Are you craving deliciously crispy French fries? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! In this article, we’ll show you how to make perfectly crispy air fryer French fries every time, with our simple and easy step-by-step instructions. Say goodbye to soggy fries and hello to golden, crunchy perfection!
The Magic of Air Fryers
The air fryer has gained quite a reputation for its ability to cook frozen French fries to perfection. Intrigued by the hype, we put it to the test and tried out three different types of frozen fries in the air fryer. Our goal? To find the perfect temperature and cooking time that would give us the crispiest and most delicious results.
Imagine enjoying loaded steak fries or loaded cheeseburger fries on game day, or serving them as a tasty side for your air fryer burger or chicken wings. The possibilities are endless! And the best part? You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, be it tangy ketchup, zesty mustard, creamy ranch dressing, gooey cheese sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, tangy honey mustard, or even rich gravy.
With this easy and versatile side dish, you can recreate the taste of fast-food fries in the comfort of your own home. You can even use the same technique to cook frozen tater tots or homemade sweet potato fries!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen French Fries
- Basket-style Air Fryer
That’s it! We wanted to provide you with all the information you need to make the BEST French fries in the air fryer. So, we tested three different types of fries: regular fries, crinkle-cut fries, and waffle fries.
We used a 3-quart Philips Air Fryer with a 1.8 lb capacity and a 5-quart Cosori air fryer. If you have a larger fryer, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly.
At What Temperature Do You Air Fry Frozen French Fries?
After our experiment, we discovered that 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) is the perfect temperature for cooking any type of French fry. However, the cooking time will vary based on the cut of the fry.
How Do You Cook Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer?
Step 1 – Preheat: Start by preheating your air fryer. While not mandatory, preheating your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before cooking ensures the best and most even results.
Step 2 – Add the Fries: Place 10 ounces of frozen French fries into the fryer basket. If you’re making a large batch for a party, you might need to cook multiple batches.
Step 3 – Toss the Fries: Halfway through the cooking time, remove the basket and give the fries a good toss. This ensures that the fries on the bottom come to the top, promoting even crispness. If desired, add a sprinkle of salt at this stage. To help the salt stick, lightly spray the fries with cooking spray before seasoning. Give them a shake to distribute the salt, then place the basket back into the air fryer to continue cooking.
Feel free to experiment with flavors! Once the fries are cooked, try tossing them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, Lawry’s seasoning, or any other spice combination that tickles your taste buds.
And voila! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly crispy fries that are not greasy like their deep-fried counterparts.
Cooking Times for Different Fries
- Regular Straight Cut Fries: Cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Remember to toss them halfway through for optimal crispness. If you prefer extra crunch, cook them for 15 minutes, tossing halfway.
- Crinkle-Cut Fries: These fries are slightly thicker, so they need a little longer in the air fryer to achieve that perfect crunch. Cook them at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 14 minutes, tossing halfway through. This will give you beautifully cooked and delightfully crisp French fries.
- Waffle Fries: Ah, waffle fries, our personal favorite! Despite their size, the cutouts in the potato make them cook relatively quickly. For the crispiest waffle fries, cook them at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 minutes, and don’t forget to toss them halfway through. If you prefer them slightly less crispy, reduce the cooking time to 8 minutes.
How to Reheat French Fries in the Air Fryer
One of the many advantages of using an air fryer is its ability to reheat fries to perfection. For the best results, use leftover fries stored in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale. Place the fries in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Remember to toss them halfway through for maximum crispiness!
Looking for More Easy Air Fryer Recipes?
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes like this. And for all your air fryer needs, head over to Ekilove, your go-to source for all things crispy and delicious.
Now, go ahead and indulge in the crispy delight of air fryer French fries. You deserve it!
