Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Crispy, golden fries are a beloved comfort food, and these air fryer frozen french fries are a healthier and hassle-free way to make them! There are just a few simple tricks to air fry frozen french fries and achieve that perfect crunch every time, without the excess oil and calories of traditional frying.

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Why you’ll love this recipe

• It’s quick! Cooking frozen french fries in an air fryer is a super quick cooking method. Simply pop the frozen fries into the air fryer and they will be done in a matter of minutes.
• It’s also easy. No need to worry about oil splatters, hot stovetops, or waiting for the oven to heat up.
• Healthier option: Air fryer frozen fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods, as they require little to no added oil to achieve that perfect crispy texture. This means you can indulge in your favorite snack without the added guilt of excess fat and calories.

Air frying is a great way to cook frozen food because the action of the hot air helps to get it so crispy without the need for lots of oil. Check out our list of the Best Frozen Foods for the Air Fryer for more ideas and inspiration.

Scroll down for the printable instruction card for cooking frozen french fries in the air fryer, or read on for all the details.

What do you need?

Full ingredients list and quantities are given in the recipe card below.

Frozen french fries / oven chips

You can just any type of frozen french fries or oven chips for this recipe. However, because frozen fries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the particular fries you use will affect the cooking times.

Thicker fries or steak-cut fries may need more time in the air fryer to cook through, while thinner fries or crinkle-cut fries may require less time.

Also, the amount of fries you cook at once should be adjusted based on the size of your air fryer. It is important not to overload the basket if you want your fries to turn out crispy. Try not to fill the air fryer to more than half its capacity, or the fries won’t cook evenly.

If you’re cooking a smaller portion of fries, so that can sit in a sinlge layer in the basket, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time down.

Optional: oil

Some brands of french fries do not have much oil already added (making them healthier!), but they do not crisp up quite as well as the type with oil.

If you have previously had disappointing results from air frying frozen fries, try adding a spritz or two of oil before air frying.

Optional: seasoning

You can add some seasoning to the fries during cooking to add some extra flavor.

How to cook frozen french fries in the air fryer

This recipe is very simple to make, there are just a few key steps to getting the fries really crispy:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C. If the air fryer is hot when the fries go in, they will start to crisp up faster rather than going soggy.
2. Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket or tray, but don’t overcrowd the basket. The fries don’t have to be in a single layer, but try not to fill the basket to move than half its capacity – they will need some room to move during cooking.
3. Optional: Add a little oil. This is optional and depends on they brand of fries you are cooking, and how healthy vs crispy you want them to be. Some brands have a generous amount of oil added already, and these should crisp up nicely during air frying. But if you have found your usual brand turns out disappointingly soggy, try adding a spritz or two of oil before cooking.
4. Air fry the frozen french fries for 20-25 minutes, and shake the basket frequently during cooking. 2-3 times or every 6 minutes or so is ideal. This redistributes the fries, ensure they cook evenly and can crisp up on all sides.
5. If the fries are not quite as crispy as you would like, shake the basket again, and continue air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals until they are just right.

Serving ideas

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than classic-style fries with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. However, you can also get creative and take them to the next level by adding some toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Loaded fries: Top the fries with cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream for a delicious loaded fry experience.
2. Seasoned fries: Toss the fries in your favorite seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
3. Chili cheese fries: Top the fries with your favorite chili and shredded cheese for a hearty and delicious meal.
4. Poutine: Serve the fries with gravy and cheese curds for a classic Canadian dish. Perfect for anyone who loves a good gravy and cheese combo 🙋.
5. Truffle fries: For a fancy and indulgent treat, try making truffle fries. Toss the fries in truffle oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and parsley for a gourmet twist.
6. Nacho fries: Top the fries with diced tomatoes, jalapenos, sour cream and shredded cheese for a delicious and indulgent meal.