Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer aren't just convenient; they're a game-changer. This simple method turns your frozen fries into the best salty, crispy, and hot fries, much like your favorite fast food, but in less time and with less oil.
If you love your air fryer as much as i do be sure to check my Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Baked Camembert, and Super Easy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli next.
Alright friends, we're talking French fries today. While I LOVE making homemade fries, we all know that's not happening on a busy weeknight after sports, homework, work, and everything else that keeps us so busy.
I'm a huge fan of frozen fries because I can whip them up quickly as an easy side dish to sandwiches or other weeknight meals. My air fryer has made this process a breeze. After testing and retesting, I've found the best method for making delicious, crispy air fryer fries.
Want something to go with this air fryer french fries? try this The Best Homemade Mayonnaise Without Mustard, The Best Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or this The Best Grilled Buffalo Chicken.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Air Fryer Frozen Fries
- Ingredients
- Equipment Needed
- How To Air Fry Frozen French Fries
- Variations & Substitutions
- Expert Tips
- How To Serve Frozen French Fries Made in the Air Fryer
- What To Serve With Crispy French Fries
- Storage & Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Side Dishes to Go with Air Fryer French Fries
- How To Make Crispy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Frozen Fries
- Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies the process of making crispy French fries. With a bag of frozen fries and an air fryer, you'll have a delicious side dish ready in just 10-12 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means you can enjoy your favorite salty fries with less oil compared to deep frying. This method cuts down on excess oil, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
- Versatility: Whether you prefer steak fries, shoestring fries, waffle fries, curly fries, or sweet potato fries, this recipe works for all types. You can easily adapt the cooking time to suit the thickness and type of fry.
- Perfect Crispiness: The air fryer ensures your fries come out golden brown and crispy every time. Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process guarantees even cooking and perfect results.
- Flavorful Seasonings: Adding your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of the fries. You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect Side Dish. These fries are the perfect side dish to pair with approximatly any sandwich, like this sloppy joe recipe, it's the perfect combination!
Ingredients
- 1 lb bag of frozen French fries: This is a good starting point for serving 2-4 people, depending on portion size. You can choose any type of fry you prefer, from crinkle-cut fries to thicker steak fries, curly fries, waffle fries, or any specialty fries you love.
- Cooking spray: A light coating to prevent fries from sticking to the air fryer basket and to help them crisp up. Use a non-aerosol spray to protect the air fryer’s non-stick surface.
- olive oil (optional): Adds a touch of flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture. You can use extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, drizzling it over the fries before cooking.
- garlic powder: Adds a mild garlic flavor to the fries. Sprinkle it evenly over the fries for a subtle yet delicious taste.
- onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the fries with a hint of onion. Sprinkle it evenly for an extra layer of flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer - I use this magnificent Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL
How To Air Fry Frozen French Fries
Preparation: Lightly coat the frozen French fries with cooking oil spray and sprinkle evenly with salt (or garlic salt for a more robust flavor). Place the seasoned fries into the basket of the air fryer.
Arrange in the Basket: Unlike some air fryer recipes where food must be arranged in a single layer, it's acceptable for the fries to overlap slightly. You'll be shaking the basket periodically during cooking to ensure even crisping.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fries start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy texture.
Cook: cook the fries for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This shaking helps redistribute the fries for even cooking and crispiness.
Serve: Transfer the cooked fries to a serving dish and season with additional salt to taste, if needed. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or fry sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
Garlic Parmesan Fries: After cooking the fries, toss them with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. The heat of the fries will melt the cheese slightly, creating a flavorful and cheesy coating.
Spicy Cajun Fries: Substitute the salt with Cajun seasoning before cooking the fries. This will give them a spicy kick and a bold flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces.
Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon Sugar: Substitute frozen French fries with frozen sweet potato fries. Toss the hot fries with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet and savory treat that can be served as a side dish or dessert option.
Expert Tips
Don't overcrowd! For perfectly crispy fries, spread them in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket with minimal overlap.
Shake well! About halfway through the cooking time, give the fries a good shake. This ensures every part of each fry cooks evenly.
Check & adjust! To achieve fries that rival your favorite fast food, monitor them throughout the cooking process. If they start to burn or get too crispy, stop cooking early. If they aren't crispy enough, add a few more minutes. It's super easy!
How To Serve Frozen French Fries Made in the Air Fryer
- Classic Pairings: Serve the crispy air fryer fries alongside classic favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken tenders. These pairings make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Loaded Fries: Turn your fries into a hearty dish by loading them up with toppings. Add shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and chopped green onions for loaded cheese fries. You can also try variations like chili cheese fries by adding a scoop of chili and a sprinkle of cheddar.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor of your fries. Popular choices include ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, aioli, and sriracha mayo. Mixing up different sauces adds a fun and flavorful twist.
- Seasoned Fries: Experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavor. Toss the hot fries with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. You can also try truffle oil and Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Side Dish: Serve the air fryer fries as a side dish to main courses like grilled steak, roasted chicken, or fish. The crispy texture of the fries complements a wide range of proteins and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- Poutine: Create a Canadian-inspired dish by making poutine. Top the fries with cheese curds and hot gravy. The heat from the gravy will melt the cheese curds slightly, creating a deliciously savory treat.
- Snack or Appetizer: Serve the fries as a snack or appetizer for a party or gathering. Arrange them in a large bowl or on a platter with an assortment of dips for guests to enjoy. This makes for an easy and crowd-pleasing option.
What To Serve With Crispy French Fries
Burgers: A juicy cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your choice of condiments pairs perfectly with crispy French fries.
Hot Dogs: A traditional hot dog with mustard, ketchup, and relish is a simple yet satisfying pairing.
Chicken Dishes: Crispy fried chicken pieces make a classic pairing with French fries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Steak: A perfectly grilled rib-eye steak with a side of crispy fries makes for a luxurious and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover air fryer French fries, let them cool completely to prevent condensation and sogginess. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the fries will last for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for about 3-5 minutes.
Reheat the fries for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Monitor the fries closely towards the end of the reheating process to avoid burning. Once they are heated through and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking frozen French fries in an air fryer typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
The best frozen French fries can vary based on personal preference, but some brands consistently receive high praise for their taste, texture, and quality.
My all time favorite ones are Alexia Known for their high-quality ingredients and variety of cuts, including sweet potato fries, or Ore-Ida a classic brand with a wide range of options, including crinkle-cut and shoestring fries.
No, you generally do not need to add oil when air frying frozen fries. Most frozen fries already contain a bit of oil from the manufacturing process. However, if you prefer a bit of extra crispiness, you can lightly spray or toss the fries with a small amount of oil before cooking.
Best Side Dishes to Go with Air Fryer French Fries
- The Best Grilled Buffalo Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Love this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating! I love to see and it helps me continue to develop delicious recipes for this blog.
How To Make Crispy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen French fries depending on portion size.
- Light cooking oil spray ensuring the fries don't stick.
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste: Sprinkle evenly over the fries before or after cooking, adjusting to your preference.
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese cheesy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the frozen fries in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for desired crispiness and adjust the cook time if necessary.
- Transfer to a bowl, add your favorite seasonings, and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like fry sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
NOTES
- Cooking Time Adjustment: The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fries. Thinner fries like shoestring may cook faster (8-10 minutes), while thicker fries like steak or sweet potato fries may need a few extra minutes (12-15 minutes). Monitor the fries towards the end of the cooking time to achieve your desired crispiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. While it's okay for the fries to overlap slightly, too many fries can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. If you have a large batch, consider cooking in multiple smaller batches for optimal crispiness.
- Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent fries from sticking together. This step is crucial for achieving uniformly crispy fries.
- Seasoning Flexibility: Feel free to get creative with seasonings. While the recipe calls for salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, you can experiment with other spices like paprika, chili powder, or even grated cheese to tailor the flavor to your preference. Add seasonings after cooking to prevent burning and enhance the fries' taste.
Imsen says
perfect french fries in the air fryer
Vicky says
These crispy air fryer fries were a game-changer for my movie nights! So simple and delicious, I'm hooked! Can't wait to try out more seasoning variations next time.
Imsen says
glad you liked it vicky!
kushi says
Thanks for the tips and tricks on making these air fryer French fries. Thanks for sharing.
suja md says
This looks really delicious. Can't wait to try it out! thanks for the recipe 🙂
chara says
Love this recipe, perfect for this summer.thanks for sharing
Paula says
I loved the crispy texture of these air fryer fries! So easy to make too!
Dina and Bruce says
So crispy and the flavor was amazing!!
Ashley says
We love to make fries to have with cheeseburgers but I've always used my toaster oven. Your air fryer method works so much better! Crispy fries every time!
Imsen says
Thanks Ashley for the comment! and glad you loved the recipe!
DK says
Very simple and easy to follow recipe! Thanks - now my fries will always be crispy!
suja md says
Excellent crispy recipe, taste was good.
Sharon says
Making fries in an air fryer rocks, can't wait to try your poutine suggestion!
Anjali says
These turned out so much better using my air fryer compared to my oven! I'm only going to be making frozen french fries this way from now on!
Holley says
This really is a game changer! I make these all of the time in my air fryer now 🙂
Harriet Young says
Fantastic! Frozen French fries never crisp up in the oven for me, but these were absolutely perfect. Never cooking them any other way again!
Neha says
Wow I had no clue its so easy to make french fries in air fryer! It’s definitely going into our weekend snacks rotation!
Jeff says
I love how you cover the different thicknesses of fries that are out there. I never seem to have the same fries twice in a row.
Rosemary says
You are right, there is something that makes me feel "guilt-free" when I indulge in french fries made in an air fryer. I've been meaning to get one, but haven't yet. I'm adding this to my growing list of delicious air fryer recipes. Yum!