Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oh-so-deliciously satisfying, there's something undeniably irresistible about a plate of perfectly cooked crispy fries. But what if you could enjoy this classic comfort food without the guilt of all that excess oil and added calories? Say farewell to deep-fried French fries and hello to air fryer French fries!
Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, transforming the way we prepare our favorite dishes. Thanks to this remarkable kitchen gadget, you can now relish perfectly crispy and delectable French fries in your home with minimal effort and without any of the guilt associated with traditional deep-fried methods.
So whether you want to indulge in a late-night snack or impress your friends with a gourmet side dish, these air fryer frozen french fries are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings and elevate your culinary game to the next level. Read on to learn how to make perfect, crispy air fryer frozen french fries!
Why Make Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
The secret to perfect french fries lies in achieving that crispy texture while retaining the potato's moisture. This can be tricky, especially with frozen fries, as they tend to become soggy when cooked in the oven due to the high moisture content. That's why most fast-food joints opt for deep-frying, which quickly crisps up the outer layer while locking in the moisture within to keep the interior soft and fluffy.
Air fryers can work wonders when achieving deep-fried taste and texture but with significantly less oil, making them an ideal option for cooking frozen french fries. With an air fryer, you can enjoy the same delicious fries you'd get from a deep fryer without the mess and excess fat and calories that fast food fries contain. It's a win-win situation that saves time and satisfies your taste buds.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Fries
Whipping up air fryer frozen French fries is an absolute breeze! Whether you have a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, the process remains the same. Just make sure not to overfill your air fryer basket or tray.
1. Preheat your air fryer
While not technically required, you'll enjoy more consistent results if you let your air fryer heat up to 400F for a few minutes before adding the french fries.
2 Add Frozen Fries To Air Fryer Basket
When placing your frozen fries into the air fryer basket, try not to get too eager! It's better to air fry your fries in multiple batches than to overcrowd your air fryer basket and have mushy fries in the middle. Overcrowding your air fryer will result in improper hot air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
3 Lightly Spray With Oil
While this step is optional, you can lightly spray your fries with oil to ensure even browning. However, you can opt-out and go oil-less.
4. Air Frying
Typically you will want to cook the air fryer fries for about 10-15 minutes. But there are so many different types of fries that we've added a list of cooking times and temperatures just below.
5. Tossing Half Way
Like all air fryer recipes, you will want to toss your food throughout the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You want the french fries on the bottom of the basket to make their way up to the top.
If you're going to season your air fryer french fries, this is when to do it! For optimal seasoning adhesion, give your frozen fries a light spritz of cooking spray before adding salt and any other desired seasonings.
Once you have enjoyed your crispy fries, don't forget to clean your air fryer to help maintain its peak performance.
How Long To Cook Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer
The varieties of frozen French fries available in the market are seemingly endless! There's no way we could give you a one-size-fits-all recipe that would cook wedge fries the same as shoestring fries. But don't worry - we got you. Here are the details for the different types of fries:
Thin-Cut Fries
These are your typical type of french fries. You'll air fry them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, and be sure to toss them halfway through.
Thick-Cut Fries
Think "steak fries" or "crinkle-cut fries" here! These crinkle-cut fries will also cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit but for a longer 15 to 20-minute cooking time.
Waffle Fries
Waffle fries are cut in a criss-cross pattern and have a unique, waffle-like texture. Cook frozen fries cut waffle-style in an air fryer heated up to between 400 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes.
Shoestring Fries
Thin, shoestring-like fries that are crispy and perfect for snacking. Shoestring fries can be cooked in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries have a higher sugar content, so we need to cook them at a lower temperature so they don't scorch! Go for a temperature between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Seasonings And Added Toppings To Try!
Frozen french fries often taste rather bland on their own, even after air frying them to get that crispy texture. You'll need to season them halfway through their cooking time.
And before you toss some seasoning on top, spray them with a little cooking spray! Otherwise, the seasonings won't have anything to stick to, and the air fryer fan will send them flying everywhere. Good ole salt is always a good option, but you're your own chef - why not try something different?
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Paprika
Chili powder
Lawry's seasoned salt
Ground black pepper
Rosemary
And don't forget your favorite dipping sauces to serve alongside your golden fries!
Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
Cheese sauce
BBQ sauce
How To Reheat French Fries In An Air Fryer?
Reheating fries in the air fryer is the perfect solution to revive those leftover fries, giving them a delicious and crispy texture once again. Here's how to do it:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Arrange your leftover fries in a single, even layer on the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven reheating.
Lightly spray the fries with cooking oil or toss them with a tablespoon of oil to ensure even browning. You could avoid spraying any oil if your leftover fries were deep-fried.
Reheat the fries for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket every minute or so to ensure even heating.
Check the fries for crispness and continue cooking for an additional minute, if necessary, until they are perfectly golden and crispy.
When finished, take the fries out of the air fryer and season them with salt or other desired seasonings. For the best flavor and texture, serving them immediately is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen French fries directly in the air fryer without thawing them first?
Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended to cook frozen french fries directly in the air fryer without needing to defrost frozen french fries, and this will help prevent them from getting too soggy.
Do I Have To Flip The French Fries Midway?
Yes, you really do. Flipping the french fries ensures each fries gets air fry evenly.
Are Air Fryer Frozen French Fries Healthier Than Deep-Fried Fries?
Air fryer frozen French fries are generally considered to be a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries. While deep-fried fries are typically cooked in large amounts of oil, air fryers use hot air to circulate around the food, cooking it to a crispy texture without excess oil.
This means that air fryer frozen French fries can be significantly lower in fat and calories than their deep-fried counterparts. In fact, air-fried French fries can contain up to 70-80% less fat than deep-fried fries.
In addition, air fryer frozen French fries are often made with natural ingredients and without any added preservatives, making them a healthier option for those who want to indulge in a tasty snack without sacrificing their health.
How Do I Prevent Frozen Fries From Sticking Together In The Air Fryer?
As long as you don't thaw out the frozen fries beforehand and don't neglect to flip the fries halfway through the cooking process, you should have no problem with sticking. However, you can always spray the basket or baking tray with cooking spray before adding the fries to the air fryer.
Want to see more delicious recipes? Be sure to check out more air fryer recipes from us!
