Air Fryer Arby's Curly Fries: Crispy, Quick, Delicious!

Curly fries are a popular snack and side dish, and Arby's curly fries are a favourite for many. You can easily make Arby's curly fries in an air fryer, and they'll be ready in less than 15 minutes. This article will cover everything you need to know about making Arby's curly fries in an air fryer, including the ingredients, cooking process, and tips for getting the best results.

Preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 390-400°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking your curly fries to crispy perfection. Here's a detailed guide to help you master this crucial step:

The Ideal Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking Arby's curly fries in an air fryer is between 390-400°F. This temperature range ensures that the fries cook evenly and attain the desired crispiness without burning.

Benefits of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature has several advantages. Firstly, it helps to ensure even cooking. When you place your frozen curly fries into a preheated air fryer, they begin cooking immediately, reducing the chances of ending up with soggy fries.

Timing is Key

It's important to give your air fryer sufficient time to preheat before adding the curly fries. Most air fryers have a preheat setting or indicator light to let you know when it's ready. If yours doesn't, aim for a preheat time of around 3-5 minutes.

Consistency Counts

Consistency is vital when it comes to cooking crispy curly fries. By preheating your air fryer to the right temperature, you create a consistent cooking environment. This consistency ensures that your curly fries cook evenly, resulting in a uniform texture and colour across all your fries.

Safety First

Always exercise caution when handling hot appliances like air fryers. Remember to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when removing the air fryer basket or inserting the fries to avoid any accidental burns.

The Final Word

By taking the time to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature of 390-400°F, you're setting yourself up for success in creating delicious, crispy Arby's curly fries. This simple yet crucial step ensures even cooking, optimal texture, and a consistent result every time. So, don't skip the preheat—it's a small step that makes a big difference!

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with oil is an optional step when making Arby's curly fries. Some recipes suggest using a cooking spray like olive oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. However, others advise against it, stating that the fries already contain oil, and spraying more could make them overly greasy.

If you choose to spray the basket with oil, do so lightly and evenly. This will help prevent the fries from drying out during the cooking process. It's important to note that spraying oil on the fries themselves, rather than the basket, may not make them crispier and will only add extra calories.

Place the frozen fries in the basket

When placing the frozen fries in the basket, it's important to note that you should not overcrowd the basket. The fries should be arranged in a single layer, with some overlap being okay. This allows the hot air to circulate around the fries, ensuring they get crispy. If you have a large amount of fries, it's best to cook them in batches. Make sure to spritz the fries with olive oil spray before placing them in the basket to prevent them from drying out.

When placing the frozen fries into the basket, use kitchen tongs for ease and safety. Place the desired amount of fries into the basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly. You don't need to keep the fries in a single layer as you will be flipping them during the cooking process. However, if your air fryer is small, a single layer may be the best option.

Once you have arranged the fries in the basket, it's time to set the cooking time and temperature. For crispy curly fries, a temperature of around 400°F is ideal. The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the specific model of your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10 minutes to cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer.

While the fries are cooking, you can prepare your favourite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing. You can also season the fries with salt and pepper to taste after they are done cooking.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F, it's time to cook your curly fries. Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if they overlap slightly, but don't overcrowd the basket. You may need to work in batches.

If you prefer crispier fries, you can add a minute or two to the cooking time. Remember that all air fryers are different, so the cooking time may vary depending on the model and make of your air fryer.

Once the curly fries are done to your liking, remove them from the basket and place them in a serving bowl or platter. You can season them with salt and pepper, or let your guests season their own fries. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce!

Season and serve with your favourite sauce

Once your curly fries are cooked to perfection, it's time to season and serve them with your favourite sauce.

Arby's curly fries are pre-seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder, so you don't need to add much more. A little salt and pepper will do the trick. If you want to add a little extra, you could sprinkle on some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

When it comes to sauces, the world is your oyster. Ketchup is a classic, but you could also try something different like honey mustard, thousand island, BBQ sauce, ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy hot sauce. If you're feeling creative, you could make your own sauce by mixing and matching your favourite flavours.

Don't forget to serve your curly fries hot and crispy, and enjoy the delicious results!

Frequently asked questions