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These Air Fryer Frozen French Fries could not be any easy easier to make or to eat. They are the perfect crispy salty snack or side that the whole family will love. The air fryer is definitely the best way too cook your frozen fries and once you give it a try, you will kiss the oven goodbye.
French fries are one of those foods if done right that are completely addicting, but there is truly nothing worse than a cold or soggy fry.
After many failed attempts to cook frozen fries in the oven, I was determined to figure out the best way to make them taste like they were almost deep fried. The solution? Cook them in the air fryer!
Highlights
- All you need is 3 simple ingredients, 15 minutes, and an air fryer of course!
- Perfect to serve with hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, or just your favorite dipping sauce (like this Jalapeño Lime Crema or Creamy Chipotle Garlic Sauce)
- Salty & crispy
- A simple classic that everyone loves
- Way better than frozen fries cooked in the oven
- Healthier than deep fried (so that makes them healthy, right?)
Ingredients
- Frozen fries: I like to use the Alexia brand of fries shown in the ingredients photo above. Any brand or cut will work. The cooking time just may need to be adjusted slightly.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Any type of cooking spray or spray oil will work.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Instructions
before you start
- Gather your ingredients and plug in your air fryer. Super simple! This is the air fryer I use. It about 3.4 quarts so I have to cook the fries in multiple batches.
Step 1: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Fill the basket with enough fries to cover the bottom. Some fries can overlap. (Optional: Spray the fries with more nonstick cooking spray and season with salt.)
Step 2: Cook the fries in the air fryer at 400° for 5 minutes (no preheating needed). Remove basket and shake to move the fries around.
TIP - Make sure you shake! This helps the fries to cook more evenly and crisp up better.
Step 3: Repeat step 2.
Step 4: Repeat step 2 again for a total cooking time of 15 minutes. Finish with more salt if needed.
TIP - If you like your fries extra crispy, continue cooking in 2 minute increments and shaking.
Expert Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer. The fries should cover the bottom and slightly overlap like the photos above. If there are too many fries, they will not get a crispy.
- Make sure you shake! This helps the fries to cook more evenly and crisp up better.
- If you like your fries extra crispy, continue cooking in 2 minute increments and shaking.
- Every air fryer cooks a little different. That is why the recipe has you check the fries every 5 minutes. This prevents them from burning. If you feel after 15 minutes they are not done. Continue cooking and shaking in 2 minute increments.
- To keep fries warm while making multiple batches in the air fryer, use your oven! Preheat your oven to 250°. Line a sheet pan with parchment and dump the air fried fries on the pan and place them in the oven to stay warm. I do not recommend doing this for too long or the fries will dry out.
FAQs
I do not recommend making these a head of time or making enough to have leftovers. The texture will not be right reheated. Only make what you plan to eat hot.
Depending on the kind of fries, anywhere from 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees.
Yes! The calories in the actual fries are the same, but deep fried fries have additional saturated fat and calories from the frying oil.The air fryer just used hot air to cook the fries.
The Alexia brand is my favorite. You can find these at Whole Food's or your local grocery store. They have different flavors, tater tots, and even sweet potato fries.
Related Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients:
- frozen french fries*
- nonstick cooking spray*
- salt
Instructions:
- Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Fill the basket with enough fries to cover the bottom. Some fries can overlap. (Optional: Spray the fries with more nonstick cooking spray and season with salt.)
- Cook the fries in the air fryer at 400° for 5 minutes (no preheating needed). Remove basket and shake to move the fries around.
- Repeat step 2.
- Repeat step 2 again for a total cooking time of 15 minutes. Finish with more salt if needed.
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