Air Fryer Curly Fries: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Curly fries are a family favourite and a perfect side dish to any meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. Here's how to do it.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the curly fries cooking process. Set your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and let it preheat for around 2 minutes. This will ensure your curly fries cook evenly and efficiently.

If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat function, don't worry. Simply set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and let it run for 2 minutes before adding your curly fries. This will mimic the preheating process and ensure your air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking.

It's important to note that the preheating time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Some air fryers may take a little longer to reach the desired temperature, so keep an eye on it and adjust the timing as needed.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with adding your curly fries and following the rest of the cooking instructions.

Cook for 8-10 minutes

Cooking curly fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy fries. After preheating your air fryer to 400°F/200°C, add your frozen curly fries in a single layer. If you're using fresh curly fries, there's no need to preheat the air fryer.

Now, it's time for the magic to happen! Set your timer for 8-10 minutes and let the air fryer do its thing. Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. This is a crucial step, as it prevents the fries from sticking and promotes even cooking.

During these 8-10 minutes, the air fryer works its wonders. Hot air circulates rapidly around the fries, crisping them to perfection. The fries are transformed from frozen or fresh spuds into mouth-watering treats.

As the timer goes off, signalling the end of the cooking time, it's time to savour the fruits of your labour. Open the air fryer to reveal perfectly cooked curly fries, ready to be devoured. Enjoy the crispy, golden treats as a side or a snack!

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through cooking your curly fries in an air fryer is an important step to ensure even cooking. By shaking the basket, you can make sure that all the fries are exposed to the hot air circulating in the air fryer, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fries.

When cooking frozen curly fries, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking. After placing the fries in the basket, set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired crispiness and the specific air fryer model, but a good starting point is to cook the fries for 5 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

Shaking the basket at the halfway point helps to prevent the fries from sticking to each other and ensures that they don't become overly greasy. The fries themselves already contain oil, so there is no need to spray additional oil into the basket. In fact, doing so may cause the fries to become too greasy.

If you are cooking a large batch of curly fries, you may need to work in batches to ensure even cooking. Simply repeat the process, shaking the basket halfway through each batch, until all your fries are cooked to perfection.

Season immediately after cooking

Cooking curly fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish. To ensure your curly fries are cooked evenly, shake the basket halfway through cooking. It's important to note that there is no need to spray the basket with oil, as the fries already contain oil, which will prevent them from sticking.

When it comes to seasoning, it is best to season your curly fries immediately after cooking. This ensures that the seasoning sticks to the fries and enhances their flavour. You can use your favourite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, or garlic powder. Simply sprinkle the seasoning over the hot fries and toss them gently to coat evenly.

If you're using frozen curly fries, it's not necessary to thaw them before cooking. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook the fries for 9-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispy fries, cook for an additional minute or two.

For the perfect batch of curly fries, it's important to cook them in a single layer, working in batches as necessary. This ensures that each fry gets crispy and golden. Once your fries are cooked to perfection, season them immediately and serve them while they're hot. Enjoy!

Cook leftover curly fries at 350°F for 3-4 minutes

If you're cooking leftover curly fries, place them in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and hot. You don't need to spray the basket with oil, as the fries already contain oil, which will keep them from sticking. However, if you're cooking frozen curly fries, you'll need to cook them for longer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook the curly fries for 5 minutes. Then, remove the fry basket and give it a good shake to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 4-5 minutes at the same temperature. Frozen curly fries usually take around 9-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but if you prefer them extra crispy, you can cook them for 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions