Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

Do you love crispy French fries but want a quicker, easier way to make them? Using an air fryer for frozen fries is a total game changer! It’s fast and makes fries so crunchy.

I was surprised how simple it is to get perfect fries without deep frying. Just pop them in the air fryer, and in minutes, you have hot, crispy fries ready to munch. Plus, they’re way less greasy.

If you want tasty fries without the mess or wait, this method is perfect. Great for snacks, sides, or when you just want a quick treat. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!

Let’s jump in and learn how to make frozen French fries in the air fryer that everyone will love. Ready? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: Achieve that irresistible crispy texture that you crave without the excess oil.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes, these fries are perfect for a busy day or late-night snack.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients—frozen fries, olive oil, and optional seasoning.
• Healthy-ish: Air frying reduces the oil used, making these fries a lighter option than traditional deep-fried ones.
• Customizable: You can make them as seasoned or plain as you like. Add your favorite spices for a personal twist.
• Versatile: Enjoy these fries as a side dish, snack, or even loaded fries with toppings like cheese, bacon, or sour cream.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into this easy recipe, gather these tools that’ll make the process seamless:

• Air Fryer: This is the star of the show. It cooks by circulating hot air around the fries, which makes them crispy without the need for deep frying.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping or stirring the fries halfway through the cooking process, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: If your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, a light spray or brush of olive oil will keep your fries from sticking.
• Seasoning (Optional): If you like your fries a little extra flavorful, consider adding seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or even paprika for a smoky touch.

Ingredients

To make the best air fryer frozen French fries, you’ll need the following ingredients (most of which are likely already in your kitchen):

• Frozen French Fries: Choose your favorite brand or style of frozen fries. Steak fries, crinkle-cut, or thin-cut—all work perfectly. The choice is up to you.
• Olive Oil: While not essential, spraying or tossing your fries with a little bit of olive oil helps achieve that crispy golden finish. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.
• Seasoned Salt (Optional): This is an optional addition to bring extra flavor to your fries. You can go with classic seasoned salt, or get creative and add garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fries cook evenly right from the start, and you’ll get that crispy texture faster.

2. Prepare the Fries

While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen French fries out of the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand—frozen fries are perfect for air frying straight from the freezer.

If you’re using olive oil, spray or toss the fries lightly with the oil to ensure they get crisp. You don’t want to drown them in oil, just a light coating for the perfect crisp.

3. Arrange the Fries in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them—air needs to circulate around each fry to ensure they cook evenly. If necessary, cook the fries in batches.

4. Air Fry the Fries

Cook the fries at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure the fries cook evenly on all sides. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fries and your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them as they approach the 15-minute mark. For extra crispiness, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

5. Season the Fries

Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Season immediately with a sprinkle of seasoned salt, or any other spices or toppings you like. Toss them gently in the basket or use tongs to coat each fry evenly.

How to Serve Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

These crispy and golden fries can be served in many delicious ways. They’re super versatile, so you can get creative and enjoy them with all kinds of dips, toppings, and side dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. As a Side Dish

Frozen French fries made in the air fryer are the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes. Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or even a plant-based main course, these fries can elevate your meal. Here are a few ideas for pairing them:

• Burgers: Whether it’s a classic beef burger or a veggie burger, air fryer French fries are the ideal side dish. Add a bit of ketchup and mustard for a traditional combo or serve with aioli for a gourmet twist.
• Grilled Chicken: Serve your fries with a juicy grilled chicken breast or thighs. For added flavor, drizzle the chicken with a tangy sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
• Steak or Ribs: Fries are a classic pairing with steak and ribs. Serve your fries with your favorite cut of steak, and drizzle the steak with a rich gravy or chimichurri sauce for an added burst of flavor.
• Fish and Chips: For a healthier take on the classic fish and chips, pair your fries with air-fried fish fillets like cod, haddock, or tilapia. Serve with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

2. Loaded Fries

Take your French fries to the next level by making loaded fries! These are a fun and indulgent way to enjoy fries as a meal or shareable snack. Here are a few ideas for loaded fries:

• Cheese Fries: After air frying your fries, sprinkle them with shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella and return them to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Top your fries with hot, hearty chili and a generous portion of melted cheese. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Fries: Add slow-cooked pulled pork on top of your fries, drizzling them with barbecue sauce. Top with coleslaw and green onions for a perfect meal.
• Taco Fries: For a Tex-Mex twist, pile your fries with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

3. With Dips and Sauces

One of the best parts about fries is all the different dipping sauces you can pair them with. Here are a few ideas for dipping:

• Ketchup: The classic. Simple, tasty, and always a winner.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch makes a great dip for crispy fries.
• Garlic Aioli: For a more sophisticated option, whip up a quick garlic aioli by combining mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a fantastic complement to fries.
• Cheese Sauce: Pour warm cheese sauce over your fries for an extra cheesy treat.
• Sriracha Mayo: For a spicy kick, mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce.

4. For Meal Prep

Air-fried frozen French fries are also a fantastic option for meal prep. If you’re someone who loves having quick, easy meals ready to go, these fries can be part of your weekly lineup. After air frying, let the fries cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Variations for Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

One of the best things about making French fries in the air fryer is that you can customize them to suit your tastes. Here are some variations and ways to get creative with your fries:

1. Seasoning Variations

If you like your fries with a bit more flair, try these seasoning options:

• Garlic Parmesan Fries: After air frying, toss your fries with garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and a bit of parsley for a rich, savory flavor.
• Herb Fries: Toss your fries with a mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fragrant, herb-infused bite.
• Cajun Fries: For a bit of heat and spice, season your fries with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper. This is great if you like your fries with a bit of kick.
• Lemon Pepper Fries: Add a zesty twist by sprinkling your fries with lemon zest and black pepper. It’s a refreshing variation that brightens up the flavor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Switch things up and try sweet potato fries in the air fryer. You can follow the same recipe and cooking instructions but use frozen sweet potato fries instead of regular ones. They’re slightly sweeter and offer a nice contrast to regular fries.

2. Change the Style of Fries

Experiment with different types of frozen fries for variety:

• Crinkle-Cut Fries: These fries have a fun texture and are perfect for dipping.
• Steak Fries: For a thicker, heartier fry, try steak fries. They may take a bit longer to cook, but they’re well worth it.
• Curly Fries: If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try curly fries for a fun and flavorful alternative.
• Waffle Fries: Waffle fries are another great option to try in the air fryer, giving you a crispy bite in every forkful.

Troubleshooting and Tips for Perfect Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

Even though making French fries in the air fryer is easy, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get crispy, golden fries every time. Here are some tips and troubleshooting advice to help you get the perfect fries, no matter what brand or style you’re using.

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

One of the most common mistakes when making frozen French fries in the air fryer is overcrowding the basket. It’s essential to give the fries plenty of room to allow the hot air to circulate. If you try to cook too many fries at once, they won’t crisp up as well, and you may end up with soggy fries. If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook them in batches. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes to get perfect fries!

2. Shake or Stir Halfway Through Cooking

For even cooking and crispiness, it’s important to shake or stir the fries halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that every side of each fry gets crispy and golden. If your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating basket, use tongs or a spatula to toss the fries gently. This simple step makes a big difference!

3. Adjust Cooking Time for Different Fry Styles

Not all fries are created equal. Depending on the type of fries you’re using—whether they’re thin-cut, crinkle-cut, steak fries, or sweet potato fries—the cooking time may vary. Thinner fries will cook faster, while thicker steak fries or sweet potato fries may need a few extra minutes. Always check on your fries towards the end of the suggested cooking time and adjust accordingly.

4. Use a Little Oil for Extra Crispiness

While the air fryer does a great job of making fries crispy without much oil, adding just a light coating of oil can help achieve that perfect crunch. If you’re using frozen fries that are already coated in oil, this step may not be necessary, but if you want a little extra crispiness, a quick spray of olive oil or a light toss with oil can work wonders. Just be careful not to overdo it—too much oil can result in soggy fries.

5. Check for Doneness

Since all air fryers are a bit different, cooking times may vary slightly. Be sure to check your fries as they approach the end of the suggested cook time. If they look golden and crispy, it’s a good sign they’re done. If not, toss them a bit and give them a few extra minutes to get that perfect crisp. Using a fork to check the inside can also help—if they’re tender and soft on the inside, then they’re good to go!

6. Reheat Leftover Fries

If you have leftover fries (although they’re usually gone pretty quickly), you can easily reheat them in the air fryer to restore some of that crispy texture. Place the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. This way, your leftover fries won’t be soggy or limp.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Air Fried French Fries

While freshly made fries are always the best, you can store leftovers for later enjoyment, especially if you’re making a large batch for meal prep. Here’s how to properly store and freeze your fries:

1. Storing Leftover Fries in the Fridge

After making your air fryer French fries, if you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them. Place the fries in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back.

2. Freezing Leftover Fries

You can also freeze leftover fries for future use. To do so, spread your cooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This step ensures the fries don’t stick together when frozen. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen leftover fries, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, and they’ll be just as crispy and delicious as the first time!

Nutritional Information

Although air frying reduces the amount of oil compared to traditional deep frying, it’s still important to keep track of calories and other nutritional aspects, especially if you’re watching your intake. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for frozen French fries in air fryer (based on a 100g serving):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (100g)
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Carbohydrates	23g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	1g
Sodium	250mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the brand of fries and the specific seasonings or oil you use.

Conclusion

Frozen French fries in the air fryer are a game-changer for anyone craving a crispy, golden snack or side dish with minimal effort. The air fryer’s magic allows the fries to crisp up perfectly while keeping them healthier than traditional deep frying. With a variety of seasonings and topping options, you can easily customize your fries to suit your taste.

Whether you’re serving them as a quick snack, pairing them with a meal, or getting creative with loaded fries, this air fryer recipe is a guaranteed winner. Plus, it’s an incredibly convenient way to enjoy crispy fries without the hassle or excess oil of deep frying. The best part? You can make them in less than 20 minutes!

With these tips, tricks, and variations, you’re set to enjoy perfect fries every time. So, grab your frozen fries, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to a satisfying, crispy bite—guilt-free and full of flavor!