Air fryer curly fries are delicious and so simple to make. They come out perfectly crispy, with no need to turn your oven on or fuss with the deep fryer. Once you try them I guarantee you’ll never cook them any other way!
Step away from the oven, and put down the deep fryer. From now on (I guarantee) you will cook curly fries in the air fryer every time. Perfectly cooked crispy curly fries in a fraction of the time of oven baking, and without all the excess grease you get from deep frying.
Curly fries are one of those foods that come out better air-fried than any other cooking method I have tried. My other top picks are air fryer frozen potato wedges, air fryer tater tots, air fryer McCain smiles, and air fryer pizza rolls.
>> Check out my oven to air fryer conversion calculator for cooking other oven-ready foods in the air fryer.
What are the best frozen curly fries?
Do you have a favorite brand of curly fries? For us, it is Ore Ida curly fries, or McCain. The kids prefer the McCain curly fries (do they have plainer seasoning?), but I think Ore Ida have the edge, so that’s the choice if I’m serving them as a snack for the adults.
How to cook curly fries in an air fryer
1
Preheat.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/ 360°F. Preheating is important for this recipe because the air frying time is relatively short, and so you want it to be up to temperature when you put the fries in.
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat mode, just set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.
2
Pop them in the air fryer.
Place the frozen curly fries in the air fryer basket. No need to place them in a single layer, but if they are piled up they will need to be shaken more often during cooking to ensure that they cook evenly. No oil spray is needed, but for extra crispy curly fries you can add a spritz or two of olive oil.
3
Air fry curly fries.
Air fry the curly fries for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to redistribute the fries, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t get overcooked.
Variations and serving ideas
Curly fries are great just seasoned with salt and black pepper, and served with sauce for dipping. But here are some fun ways to dress them up:
- Make Cajun curly fries by tossing the fries with Cajun seasoning before cooking
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the fries immediately after cooking.
- Make loaded curly fries by topping the fries with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Go gourmet and make truffle curly fries: drizzle the curly fries with truffle oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them while they are hot from the air fryer.
Air Fryer Curly Fries (Frozen)
Ingredients
- 1 lb / 450 g frozen curly fries* (Ore Ida, McCain, or your favorite brand)
Directions
- Pre-heat air fryer to 360°F / 180°C (approx 2-3 minutes).
- Place frozen curly fries in air fryer basket in a single layer if possible. Note: If the curly fries are piled up, shake them more frequently and keep an eye on them duiring tooking to make sure they are cooking evely.
- Air fry curly fries for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to redistribute the fries.
- Curly fries are cooked when they are golden brown, crispy and cooked through. If required, cook for additional 2-3 minute intervals until they are cooked to you liking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
