Air Fryer Hacks: Frozen French Fries, Anytime!

French fries are a staple food item for many, and cooking them from frozen in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. Air-fried French fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried or baked fries, as they require less oil and have a reduced cooking time. The air fryer's hot air circulation creates crispy French fries without the need for extra grease. This guide will teach you how to make perfect, crispy French fries from frozen using an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving that desirable crispy texture on the outside and soft texture on the inside. If your air fryer model requires preheating, set it to around 400°F (204°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This can help in achieving optimal cooking quickly.

While the air fryer is preheating, take your bag of frozen French fries out of the freezer. There is no need to thaw them; cook them straight from the freezer. Measure the quantity of fries you want to cook. A good guideline is to fill the air fryer basket to about halfway full. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. If you have large quantities, consider cooking in batches.

To boost the flavor and ensure an extra crispy texture, consider lightly coating your frozen fries with cooking spray. This step is particularly beneficial if you prefer your fries with a little extra crunch. However, it is worth noting that most frozen fries come with sufficient oil and seasoning already.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you are ready to add the frozen fries to the basket and start cooking.

Air fryer settings

The first step to cooking frozen French fries in an air fryer is to preheat your appliance. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly and emerge crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 200°C (400°F). Let the air fryer preheat for 3-5 minutes. You can also preheat to 350°F or 375°F, depending on your appliance and preference.

Once your air fryer is heated up, grab your bag of frozen French fries. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the fries to cook unevenly and become soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your fries in batches.

Set your air fryer to a high temperature – ideally, 185°C (365°F). You can also cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the fries and then cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes. If you want crispier fries, you can cook for a further 3-5 minutes.

Cooking times will vary for different types of fries – from steak-cut chips to potato wedges. Thicker fries will need a longer cooking time. You should also keep shaking the basket and keeping an eye on the fries – you can gauge the crispiness and colour and adjust to your preference.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They will lose their crispiness if left sitting for too long.

Oil and seasoning

If you do choose to add oil, it is recommended to use a light spray or brush of cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, on the fries before air frying. This can help achieve maximum crispiness and ensure the salt and seasonings stick to the fries better. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness.

When it comes to seasoning, salt is the most commonly used ingredient, with some recipes suggesting basic table salt, sea salt, or seasoned salt. Other seasonings can also be added before or after cooking, depending on your preference. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings like ranch, Cajun seasoning, buffalo seasoning, or even a spicy chili rub.

If you choose to season before cooking, it is recommended to toss the frozen fries in a bowl with your desired spices and a little oil for better adherence. If seasoning after cooking, let the fries cool slightly before tossing them in your chosen seasonings to avoid burning the spices. This method allows for a more intense flavour without the risk of overcooking the seasonings.

Cooking time

The cooking time for frozen French fries in an air fryer will depend on the type of fryer you have, the style of the fry, and your desired crispiness.

For a Cosori air fryer, one source recommends cooking at 185°C (365°F) for 20-25 minutes. However, another source suggests cooking at 360-375°F for 8-12 minutes. For a toaster-style Breville air fryer, one source recommends cooking for 20 minutes, while another suggests 15 minutes. For a basket-style air fryer, the cooking time is around 15 minutes.

It's important to note that you should not overfill the air fryer to avoid undercooking the fries. It is recommended to spread the fries in a single layer, with a few overlaps being acceptable. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking or every few minutes can help ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

The cooking time may also depend on the style of the fry. For example, waffle fries may require a lower temperature and cooking time compared to other styles. Similarly, thinner fries may cook faster than thicker ones.

It's always a good idea to check on the fries regularly and adjust the cooking time as needed. This allows you to tailor the cooking time to your desired level of crispiness.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve frozen French fries cooked in an air fryer. The cooking method is quick and easy, and it results in perfectly crispy French fries without the need for extra oil. This makes them a healthier option compared to deep-fried French fries.

You can enjoy these French fries on their own with just salt or pair them with your favourite dipping sauces. Ketchup is a classic choice, but other options include BBQ sauce, big mac sauce, cheese sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy dressing. If you want to spice things up, you can also sprinkle some black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder on top.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of fries in the air fryer, such as crinkle-cut fries, steak fries, waffle fries, curly fries, or sweet potato fries. No matter the type of fry, the cooking process remains the same, and you can easily adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Remember, air fryer French fries are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so it is recommended to cook only the amount you need for each serving. However, if you do have leftovers, you can always reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.

Frequently asked questions