Air Fryer Frozen Fries: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get that crispy, golden texture on the outside and the soft, fluffy texture on the inside. It is also a healthier option than deep frying or baking in an oven, as it requires little to no oil. The exact temperature and time will depend on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the fries, but generally, frozen fries are cooked in an air fryer between 360-400°F for 10-20 minutes.

Air fryer vs. oven-baked fries

Air fryers are like small ovens, but with a few key differences. Air fryers are designed purely for air frying, so their fans are more powerful and sit closer to the food. This means that air fryers deliver faster and crispier results than conventional ovens. Air fryers also require food to be shaken or turned halfway through cooking so that the hot air can reach all parts of the food.

Air fryers and ovens can both be used to cook frozen French fries, but there are some differences in how they perform. Air fryers deliver faster, crispier results than conventional ovens. In a test comparing the two, air fryers produced fries with a consistent golden colour and a just-out-of-the-basket flavour that rivalled deep-fried food. Conventional ovens, on the other hand, produced inconsistent results, with some fries overcooked and others undercooked.

It depends on your needs. Air fryers are ideal if you're looking for crispy, golden fries in a short amount of time. They are also a healthier option than deep frying and require very little preheating. However, they have less room for food and can be more expensive than convection ovens. Convection ovens, on the other hand, are better suited for cooking larger quantities of food and are more affordable. They also allow you to keep an eye on your food while it's cooking, which is not possible with basket air fryers.

Tips for making fries in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (depending on the style of fry).
• Add the frozen fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer for the best results.
• Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Season and serve immediately.

Tips for making fries in an oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F for a standard oven or 400°F for a convection oven.
• Spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Cook for 14-16 minutes in a standard oven or 10-11 minutes in a convection oven, turning halfway through.
• Season and serve immediately.

How to make frozen fries extra crispy

Using an air fryer to cook frozen fries is a quick, easy, and healthy way to get that crispy, golden texture on the outside and the soft, fluffy texture on the inside. Here are some tips to make your frozen fries extra crispy:

• Keep the temperature high: The sweet spot for cooking frozen fries is 400ºF. However, the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the type of fries and your air fryer model. For example, thinner fries like shoestring or waffle fries may require a lower temperature and shorter cooking time to prevent burning.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: It is important to arrange the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's okay if some of them are touching, but they shouldn't overlap. Cooking in batches is recommended if your air fryer has a small basket.
• Shake the basket: To ensure even cooking and prevent the fries from sticking together, shake the basket a few times during the cooking process.
• Experiment with oil: Frozen fries usually come pre-coated with oil. However, you can experiment with adding a light spray of olive oil or avocado oil before cooking to enhance the "frying effect" and make the fries crispier.
• Soak the fries: For extra crispy results, try soaking the frozen fries in water or salt water for about half an hour before air frying. Be sure to pat them dry with a towel or tissue before placing them in the air fryer.
• Boil first: If you're not getting the desired crispiness, try boiling the fries first and then placing them in the air fryer at high heat.
• Don't forget to preheat: Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the frozen fries.
• Adjust timing and temperature: Depending on your preference, you may need to experiment with the timing and temperature settings. For example, you can try cooking at 360-400ºF for 10-15 minutes and adjust as needed.
• Type of fryer: The type of air fryer you use can also impact the crispiness of your fries. Basket-style fryers tend to work better for frozen fries, and larger fryers with smaller baskets can help prevent overcrowding.

The best frozen fries for an air fryer

Yes, you can use an air fryer for frozen oven fries. Here are some tips for achieving the best results:

While the best frozen fries will depend on personal preference, here are some brands that have been recommended by various sources:

• Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style Fries: These were ranked first in a taste test by Simply Recipes, with the reviewer noting that they were "crispy and well-seasoned on the outside and moist and fluffy inside." They were the only brand that the reviewer's whole family enjoyed.
• Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries: These were ranked second in the Simply Recipes taste test and were also recommended by Wellness by Kay and on Reddit. They were described as "shining when cooked in the air fryer."
• Ore-Ida Golden Fries: These were ranked third in the Simply Recipes taste test and were also recommended by Bon Appétit, who noted that they had a "great crunch."
• McCain Skinny Beer Battered Fries: Recommended on Reddit for cooking more evenly than other brands.
• McCain Classic Cut Fries: Ranked second place in Bon Appétit's taste test, with the reviewer noting that they were "well salted" and had a "crisp exterior and fluffy core."
• Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: Recommended by Wellness by Kay for air frying at a lower temperature.
• Ore-Ida Crinkle Cut Fries: Recommended by Wellness by Kay for a crispy outside and soft and fluffy inside.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: This will help ensure your fries cook evenly. Set your air fryer to around 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
• Spread the fries in a single layer: Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent uneven cooking and sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.
• Shake the basket: During cooking, shake the basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure even cooking and to prevent the fries from sticking together.
• Adjust the cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your fries and your desired level of crispiness, you may need to increase or decrease the cooking time. Thicker fries will generally require a longer cooking time.
• Season to taste: While some frozen fries come pre-seasoned, you can add extra seasoning like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavour.

How to serve frozen fries made in an air fryer

The Basics

First, you'll need to get your ingredients together. For this recipe, you'll need a 16-ounce bag of frozen French fries and some salt to taste. You can also use olive oil spray to help the salt stick to the fries, but this is optional.

Cooking the Frozen Fries

Place your frozen fries in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking a large batch, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overcrowding the basket will result in unevenly cooked fries.

Next, spray the fries with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Then, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Give the basket a good shake and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the fries are done to your liking.

Serving the Frozen Fries

These frozen fries can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own with your favorite dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces and seasonings to elevate your frozen fries:

• Ketchup: The classic sauce for French fries.
• Fry Sauce: A grown-up version of ketchup that's perfect for dipping.
• Yum Yum Sauce: A light, sweet, and tangy sauce that pairs well with fries.
• Cheese Sauce: A rich and thick sauce that takes fries to the next level.
• Ranch Dressing: A favorite among kids and a perfect dip for fries.
• Make your own sauce: Mix your favorite spices with mayonnaise and ketchup to create a unique sauce. Try adding chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder for a spicy kick.

Tips for the Best Results

• Shake it up: For even cooking and crispiness, be sure to gently toss the fries halfway through the cooking process.
• Don't overfill: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust cooking time: Depending on the thickness and type of fry, you may need to increase or decrease the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy frozen fries made right in your air fryer. They're the perfect snack or side dish, and with various seasoning and sauce options, you can customize them to your taste. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy the convenience and taste of homemade frozen fries!

Reheating air fryer frozen fries

To reheat, simply place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for around 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F) or until crisped to your liking. It is important to note that leftover fries will not be as crispy as freshly cooked ones. Therefore, it is recommended to cook only the amount of fries needed for each serving.

Additionally, the reheating time may vary depending on the type of fries and the model of your air fryer. For example, thinner fries such as shoestring or curly fries may require a shorter reheating time, while thicker fries like crinkle-cut or steak fries may need a little longer.

You can also experiment with different oils and seasonings to enhance the flavour and crispiness of your reheated fries. Some popular choices include olive oil, avocado oil, or truffle oil. However, it is important to note that frozen fries usually have oil on them already, so adding extra oil is not necessary.

So, the next time you have leftover frozen fries, don't hesitate to pop them into your air fryer and enjoy a quick and tasty snack or side dish.

Frequently asked questions