Air Fryer Waffle Fries: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

If you're looking for a quick and easy snack, air fryer waffle fries are the way to go. They're a healthier alternative to deep-fried or oven-baked fries, and they only take about 10 minutes to cook. You can use any brand of frozen waffle fries, but the Alexia brand is a good option as they're non-GMO and come pre-seasoned. To make them, simply preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F, arrange the fries in a single layer, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can add a light spray of oil before air frying. So, if you're short on time and want a delicious snack, air fryer waffle fries are the perfect choice!

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer to 400°F is an important step in the process of making waffle fries. This temperature setting ensures that your waffle fries will cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. Here's a detailed guide on why preheating your air fryer to 400°F is essential and how it contributes to the overall cooking process.

First of all, preheating your air fryer to the right temperature is crucial for achieving the desired cooking results. By preheating, you ensure that the appliance reaches and maintains the optimal temperature for cooking waffle fries. This initial heating step guarantees that the cooking environment is consistent from the moment you place the fries in the air fryer. It is a key factor in ensuring even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness.

Secondly, the 400°F temperature is specifically chosen for waffle fries to create the ideal balance between a crispy exterior and a fluffy or soft interior. This temperature setting allows the hot air circulating inside the air fryer to penetrate the waffle fries, ensuring that they cook through without drying out. It's the key to getting that satisfying crunch without compromising the texture of the fries.

Additionally, preheating to 400°F helps shorten the overall cooking time. By starting at the desired temperature, you can cook the waffle fries more efficiently, as the appliance doesn't need to compensate for a lower initial temperature. This not only saves time but also ensures that your waffle fries don't end up overcooked or burnt, which could happen if the temperature gradually increases during cooking.

Moreover, preheating to 400°F is a standard recommendation for cooking frozen foods in an air fryer. Frozen waffle fries, in particular, benefit from this temperature setting because it helps thaw and cook them evenly. Starting at 400°F ensures that the exterior of the fries doesn't burn or over-brown while the interior is still frozen. It's a crucial step in ensuring that your frozen waffle fries are thoroughly and safely cooked.

Lastly, preheating to 400°F is a versatile temperature setting that works for various brands of waffle fries. Whether you're using Alexia waffle fries, Ore Ida, Great Value, or any other brand, this temperature serves as a reliable starting point. From there, you can make minor adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of the waffle fries.

Lightly spray the basket with oil

Lightly spraying the basket of your air fryer with oil is an optional step when making waffle fries. While some recipes suggest that you can skip this step, others recommend it to prevent the fries from sticking and to help them crisp up. If you do decide to spray the basket, avocado oil, olive oil, and avocado spray oil are all good options. You only need to use a light coating—a little goes a long way!

If you don't have any oil on hand, or would prefer not to use it, there are a few alternatives you can try. One option is to use perforated parchment paper or a perforated silicone mat in your air fryer basket. These allow hot air to circulate around the food and can help prevent sticking. You can also try using a non-stick spray instead of oil, though this may not be as healthy an option.

If you decide to use oil, it's important to use it sparingly. Overusing oil in your air fryer can create excess smoke and cause a mess. A light coating is all you need to prevent sticking and promote crisping.

When spraying the basket with oil, be sure to hold the spray can a few inches away from the surface. This will help ensure an even coating without using too much oil. You don't want the oil to pool in the bottom of the basket, as this can cause smoke and make a mess. A light, even coating is all that's needed!

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Cooking Time

For waffle fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, cook for 8-12 minutes in your air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, arrange the waffle fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with only a slight overlap. Air fry the waffle fries for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket midway through. For crispier fries, continue air frying for a couple more minutes.

Tips for Perfect Waffle Fries

• Use a good-quality avocado spray oil or olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure a perfect crisp.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—leave some room between the fries to allow the air to circulate.
• Shake the basket midway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• For a large batch, cook the waffle fries in batches for best results.
• For a more detailed guide, check the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.

Season with salt and pepper

Seasoning your waffle fries with salt and pepper is a great way to add flavour and make them taste even better. If you are using pre-seasoned waffle fries, such as the Alexia brand, you may not need to add extra salt and pepper. However, if your waffle fries are unseasoned, or you simply want to enhance the flavour, here are some tips:

When seasoning your waffle fries with salt and pepper, it is best to do so after air frying. This is because some of the seasoning may fall off into the air fryer, resulting in a loss of flavour. Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to experiment with different types of salt and pepper for a unique flavour profile. For example, you could try using sea salt or freshly ground pepper for a bolder flavour. You can also try adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli pepper powder to create a more complex flavour profile.

Another tip is to season the waffle fries in batches. If you are cooking a large batch of waffle fries, divide them into smaller portions and season each portion individually. This will ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed and that all the waffle fries are adequately seasoned.

Additionally, consider using a light spray of oil before adding the salt and pepper. This will help the seasoning stick to the waffle fries and enhance the flavour. You can use a neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or olive oil, or choose an oil that adds a subtle flavour, like chili oil or garlic oil.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. In addition to salt and pepper, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to find combinations that you particularly enjoy. For example, you could try adding smoked paprika, cumin, or dried oregano for a more complex and savoury flavour profile. Remember to taste as you season, and adjust the amounts of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.

Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes

Reheating waffle fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them tasting as good as new. If you've got leftover waffle fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Then, when you're ready to eat them, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400° F. This will give you the same great taste and texture as when they were freshly cooked, without having to wait as long!

It's best to reheat your waffle fries in the air fryer rather than the microwave, as the air fryer will ensure they get crispy again, whereas the microwave could make them soggy. If your air fryer has a removable crisping tray, be sure to insert it before reheating. You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but if you do, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

When reheating, spread your waffle fries out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure that they crisp up nicely. If you have a lot of leftover fries, you may need to reheat them in batches to ensure they all get crispy.

Frequently asked questions