Cooking Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer – Quick, Easy, and Crispy!
Cooking frozen French fries in an air fryer is a game changer. It’s quicker than baking, and the fries come out as crispy as if they were deep-fried—without the extra oil! No need to heat up your entire kitchen or clean up greasy pans. Plus, you can skip the drive-thru and enjoy delicious, crispy fries right at home!
Frozen foods are a lifesaver for busy days, and frozen fries are no exception. With the kids home more often, they can make lunch on their own without my help. The air fryer makes it easy for them to whip up crispy, golden fries whenever they want!
When that craving for hot, crunchy French fries hits, I love having a bag of frozen fries and my trusty air fryer on hand. They’re healthier, faster, and more convenient than a trip to the drive-thru.
Why Air Fryer Frozen French Fries Beat Baking
Let’s be honest—baked frozen fries just don’t cut it. Air fryer frozen French fries, however, get so close to that deep-fried goodness that I rarely miss the real thing. They might not be exactly the same as deep-fried fries, but they’re crispy, golden, and a lot healthier. In our house, that’s more than enough reason to love them!
How to Cook Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer
- Load the Basket: Pour your frozen fries into the air fryer basket. It’s fine if they stack, but don’t fill the basket more than halfway.
- Spritz with Oil: Use a pump spray bottle to lightly spritz the fries with vegetable oil. Shake the basket and spritz again for even coverage. Avoid non-stick spray cans for this.
- Cook: Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook the fries for 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through and again at the 15-minute mark.
- Test and Continue: Check the fries for crispiness after 15 minutes. If you want them crispier, cook for an additional 2 minutes at a time until you reach your desired texture. This depends on the thickness of your fries. Our 20-minute guideline is based on fries that are similar in size to McDonald’s fries. Thicker fries may need more time.
Seasoning Ideas for Even Better Fries
Looking to add a little extra flavor to your air fryer French fries? There are plenty of seasoning options to take your fries to the next level.
- Classic Seasoning: Try a mix of paprika and garlic for a simple, homemade seasoning. You can even follow this excellent seasoning recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle your fries with Tony’s Creole seasoning. It’s my personal favorite for adding a bit of spice to crispy fries.
- Dipping Sauces: While ketchup and ranch are classic dipping options, why not try something new? Fry sauce, a delicious blend of mayo, ketchup, and vinegar, is perfect for dipping your air fryer fries or spreading on burgers.
Why the Air Fryer Is the Best Way to Cook Frozen Fries
Frozen fries in the air fryer are faster, healthier, and less messy than traditional frying. You get crispy results with less oil, which makes this cooking method better for you and your family. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked fries that are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—just the way we like them!
Skip the oven and enjoy crispy, golden French fries with this easy air fryer method. Your family will thank you!
