Air Fryer Frozen Fries: Is It Possible?

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, golden, and delicious fries. It is also a healthier alternative to deep frying or oven-baking, as it requires little to no oil. The cooking time varies depending on the type of fries and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-20 minutes to cook frozen fries in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making frozen fries. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (around 185 to 200 degrees Celsius). The duration for preheating is usually around 3 to 5 minutes.

Different types of air fryers may have varying preheat settings. Some air fryers have an automatic preheat setting, while others may require a manual adjustment of the temperature and time. For example, one user recommends preheating for 15 minutes, while another suggests a shorter duration of 3 to 5 minutes. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual to determine the optimal preheat settings for your specific model.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of adding the frozen fries to the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the fries are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

After placing the fries in the basket, you can proceed with the cooking process by setting the desired temperature and time according to the type of fries you are preparing.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a common mistake that can lead to less-than-ideal results. While it may be tempting to fill the basket to capacity to cook more fries at once, this can actually be counterproductive. Here's why you should avoid overcrowding and how to make the most of your air fryer:

Even Cooking

One of the main reasons not to overcrowd the basket is to ensure even cooking. When the basket is overcrowded, the hot air circulating inside the air fryer cannot effectively reach all the fries. This can result in uneven cooking, with some fries ending up overcooked and others undercooked. By giving your fries enough space, you allow the hot air to circulate properly and cook them evenly.

Crispy Texture

Another reason to avoid overcrowding is to achieve that coveted crispy texture. When fries are packed too closely together, they tend to steam rather than crisp up. By giving them some breathing room, you allow them to get nice and crispy, just like your favorite fast-food fries. This is because the hot air can come into contact with more surface area on each fry, promoting that delicious, golden crispness.

Single Layer

For the best results, it's recommended to cook your frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer. It's okay if some of the fries are touching, but they should not be overlapping. This ensures that each fry has direct contact with the hot air, promoting even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. If your air fryer has a large basket, you may be able to cook all your fries in a single batch. Otherwise, cooking in smaller batches is the way to go.

Batch Cooking

If you have a lot of fries to cook, don't worry—batch cooking is the solution. Simply cook your fries in smaller batches, making sure not to overcrowd the basket for each batch. While it may take a bit more time, the crispy, evenly cooked results will be well worth the effort. You can also invest in a larger air fryer with a bigger basket if you frequently cook large quantities.

Stir or Shake

Even when you're not overcrowding the basket, it's still important to give your fries a stir or a shake halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that they cook evenly and helps to avoid any sticking. Don't forget to give the basket a good shake to toss your fries gently and rotate them for the best results.

Cook in batches

Yes, you can cook frozen fries in an air fryer! If you're cooking a large batch of fries, it's best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is optional, but it can help to ensure consistent cooking, especially if you're cooking in batches.
• Prepare your frozen fries according to the package instructions. Typically, you'll want to remove them from the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes to defrost slightly, making them easier to separate.
• Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you'll want to cook the fries in batches. For most air fryers, you should fill the basket no more than halfway to allow for proper air circulation. Overfilling the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries.
• Place the first batch of fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the fries for 10-12 minutes, monitoring them closely, depending on your desired doneness. For extra crispy fries, you may need to cook them a little longer.
• Once the first batch is done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a bowl or on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Repeat the process with the remaining batches, ensuring you allow the air fryer to return to the set temperature before adding more fries.
• If desired, season the cooked fries with salt and your favorite seasonings. Enjoy your crispy, golden fries!

Cooking in batches ensures that each fry has enough space to cook evenly and get crispy. While it may take a bit longer, the end result is a batch of perfectly cooked, delicious frozen fries that rival any restaurant.

Shake the basket during cooking

Shaking the basket during cooking is an important step in ensuring your fries cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to manually shake the basket or you might have a "shake" function that will do this for you. Either way, it is recommended to shake the basket every 5 minutes or so, especially if your basket is more than half full. Shaking the basket helps to prevent the fries from sticking together and ensures that each fry gets good airflow during the cooking process, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fries.

If you are manually shaking the basket, you can use tongs to gently toss the fries and redistribute them in the basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, especially if you need to manually shake it. The fries should be spread out in a single layer, and the basket should be no more than half to three-quarters full. This will allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

If your air fryer has a shake function, you can set it to notify you when it's time to shake the basket. Typically, this will be halfway through the cooking process, but you can also pause the cooking and shake the basket at the 8-minute mark and again at the 15-minute mark if cooking for 18 minutes.

Shaking the basket during cooking is a key step in achieving the perfect crispy frozen fries in your air fryer. By following this tip and adjusting the timing and technique based on your specific air fryer model, you'll be well on your way to delicious, evenly cooked fries.

Reheat in the air fryer

If you have any leftover frozen fries, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated all the way through.

It is best to reheat frozen fries in the air fryer rather than other methods such as the microwave, oven, or stove, as they will turn out hot and fresh every time.

It is important to note that leftover fries will never return to their prime condition when freshly prepared. Therefore, it is recommended to only air fry the amount of fries you will need for each specific serving.

Additionally, make sure to let the fries fully cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-5 days.

Frequently asked questions