Air-Frying Frozen French Fries: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen French fries in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this popular dish. Air-fried French fries are a convenient and tasty side or snack, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried options. With minimal preparation and short cooking times, air fryers deliver crispy, golden, and fluffy fries, comparable to those from fast-food restaurants.

The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, add frozen fries, and cook for around 10–20 minutes, shaking the basket periodically for even cooking. No additional oil is needed, and the fries can be seasoned to taste.

How long to cook frozen French fries in an air fryer

Pre-air fryer preparation

Before you start, it's important to note that you don't need to defrost your French fries before cooking them in the air fryer. You should also avoid adding extra oil to your frozen fries as they are usually pre-coated in oil. However, you can add a light spray of olive or avocado oil to help the salt stick to the fries.

Air fryer settings

Set your air fryer to a high temperature of around 185°C (365°F) to 200°C (400°F). If you're using a Cosori air fryer, preheat your appliance for 3-5 minutes.

Cooking time

The cooking time will depend on the type of French fries you are using. For example, crinkle-cut/waffle fries will take 10-11 minutes, sweet potato fries will take 16 minutes, lattice-cut fries will take 10-11 minutes, and shoestring fries will take 8-10 minutes.

On average, it should take between 10-15 minutes to cook frozen French fries in an air fryer. However, you may need to increase or decrease the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fries and your desired level of crispiness. For example, thinner fries such as shoestring or waffle fries will require shorter cook times, while thicker fries like crinkle-cut or steak fries will require longer.

Tips for the best results

• Spread the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can cause the fries to cook unevenly and become soggy.
• Shake the basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure the fries cook evenly on all sides and to prevent them from sticking together.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

Serving suggestions

Sprinkle your air fryer frozen French fries with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for an extra burst of flavor. You can also dip them in sauces such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or chili sauce dressing.

Reheating

If you have any leftover fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, then add the fries to the basket in a single layer and cook for around 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F).

How to serve frozen French fries made in an air fryer

Frozen French fries made in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your French fries and make them even more delicious:

Sauces

• Ketchup: The classic choice for French fries.
• Fry Sauce: A grown-up version of ketchup that is said to be divine.
• Yum Yum Sauce: A light, sweet, and tangy sauce that is a popular choice.
• Cheese Sauce: A rich and thick sauce that will knock your socks off.
• Ranch Dressing: A favourite among kids, and it goes well with fries.
• Make your Own Sauce: Get creative and mix your favourite spices with mayonnaise and ketchup. You can add chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for a spicy western sauce.

Seasonings

• Salt: A classic choice to enhance the flavour of French fries.
• Pepper: For a bit of spice and warmth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savoury punch to your fries.
• Onion Powder: For a hint of onion flavour without overpowering the other seasonings.
• Paprika: A little sprinkle of paprika will add a subtle smokiness to your fries.

Loaded Fries

• Cheese Sauce: Smother your fries in a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
• Bacon: Crumble some crispy bacon over your fries for a savoury delight.
• Sour Cream: Add a creamy and tangy twist to your loaded fries.
• Green Onion: For a fresh and mild onion flavour.
• Truffle Oil: Drizzle some truffle oil over your fries for an extra indulgent touch.
• Freshly Shaved Parmesan: Sprinkle some freshly shaved parmesan cheese over your fries for a salty and umami flavour boost.

Tips for making air fryer French fries for the first time

Air fryer French fries are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried or oven-baked fries. Here are some tips to help you get perfect, crispy fries when using your air fryer for the first time:

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the frozen French fries. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Avoid overcrowding

Don't fill your air fryer basket more than 3/4 full. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed. This will allow the hot air to circulate and prevent your fries from becoming soggy.

Single layer

While it's not necessary to arrange the fries in a single layer, try to spread them out as much as possible. This will help them cook evenly and become crispy.

Shake the basket

Shake the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to prevent the fries from sticking together and to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides. If your air fryer doesn't have a shake function, manually shake the basket at the 8-minute mark and again at 15 minutes.

Adjust cooking time

The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fries. For example, thinner fries like shoestring or sweet potato fries will take less time, while thicker fries like steak or waffle fries will take longer. Check your fries regularly to avoid overcooking, and add or subtract cooking time as needed.

Seasoning

Most frozen fries come pre-seasoned, but you can add extra seasoning to taste. It's best to season the fries after they are cooked and crispy. Experiment with different seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, or even truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Dips

While ketchup is the classic dip for French fries, feel free to get creative! Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, spicy African pepper sauce, Sriracha aioli, or make your own unique sauce by mixing your favorite spices with mayo and ketchup.

The best way to shake the fries in the air fryer

Shaking the fries in the air fryer is an important step to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. Here is a detailed guide on the best way to shake the fries:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Before cooking your fries, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes. This step ensures the fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
• Single Layer of Fries: Spread the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Shake During Cooking: Set the air fryer to a high temperature, typically between 365°F and 400°F. Cook the fries for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or halfway through the cooking process. This prevents the fries from sticking together and ensures even cooking on all sides.
• Adjust Timing: Depending on the thickness of the fries and your desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For crispier fries, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Season and Serve: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air-fried frozen French fries turn out crispy and delicious every time. Enjoy!

How to store leftover frozen French fries

It is possible to store leftover frozen French fries, but it is important to act quickly to ensure they remain edible and safe to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover frozen French fries:

Firstly, let the leftover French fries cool down completely. It is important to avoid placing them in a closed container during this stage, as the steam will cause them to become soggy. Instead, leave them uncovered so that the steam can escape, preserving the crispiness of the fries.

However, do not let the fries cool down for too long. The USDA recommends that food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. Once the fries have cooled, place them in an airtight container or bag. Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag, and add a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Leftover frozen French fries can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to six months. If you plan to freeze them, consider spreading them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet first to preserve their shape and prevent them from sticking together.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover fries, it is recommended to reheat them in an air fryer, oven, or on the stove. Avoid using a microwave, as this will affect their texture.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking method for frozen French fries in an air fryer involves preheating the appliance to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes. Then, spread the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at a high temperature of 185°C (365°F) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. For crispier fries, increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions