Air Fryer Curly Fries: How Long To Cook Them?

Curly fries are a fun and tasty snack, but getting them just right can be a challenge. Soggy, floppy, or overly greasy fries are not what you want, so how do you get that perfect crispness? Well, an air fryer might be the answer. You can make delicious curly fries in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes, and they'll be beautifully crispy every time. But how do you do it, and how long do they take?

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your curly fries cook evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to 400ºF, you create the optimal temperature for achieving that desired crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:

Firstly, turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400ºF. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, simply set the temperature and give it some time to heat up. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your curly fries. If you're using frozen curly fries, there's no need to thaw them first. Take them straight out of the freezer and spread them out evenly in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. If you have a large amount of fries, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400ºF, you're ready to start cooking. Place the basket of curly fries into the air fryer and set the timer. For crispy curly fries, cook them for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer and the brand of curly fries you're using. Always keep an eye on your fries to avoid overcooking or burning. If you prefer your curly fries with a softer centre, you can cook them for a shorter duration, such as 8 minutes.

If you're using fresh curly fries, they may cook a little faster, so adjust your timing accordingly. Check on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook. Additionally, if you're cooking in multiple batches, subsequent batches may cook a little quicker since your air fryer will already be preheated.

By preheating your air fryer to 400ºF, you create the ideal environment for cooking crispy and delicious curly fries. This step ensures that your fries cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in that perfect texture and taste. Remember to refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines, as preheating procedures may vary slightly between models.

Add frozen curly fries in a single layer

To make frozen curly fries in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While you wait for the air fryer to preheat, take this time to prepare the frozen curly fries. It is important to note that you should not thaw the fries before placing them in the air fryer. They should be placed in the air fryer straight from the freezer.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it is time to add the frozen curly fries. Add the fries in a single layer, ensuring that they are spread out evenly in the air fryer basket. It is okay if the fries overlap slightly, but do not fill the basket. If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook the curly fries in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

After adding the fries, air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, the brand of curly fries, and your preferred level of crispiness. For a softer fry, cook for a shorter duration, and for a crispier fry, cook for a slightly longer duration.

Once the curly fries have reached your desired level of crispiness, they are ready to be served! If desired, you can season the fries with salt, pepper, or your favourite seasoning blend immediately after cooking. Enjoy your delicious, crispy curly fries!

Cook for 5 minutes, then flip

When cooking curly fries in an air fryer, timing is important. You don't want to end up with soggy, floppy fries! So, after you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F and laid out your frozen curly fries in a single layer—it's time to cook.

After the first 5 minutes, you'll want to flip your curly fries. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and to get that perfect crispiness on both sides. You don't want one side to be burnt and the other to be soggy! Flipping them over allows the hot air in the air fryer to circulate around the fries evenly.

If you're using an air fryer basket, simply shake the basket to flip and toss the fries. If you're using an air fryer tray, you might need to use tongs to toss and flip the fries gently.

After flipping, you'll want to let the curly fries cook for another 5 minutes or so. Keep an eye on them, as the timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the brand of curly fries you're using. You might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For example, if you're using the Ninja Foodi air fryer, your curly fries might cook quicker, so adjust the timing by a minute or two. Similarly, if your curly fries are on the thicker side, they might need a bit more time to cook through and get crispy.

Remember, it's better to cook in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy fries.

So, cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 5 minutes or until your curly fries are golden and crispy, adjusting the timing as needed for your specific air fryer and curly fry brand.

Cook for another 5 minutes or until crispy

So, you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F, you've laid out your frozen curly fries in a single layer, and you've cooked them for 5 minutes. Now, it's time for the final stretch!

For the last 5 minutes of cooking, you'll want to keep a close eye on your fries to make sure they reach your desired level of crispiness without burning. Depending on your air fryer and the brand of curly fries, the exact cooking time may vary, so trust your instincts and don't be afraid to experiment a little. If you're using an air fryer that's smaller than 5 quarts, you might want to shake the basket a few times during this last stretch to help the fries cook evenly.

If you're using fresh curly fries, they will cook faster, so keep that in mind and check on them regularly. If you're cooking in multiple batches, the following batches may also cook a little quicker, so be prepared to adjust your timing.

Once your curly fries are golden and crispy, it's time to season them. Curly fries often come pre-seasoned, so you may not need to add any extra salt. If you do, you can add it after cooking, or you can get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cheese powder, or Elote seasoning.

Now, your curly fries are ready to serve! Enjoy that crispy, golden goodness with your favorite dipping sauces. And remember, air-fried foods are best enjoyed fresh, so dig in while they're still hot!

Season immediately after cooking

Seasoning Curly Fries

Once you've cooked your curly fries in the air fryer, it's time to season them. This step is crucial as it adds flavour and taste to your fries. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your curly fries immediately after cooking:

Choose the Right Seasoning

You can use a variety of seasonings on your curly fries, depending on your preference. Some popular options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a blend of herbs and spices. You can also use a premade seasoning blend, such as a potato wedge seasoning or a fry seasoning mix. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite combination.

Apply Seasoning Evenly

When seasoning your curly fries, be sure to apply the seasoning evenly. You can place the cooked fries in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning over them, or you can return the fries to the air fryer basket and shake them with the seasoning. Either way, ensure that the seasoning is distributed evenly so that each fry has a consistent flavour.

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to seasoning. Some people prefer a lighter touch, while others like their fries heavily seasoned. Start with a small amount of seasoning and taste as you go, adding more as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but it's difficult to remove it if you've added too much.

Experiment with Different Flavour Profiles

Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasoning choices. Try experimenting with different flavour profiles, such as smoky, spicy, cheesy, or herbal. For example, you could try a BBQ blend with smoked paprika and brown sugar, or a spicy blend with cayenne pepper and chilli powder. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces to further enhance the flavour of your curly fries.

Store Any Leftovers Properly

Air-fried foods are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover curly fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, it's best to reheat them in the air fryer rather than a microwave. Simply place the fries back in the air fryer and heat them until they are crispy again.

Frequently asked questions