Frozen Fries In Air Fryer
Published Mar 20, 2024
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Transform frozen fries into crispy fries as crispy as those from fast food restaurants! Once you try Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer, there’s no going back!
Although there are several ways to cook French fries, one of my all-time favorite ways is using an air fryer. They turn out with the perfect texture – no more soggy fries! Plus, they cook quickly.
Whether you want fries as a side dish or as a base for chili cheese or Loaded French Fries, this recipe works perfectly. With my approach, you can cook one pound of fries in just 15 minutes!
Serve your fries with my Grilled Onion Cheddar Burger or Sourdough Bread Grilled Cheese for a meal the entire family will devour. And, if you like all types of fries, consider trying my Plantain Fries or Super Crispy Yuca Fries, too!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s quick and easy. I love using the air fryer because it’s more convenient than heating my large oven sometimes. It’s especially nice when I don’t want my kitchen to get hot, but I still want crispy fries! You don’t even have to preheat the air fryer; you can just dump the fries in it, set the temperature, and it’s ready to go!
- Everybody loves French fries! They’re a versatile and family-friendly food. Plus, this recipe is great because it doesn’t require submerging the fries in oil, making it a healthier option for your family. Your little ones won’t mind how you cook them, just that they get some fresh and crispy fries!
- There are plenty of ways to serve them. French fries are one of the most adaptable foods out there. You can enjoy them as a snack or transform them into a party appetizer. Not to mention, they are the perfect accompaniment for fried fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more!
Ingredients Needed
This recipe is so simple! All you really need is French fries, but your fries can also benefit from seasonings. Check out my notes regarding which fries and seasonings to use:
- Frozen Fries: For best results, use frozen fries, as fresh-cut potatoes will not cook the same. This recipe uses one 16-ounce bag of fries!
- Seasonings: Have your preferred seasonings ready to go before you begin this recipe. You can make your own seasoning blend with my Best Seasoning For French Fries recipe or use classic salt! Also, make sure to double-check the packaging of your French fries as they may already be seasoned, and you do not want to overdo it on the salt.
How To Make Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer
- Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fryer to the correct temperature.
- Cook the fries for ten minutes.
- Shake the basket, then continue cooking the fries until done.
- Season the fries with preferred seasonings.
- Serve the fries while still warm.
Substitutions and Variations
- Fries: Use any fry shape you like: crinkle-cut, curly, waffle, shoestring, or even steak fries! Just keep in mind that the thickness of the fry will affect their cooking time. For instance, shoestring fries are very thin and require less time to get crunchy. Meanwhile, steak fries can take longer.
- Seasonings: Depending on the flavor profile you are looking for, use fry seasoning, salt, or another type of seasoning. If you want some spice, try using a Cajun seasoning blend!
- Sauces: Dip your french fries in classic ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, fry sauce, or ranch dressing. Honestly, the sky is the limit! Fries taste delicious with all sorts of different sauces.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to shake the fries so they cook evenly. It is important that the hot air can reach each one, making them evenly crispy.
- There is no need to defrost the fries! Cook them from frozen for the best outcome. Their texture suffers when you allow them to thaw first because they become mushy and fall apart.
- Remember that air fryers can vary depending on brand and size. You can check on the fries once it is close to the end of cooking time. If they have reached the level of crispiness that you prefer and look golden brown, feel free to remove them from the heat. On the other hand, they might need a couple of minutes longer. Make sure to use your best judgment and cook them to your liking!
- It is best to cook only as many servings as your family can eat. Feel free to use only half the amount if you don’t necessarily need four servings. Nonetheless, if you happen to have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer. You will be amazed at how quickly they crisp up again with just a few minutes in the appliance!
- Spray the fries with oil to help the seasoning stick. Without oil to adhere to, any season you add to fries will easily run off the fries.
Equipment Needed
If you plan to cook all the fries at once, you will need a 4 to 5-quart air fryer to cook them comfortably. The appliance basket should only be filled halfway, and with a 4-quart air fryer, 1 pound (16 ounces) of fries usually reaches the limit.
So, with your air fryer size, the bigger the better! However, if your appliance is smaller and designed to cook individual portions, you can split them into batches or simply cook less. The most important thing is not to try to fit all the fries into an appliance that cannot accommodate them.
I personally recommend the COSORI Air Fryer Pro LE 5-Qt Airfryer. It even has a shake reminder so you don’t forget to check on the fries while they cook, and you can shake them when needed. It is such a helpful and convenient tool when I am busy cooking other things, so I’m sure you will love it, too!
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on what temperature you cook them at! My recipe uses 400°F, ensuring the fries turn out nice and crispy. They only take 15 minutes this way. If you raise the temperature, it might make the edges burn, so be careful. Alternatively, you can try them at 375°F, and they’ll take about 20 minutes.
Yes! You should give them a shake when they are partially done and return them to the air fryer for longer. This promotes even cooking. Since they are in the air fryer basket, it is easier to just shake the basket handle instead of grabbing a spatula and manually flipping them over.
If you overcrowd the appliance basket with frozen French fries, they may turn out soggy. To prevent this, avoid filling the basket too high so they can have proper airflow.
Another reason for sogginess could be freezer burn. If your frozen fries have been in the freezer for a while, the ice crystals can melt and make them soggy when cooked.
Serving
Enjoy these air fryer french fries with the following meals:
More Fries To Enjoy
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Frozen Fries In Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag frozen fries
- French fries seasoning or salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400℉ for 15 minutes. Shake the fries after they have cooked for ten minutes and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and/or French fries seasoning and toss to combine.*
- Serve the fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
