Air Fryer Frozen Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers have made it possible to enjoy crispy, golden French fries with little to no oil and less guilt. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries and are also quicker and easier to make. You can use frozen French fries of your choice and cook them in an air fryer for a tasty snack or side dish in less than 30 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making frozen fries. It ensures that your fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit (182-204 degrees Celsius). Depending on the model of your air fryer, you should preheat it for around 3-5 minutes.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can grab your bag of frozen French fries and proceed to the next step of spreading them out in the air fryer basket. It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. If needed, cook your fries in batches to achieve the best results.

By preheating your air fryer to the right temperature and ensuring even distribution of the frozen fries, you are setting yourself up for success in making delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked French fries.

Oil and season the fries

Oil and seasoning are the secrets to achieving crispy, golden, and tasty air fryer frozen fries. While some people prefer to skip the oil, a light coating of oil or cooking spray will help the salt and other seasonings stick to the fries.

Oil Options

You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a light cooking spray. If you don't have any of these, you can also use other types of oil, such as truffle oil or garlic oil, to add extra flavour to your fries.

Seasoning Options

The most basic seasoning is salt, but you can also experiment with other options like garlic salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also try cajun seasoning, ranch dressing, or parmesan cheese. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own seasoning mix by combining your favourite spices.

How to Oil and Season

After placing your frozen fries in the air fryer basket, spray them lightly with your chosen oil or cooking spray. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings on top. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even distribution of the oil and seasoning.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's best to keep it half full to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to rotate the fries and expose all sides to the hot air.
• Be mindful of the type of fries you're using. Thinner fries will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Taste the fries before adding too much salt, as you don't want them to become overly salty.
• If you want extra crispy fries, cook them for a bit longer, checking every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.

Arrange the fries in the air fryer

When arranging the fries in the air fryer, it's important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because overcrowding 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. It is recommended to fill the basket only about halfway full, or three-quarters full at most. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.

To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is also crucial to shake the basket a few times during the cooking process. You can use tongs to redistribute the fries if needed. Shaking the basket helps to rotate the fries so that all sides are exposed to the hot air, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fries.

When arranging the fries, spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. This allows for maximum exposure to the hot air circulating in the air fryer. However, it is okay if the fries are piled on top of each other a bit, especially if you plan to shake the basket during cooking.

For best results, try to use an air fryer with a shake function that will automatically notify you when it's time to shake the basket. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, set a timer to remind yourself to shake the basket manually.

Air fry for 10-20 minutes

Now that you've seasoned your fries, it's time to air fry them! Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing.

For example, if you're using a basket-style air fryer, your fries will be done in about 15 minutes. On the other hand, toaster air fryers may take up to 20 minutes. It's important to refer to your air fryer's manual to get specific instructions for your model.

Regardless of the type of air fryer, the general process is the same. Air fry your frozen fries for 10 minutes, then give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until your fries are golden and crispy.

If you're using a Breville air fryer, you'll want to air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for an additional 6-8 minutes. This timing will give you crispy fries that are still fluffy on the inside.

For toaster oven-style air fryers, it's best to air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking. This will ensure your fries don't burn and that they cook evenly.

Remember, the key to getting crispy fries is to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook your fries in batches, especially if you have a smaller air fryer. Additionally, shaking the basket a few times during cooking will help rotate the fries and ensure even cooking.

Depending on the type of fries you're using, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, sweet potato fries may take 12 minutes, while shoestring fries will only take 8 minutes. So, keep an eye on your fries and adjust the timing as needed.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy air-fried frozen fries!

Serve with sauces

Once your frozen French fries are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to serve and enjoy. Sprinkle them with your favourite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for an extra burst of flavour.

You can also dip them in your favourite sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or chilli sauce dressing. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try one of these sauce suggestions:

• Fry Sauce: a grown-up version of ketchup, this sauce is so good it will have you ditching the ketchup and mayo!
• Yum Yum Sauce: a popular choice that is light, sweet, and tangy.
• Cheese Sauce: smother your fries in a rich, thick, cheesy sauce.
• Ranch Dressing: a classic choice that goes well with everything, especially fries!
• Make your Own Sauce: mix your favourite spices with a bit of mayo and ketchup to create a unique sauce. Try adding chipotle chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for a spicy western sauce.

Frequently asked questions