Are you craving those perfectly hot and crispy curly fries from your favorite fast food joint? Well, look no further! With an air fryer, you can make curly fries at home that are just as mouthwatering. Say goodbye to the long drive-thru lines and hello to the convenience of cooking them in minutes. Plus, it’s a fraction of the cost! Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe for curly fries in the air fryer.
Curly Fries: A Family Favorite
If you’re a fan of Arby’s Curly Fries, you’re in for a treat. These air fryer curly fries will satisfy your craving for a GREAT French fry. The inspiration for this recipe comes from my own family’s love for these curly delights. We used to indulge in fast food quite often, but now, we’ve found a way to enjoy them at home.
What Makes Air Fryer Curly Fries So Special?
There are plenty of reasons to love air fryer curly fries. Not only are they easy and delicious, but they are also cheaper than fast food. You can cook a whole batch in just 10-15 minutes, and the clean-up is a breeze. These crispy treats are perfect for picky eaters and make a great side dish or snack at any time of the day.
Getting Started: Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable curly fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 bag of Frozen Curly Fries (We recommend Arby’s Frozen Fries)
- Olive Oil
- Salt
That’s it! With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform frozen curly fries into a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Cooking Instructions: Easy and Quick
Now let’s jump into the step-by-step process of making curly fries in the air fryer.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, let it run for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Coat the Fries
In a large bowl, combine the frozen curly fries, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix well to ensure all the fries are coated evenly. This step helps them become golden brown and oh-so-crispy.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the coated curly fries in the air fryer basket. Cook them for approximately 10-15 minutes, remembering to flip them a few times during the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and ultimate crispiness. Season with an extra sprinkle of salt before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Get Creative!
Air fryer curly fries are delicious on their own, but why not take them to the next level with your favorite dipping sauce? Whether you prefer classic ketchup, tangy ranch, or zesty Yum Yum sauce, the choice is yours. Here are some suggestions:
- Copycat Arby’s Sauce
- Ketchup (store-bought or homemade)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Honey mustard
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Garlic mayo
- Yum Yum sauce
Pair your curly fries with your favorite sauce, sit back, and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Curly Fries
To ensure your air fryer curly fries turn out just right, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Preheat: For a GREAT French fry, preheating your air fryer is key. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes before adding your food.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. The hot air needs to circulate around the fries for even cooking. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Cook from Frozen: Don’t defrost your curly fries before air frying them. Cooking them directly from frozen ensures they stay crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on the fries. Periodically check their progress to avoid burning or undercooking.
- Give Them a Shake: If you have a basket-style air fryer, shake the basket several times during the cooking process to ensure even browning. If using an oven-style air fryer, flip the fries with tongs for the same effect.
- Generously Toss with Oil: To achieve the perfect crispiness, make sure the curly fries are well-coated with olive oil. Use your judgment to determine the right amount, ensuring each fry gets some oil.
- Season to Taste: Enhance the flavor of your French fries by seasoning them with salt before and after cooking. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible curly fries every time.
Cook Time: Crispy and Delicious
To achieve that crispy exterior and fluffy interior, air fry your curly fries (frozen) for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remember to preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes beforehand and flip the fries a few times during the cooking process.
Best Brands for Air Fryer Curly Fries
This recipe works well with any brand of frozen curly fries. Some of our favorites include Ore-Ida, Arby’s, Store-Brand Curly Fries, and McCain Curly Fries. Feel free to choose the brand that suits your taste.
Troubleshooting: Crispy Fries Every Time
If your air fryer curly fries don’t turn out as crispy as you’d like, there are a few things you can do:
- Preheat and Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure to preheat your air fryer and leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around the fries.
- Shake and Flip: Regularly shake the basket or flip the fries to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Extend Cooking Time: If the fries are still not crispy, give them a few more minutes in the air fryer until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy curly fries in no time.
Get Cooking with Ekilove
Now that you know how to make mouthwatering curly fries in the air fryer, it’s time to start cooking! Invite your family and friends to savor the irresistible combination of fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. For more delightful recipes and helpful cooking tips, visit Ekilove. Happy air frying!
