinkle cut fries allows for more surface area to crisp up in the hot air, resulting in a delightfully crunchy exterior. Just be sure to spread them out in a single layer and shake or toss them halfway through cooking for best results.

12. How To Air Fry Classic Cut Frozen Fries

Classic cut or straight cut fries are a staple, and the air fryer is the perfect way to cook them from frozen. Here’s how to achieve perfectly crispy classic cut fries:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Frozen Classic Cut Fries: Spread the frozen classic cut fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
Cook for 16–20 Minutes: Set the timer for 16–20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Shake or Toss: After 8–10 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to shake or toss the fries, ensuring even cooking.
Check for Doneness: The classic cut fries should be golden brown and crispy when done. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve: Once the fries are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a serving plate or bowl and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasonings. Serve hot!

Classic cut fries are a crowd-pleaser, and the air fryer does an excellent job of crisping them up without the need for excess oil. Just be sure to spread them out in a single layer and shake or toss them halfway through cooking for best results.

13. How To Serve Frozen French Fries Made in the Air Fryer

Now that you’ve mastered the art of air frying frozen French fries, it’s time to take them to the next level with some delicious serving suggestions.

14. Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauces

One of the best things about French fries is the opportunity to dip them in a variety of tasty sauces. Here are some classic and creative dipping sauce ideas to complement your air fryer fries:

- Ketchup: The classic fry-dipper, but feel free to spice it up with some sriracha or chipotle seasoning.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy, ranch is a crowd-pleaser.
- Cheese Sauce: Warm, gooey cheese sauce takes fries to the next level.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy twist on the traditional mustard.
- Garlic Aioli: creamy and packed with garlicky flavor.

Barbecue Sauce: sweet and smoky, perfect for those who like a little kick.

Salsa or Guacamole: Add a fresh, Mexican-inspired twist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different dipping sauce combinations until you find your perfect match!

15. What To Serve With Crispy French Fries

While French fries are delicious on their own, they also make a fantastic side dish or accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Here are some tasty options to pair with your crispy air fryer fries:

Burgers: Whether it’s a classic beef burger or a veggie option, fries are the perfect sidekick.
Hot Dogs: Upgrade your hot dog game by serving them with a side of crispy fries.
Grilled or Fried Chicken: Fried chicken and fries are a match made in heaven.
Steak or Pork Chops: Steak frites, anyone? Fries are a classic pairing with grilled meats.
Fish and Chips: Air fry some frozen fish fillets alongside your fries for a healthier twist on the classic.
Sandwiches and Wraps: French fries are a great addition to any sandwich or wrap plate.
Salads: Add some crunch to your salad by topping it with a few crispy fries.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and pair your air fryer fries with a variety of main dishes for a satisfying and delicious meal.

16. Storage & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftover air fryer frozen French fries, don’t worry – they store and reheat quite well.

17. Our Favorite Dips for Air Frying Frozen Fries

No plate of crispy air fryer fries is complete without a delicious dipping sauce to accompany it! Here are some of our favorite dips that pair perfectly with those golden fries:

Garlic Aioli

A fancy name for an incredibly tasty garlic mayonnaise. Whisk together mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a creamy, tangy, garlicky dip.

Chipotle Ranch

Kick up the flavor of classic ranch by adding smoky chipotle peppers to adobo sauce. The cool creaminess pairs beautifully with the subtle heat.

Honey Mustard

The classic sweet and savory combo, honey mustard, is easy to make by mixing Dijon mustard with honey and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Queso Blanco

This velvety white cheese dip has a mild, salty flavor that’s totally dunk-worthy. Make it by melting white cheese like Monterey jack with milk and spices.

Bacon Ranch

Why choose between ranch and bacon when you can have both? Crumbled bacon folded into a cool ranch dressing is salty, savory perfection.

Sriracha Mayo

For those who like it hot, combine mayo with the spicy, garlicky kick of sriracha sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice to really make it sing.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique dip combinations. The smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly complement the crispy fries straight from the air fryer.

18. Cooking Times May Vary for Air Fryer Fries

While we’ve provided general cooking time guidelines for different types of frozen fries, it’s important to note that times can vary based on a few factors:

Air Fryer Model: Different air fryer models and capacities may require slightly different cooking times.
Fry Thickness: Thicker-cut fries will need more time to cook through compared to thin, shoestring fries.
Quantity: Cooking a larger batch of fries may increase the overall cooking time.
Desired Crispiness: If you like your fries extra crispy, you’ll likely need to tack on a few extra minutes.

The best way to ensure perfect results is to start checking on your fries a few minutes before the recommended cook time. Look for that ideal golden-brown color and give them a taste test. If they need more time, continue cooking and checking every 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired level of doneness.

It’s also a good idea to shake or toss the fries periodically during cooking to promote even browning on all sides.

With a little practice and adjustments based on your specific air fryer and fry preferences, you’ll be able to nail the perfect cook time every time.

19. Looking for More Types of Fries?

While this guide focuses primarily on cooking frozen French fries in the air fryer, don’t limit yourself! The air fryer is an incredibly versatile tool for making all sorts of crispy fry varieties, including:

Sweet Potato Fries

A nutrient-dense alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries get deliciously crispy in the air fryer. Look for frozen varieties or make your own by cutting sweet potatoes into fry shapes.

Zucchini Fries

A lighter, vegetable-based option, zucchini fries are easy to make in the air fryer. Simply toss zucchini sticks in a light breading or batter before air frying to perfection.

Avocado Fries

For a unique twist, try air frying avocado wedges coated in breadcrumbs or batter. The hot air gives them an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the interior creamy.

Carrot Fries

Carrots make a fantastic base for healthy, vibrant fries. Toss them in oil and seasoning before air frying until tender in the middle and crispy outside.

Eggplant Fries

Sliced or wedged eggplant soaks up flavors beautifully and gets nice and crispy when air fried.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetable varieties to make delicious, healthy fry alternatives in your air fryer.

20. Easy Air Fryer Recipes

While air fryer frozen french fries are incredibly convenient, the air fryer is also an amazing tool for whipping up all sorts of other easy and delicious recipes. Here are just a few tasty ideas to try:

Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, saucy wings with none of the deep-frying mess.
Air Fryer Meatballs: Cook up a big batch of juicy, evenly-browned meatballs in no time.
Air Fryer Salmon: Get picture-perfect, flaky salmon with zero risk of overcooking.
Air Fryer Donuts: Yes, you can even make light and airy donuts in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Bagels: Bake fresh, chewy bagels right in your air fryer.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Forget the oven – the air fryer makes crispy-skinned potatoes fast.
Air Fryer Vegetables: From Brussels sprouts to green beans, get veggies crispy and delicious.

The opportunities are endless when it comes to easy air fryer cooking. Consider investing in an air fryer cookbook or browsing recipes online to discover new healthy and tasty dishes to make in this versatile appliance.

21. How To Make Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer

Making frozen french fries in the air fryer couldn’t be simpler! Here’s a quick step-by-step recap:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the frozen fries in an even layer in the air fryer basket or tray, being careful not to overcrowd.
Cook for 10 minutes, then shake or toss the fries to promote even browning.
Continue cooking for 8–10 more minutes, shaking again halfway, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
Transfer the hot fries to a serving dish and season with salt, pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy!

Total cook time will vary based on the type and thickness of the frozen fries, but 16–20 minutes is generally perfect for achieving that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside french fry perfection.

The beauty of the air fryer is that you get maximal crunch and flavor using just a minimum amount of oil or cooking spray. It’s a healthier, easier way to satisfy your french fry cravings at home!

22. Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

For crispy, crave-worthy air fryer frozen french fry perfection every time, keep these pro tips in mind:

Don’t overcrowd the basket- Air flow is key, so give those fries plenty of room.
Use a preheated air fryer – Get that hot air circulating from the start for optimal crispiness.
Shake or toss frequently – Keep things moving to ensure even browning all over.
Spray with oil if desired – A light coating of oil can enhance crunchiness.
Check on them frequently – Each air fryer runs a little differently, so adjust times as needed.
Make cleanup easy – Use a crisper tray or line the basket for fuss-free cleaning.

With these simple tricks, you’ll have perfectly cooked frozen fries with an epic crunchy exterior and pillowy interior every single time. The air fryer really is the pro move for delicious fry making!

23. Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve covered a ton about making amazing air fryer frozen french fries, but you may still have some lingering questions. Here are answers to some common queries:

Can I make fries from fresh potatoes?

Yes, you can absolutely make homemade french fries from scratch using fresh russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Cut into fry shapes, soak in water, pat dry, toss with oil, and air fry at 400F for 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?

No oil is required, but you can give your fries a very light coating or mist of oil to enhance crispiness and browning. Just avoid using too much oil.

How do I reheat leftover air fryer fries?

Simply pop the leftover fries back into the air fryer at 350-400F for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway, until hot and crispy again.

Are air fryer fries healthy?

Air fryer fries are a healthier option than deep-fried since little to no oil is used. But they’re still fried potatoes, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How can I season my fries?

The options are endless! Try seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or fresh herbs.

What dips go well with fries?

All the classics, like ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, queso, beer cheese, barbecue sauce, and more, make great dippers.

Don’t see your question answered here? Leave a comment and we’ll get you the french fry intel you need!

24. More Delicious French Fry Recipes

If you just can’t get enough of those crispy, salty fries, here are some more delicious recipes to try:

Loaded Bacon Ranch Fries
Cheesy Chorizo Fries
Garlic Parmesan Fry Bites
BBQ Chicken Fry Nachos
Fry Breakfast Burritos
Crispy Fry-Smashed Burgers
Poutine Fries with Gravy and Cheese Curds
Chili Cheese Fries
Fry-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon Dip

The possibilities are endless when you start with a base of hot, crispy fries right from the air fryer. Get creative with toppings, dips, and loaded combinations for the ultimate indulgent treat.

But even the simple pleasures of a golden pile of fries with your favorite condiment can’t be beat. The air fryer is about to become your French fry buddy!

Conclusion:

There you have it! Mastering how to cook frozen French fries in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, golden fries without the guilt of deep frying. With this cooking method, you can enjoy your favorite indulgence while keeping things healthier and easier to prepare.

Remember, the key to success is preheating your air fryer, arranging the frozen fries in a single layer, and cooking them at a high temperature while shaking or tossing occasionally. Serve your air-fried fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’ve got a delicious snack or side dish that’s sure to impress. So fire up that air fryer and get ready to enjoy the crunchiest, most satisfying fries ever.