Learn how to make air fryer french fries using frozen french fries. These will be crispy and golden, perfect with a hamburger!
One of the first things you’ll probably want to make in your air fryer is Air Fryer French Fries, that’s because they turn out so nice and crisp.
We love to pair these french fries with Air Fryer Cheeseburgers. This particular recipe is going to focus on using frozen french fries, not fresh ones. If you are looking for Air Fryer Fresh French Fries, check out this recipe.
Air fryers are a great tool for cooking frozen French fries because they use hot air to circulate the food, giving it a crispy texture without the need for excess oil.
This means you can enjoy your favorite snack without the guilt of deep-frying in oil.
This method can be used for a variety of different types of fries including shoestring fries, waffle fries, crinkle-cut fries, and sweet potato fries. Pick which one you prefer and the same method works for each of them!
Can you cook frozen french fries in the air fryer?
These can easily be cooked in the air fryer. There is no need for lots of oil, it’s easy to make these with some cooking oil spray, we prefer olive oil cooking spray or grapeseed oil spray.
Grapeseed Oil Spray will have a higher smoke point, but we have used both without issue.
The fries can be seasoned with garlic salt, kosher salt, ground black pepper, or cayenne pepper for some spicy flavor!
Once you have your fries of choice, simply spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray and add the fries to the basket. These are best spread out evenly into a single layer. I have done them layered and in a single layer, they are more evenly crispy with a single layer.
If you only need a small portion, the remaining frozen fries can be stored in the freezer until you need more. Be sure to reseal it though to avoid any freezer burn.
It also works best to mix them, toss them, or shake them up about halfway through the cooking time.
These fries come out tasting like your favorite fast-food fries but without all the oil!
Do you put oil on frozen french fries?
There is no need for heavy oil on the fries, but you can use a light spray of olive oil cooking spray. This will give it a light coating to get it to that golden color you are going for.
For a higher smoke point use Grapeseed Oil Spray.
How long should these be cooked?
There are a few things you want to keep in mind when making these, the first is that all air fryers heat differently, even the same brand. It’s true!
I have found that the perfect time for us is 390-400 degrees F for 20 minutes, it gives them the crisp taste I want in a french fry.
This recipe will suggest 20 minutes, which has been the perfect time for our french fries, I’d suggest checking in on them at 15 minutes to be sure that yours cooks to your preferred crispness.
I can’t stress enough that every air fryer machine puts out a different level of heat, so the times are a guide but you must check in on them.
Remember that these can be made in a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker the same exact way as long as it has an Air Crisp or Air Fryer Function!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Frozen French Fries:
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- Do not overcrowd the basket, be sure to leave room for air to circulate the fries to evenly cook them.
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- Add a variety of seasonings to season the fries, such as garlic powder, paprika, or seasoning of your choice.
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- If you need to keep them warm while you continue to cook the remaining batches, set them in the oven at 200 degrees F on a baking sheet.
How do you store leftovers?
Leftover french fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, heat them at 330 degrees F for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer. Remember these are best served fresh, so make the amount you need and store the frozen fries back in the freezer if possible.
Air fryer frozen French fries are a quick and easy snack or side dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
If you love these, then you’ll love making these Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls with Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls!
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries (Frozen Fries)
Ingredients
- 16 oz Frozen French Fries
- Garlic Salt to Taste
- Grapeseed Oil Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Coat basket of air fryer with olive oil spray.
- Place the fries in the air fryer evenly in one layer, try to do as little layering as possible, and add a dash of garlic salt.
- Cook these for 10 minutes at 400°F, after 10 minutes, shake up or mix up the fries and add additional garlic salt.
- Cook for 5-10 additional minutes and serve.
- Remember – all air fryers heat differently, in a Ninja Air Fryer 20 minutes was perfect for ours, but it’s best to check them at the 10-minute mark and 15 minutes.
- Add more time if preferred to get to your desired level of crispness.
- If you are cooking in batches, place them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 200°F to stay warm.
Kristy says
I normally do with the frozen ones and mix them up in the middle of cooking time.
Nikki says
This scorched my fries and I didn’t even do the full 20 minutes. Using instant pot air fryer.
Kristy says
Did you do them at 360*F? I try these in 3 different air fryers and haven’t had any issues. I have not used the Instant Pot Air Fryer though, I wonder if it heats hotter than others.
Mary L Boyd says
If you only want to cook just enough for one serving, at what temp and how long do you cook?
Kristy says
You’d do the same temp, I’d check in on them at halfway through the cooking time.
sulu says
I’ve not used my air fryer yet, but am looking for all sorts of recipes so I can use the air fryer to the max. Any helpful hints would be wonderful.
Kristy says
I use olive oil spray for these without issue, but if you prefer a higher smoke point you can do grapeseed oil spray, they should be a non-propellant spray.
Alberta E Grebe says
Do you preheat your ninja?
Kristy says
I did not preheat mine.