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You are here: Home / Side Dishes / Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

July 25, 2022 by Tristin 22 Comments

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Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are the quickest way to make the best perfectly crispy fries. Easily make frozen fries in air fryer with this ultimate fry guide. Air frying fries will be your new favorite go-to method for cooking them.

Crispy Air Fryer Fries are such an amazing side dish that go with so many things, eat them with lunch or dinner or as a tasty snack. If you love easy potato side dishes, then you must try our Salt & Vinegar Smashed Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes! This much loved side dish pairs perfectly with potatoes.

Straight, waffle, and crinkle fries on a platter with ketchup.
Make Different Types of Fries in Half the Time Thanks to the Air Fryer

Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer

I am a long time lover of the french fry! I think most people are. There is just something about them, am I right?

Perfect crispness on the outside and tender, softness on the inside. The hamburger’s favorite accompaniment!

There is nothing better than hot, salty fries served up with a delicious dip. Now you can make your own delicious fries right in your own kitchen in the air fryer in half the time it takes to bake them in the oven and healthier than in the deep fryer.

I absolutely love my air fryer. I am sure you will hear this from just about anyone who owns one. The best way to get crispy French fries in with the hot air of the air fryer.

The air fryer makes some great original recipes like this air fryer chicken breasts, naked chicken tenders, or homemade air fryer stuffed pork chops with better results than an oven. I like the size of mine, its 5.8 quart air fryer, the basket style, it’s big enough to cook a bunch of fries for my whole family.

One of the best things about this recipe is if I need more fries, it’s easy to just add in more fries and cook them up. Every time is a good time for fries!

A plate of crinkle fries with a cup of ketchup.
Sprinkle Seasonings on Freshly Cooked Crinkle Cut Fries

Why you will Love this Recipe

  • Healthier option to deep frying.
  • You can use different cuts of french fries.
  • Using just a traditional air fryer and get the best french fries.

Can You Cook Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer?

You may be wondering if you can put frozen french fries in an air fryer. Of course you can, that is what this guide is all about! You can even make air fryer frozen meatballs.

Read on further for all of the top tips you need to make perfect fries that taste like your favorite fast food fries. Or skip all the way to the bottom for the actual cooking times on the recipe card and more great recipes.

Are Frozen French Fries Healthy?

I am going to have to go with a no on this one. Frozen french fries are still fried and have enough oil in them. They are usually cooked twice before arriving at your local grocery store.

First, they get parboiled and then they are fried before going through the freezing process. But, if you normally have deep fried french fries, then the air frying method is definitely a healthier method. I don’t recommend adding much oil to these, but if you do you only need a light coat of oil.

A plate of crinkle fries with a cup of ketchup.
Serve Golden Fries with Some of the Dip Options Below for Even More Flavor

Air Fryer Frozen Fry Ingredients

This is a super simple recipe and it obviously only needs a few ingredients to make. You’ll always want to keep a few bags of frozen fries in the freezer, so that you can make these when ever you want them.

  • Frozen French Fries: Any kind of frozen fries will work, but some of the times may will differ. I used regular fries, steak fries, and crinkle fries. Times are listed below.
  • Salt: Adding salt is optional, add it right before serving it will really bring out the flavor of the fries. If your fries are already pre-salted (check the nutritional label) you probably won’t need extra salt. I would taste before adding.
  • Pepper: Adding pepper is optional, but freshly ground pepper really
  • Favorite Seasonings: Any additional seasonings are optional. I included a list of options to try.
  • Oil: I don’t use any extra oil, but you can use a little oil if you want. Make sure you use 100% cooking oil in an oil sprayer (I like olive oil), or else it may ruin your fryer. I don’t recommend spraying cooking spray in your air fryer, it will damage the coating.
  • Favorite Sauce: Serve these fries with your favorite dipping sauce or a big bowl of ketchup.
A plate of waffle fries with a cup of ketchup.
Eat These Fries Just Plain or Use Them in a Recipe Like Fry Nachos

How to Make Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer

You will be eating the best, crispy fries in almost no time! The full recipe instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Preheat the air fryer (unless your air fryer doesn’t require it). If not, set temperature and move to step 2.
  2. Add fries into the air fryer basket (no more than half full) and close it.
  3. Halfway through cooking time, open the tray and shake the fries around.
  4. Season cooked fries if needed (some options are listed below).
Crinkle fries in an air fryer.
French Fries in the Air Fryer Don’t Need any Added Oil

How Long do You Cook Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer?

All of the air fryer cooking times for frozen french fries are listed below in the recipe card. In an air fryer that has a basket, frozen fries will cook in 15 minutes or less.

How many Calories in French Fries?

The amount of calories in your french fries will depend on which brand and type of fries you purchase (and if you add oil when you cook these). Also, make sure to add in calories for dipping sauces that you use. Here is a general guideline for nutritional information for the fries that I used.

  • Frozen Crinkle Fries: These fries had about 90 calories for a 3 oz serving, that’s only about 10-13 fries.
  • Frozen Straight Fries: These straight fries have 130 calories for about 15 fries.
  • Frozen Waffle Fries: Waffle fries have 110 calories for about 8 fries.
  • Frozen Steak Fries: Steak fries are 110 calories for 10 fries.
  • Frozen Shoestring Fries: Shoestring fries are 140 calories for 3 ounces.
  • Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: A 3 ounce serving of these fries is 140 calories.
A fry with ketchup and a bowl of straight fries in the background.
The Air Fryer Makes Crispy & Delicious Fries Right at Home

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I Need to Defrost Frozen French Fries? Nope, you do not need to defrost french fries before air frying them. Actually, make sure you don’t defrost them or they can overcook.

Do You Preheat Air Fryer for Frozen French Fries? So, whether you preheat your air fryer or not really depends on the air fryer that you have. Read the manual that came with your air fryer to figure it out.

Why Air Fry Frozen French Fries? It takes about half the time to cook frozen french fries in the air fryer than in the oven. That is one of the main reasons I love cooking with the air fryer. They also end up tasting like they have been deep fried, without the guilt. If you want to make your own fries, check out this homemade fries recipe.

Air Fryer French Fries Burning? If you find that your fries are burning, lower the temperature on your air fryer or drop french fries time of cooking.

A close up of a bunch of straight fries.
Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer will Become Your Favorite Way to Make Them

Seasoning for Frozen French Fries

The seasonings I’ve listed below are completely optional to add. If the fries you are using are already seasoned or salted (like a lot of curly fries) you won’t need to season them at all. What are your favorite fry seasonings?

  • Seasoning Salt: Seasoned salt is my go-to seasoning for french fries.
  • Lemon Pepper: This will add a lemony but peppery tang to your fries, mmm…it’s making my mouth water.
  • Salt & Pepper: Sometimes just good ol’ salt and pepper is all you need. The frozen fries may not need more salt, but freshly ground pepper on fries is so good.
  • Garlic Powder: I like to put garlic on all of the things, so of course it will be good on fries.
  • Onion Powder: Add a sprinkling of onion powder on its own or mixed with other flavors.

French Fry Dipping Sauce

I think french fries taste amazing all on their, but I’m a sauce girl so I like to have lots of dippy options. Of course, this is just a small selection. I’m sure the list goes on and on! What’s your favorite dip for french fries?

  • Ketchup: An oldie but a goodie. This classic, red dip has always been a french fries best friend.
  • Magical Aioli: Ok, this is like the KING of dips. Not technically a dip I don’t think, but it’s AMAZING and tastes so perfect with fries. If you love garlic, it’s a must try!
  • Chick-fil-A Sauce: Try this make at home recipe for this famous sauce.
  • Chipotle Mayonnaise: A mayonnaise that is spiced up with smokey chipotle peppers.
  • Ranch: One of my absolute favorite sauces out there for fries. If you have never tried ranch with fries, go do it.
  • Cheese Dip: Beer cheese dip tastes so great with french fries, try this cheesy goodness.
  • Barbecue Sauce: So many great tasting options out there, go with your favorite.
A close up of waffle fries, crinkle fries, and straight fries with a cup of ketchup.
French Fries Make Such an Amazing Side Dish

Frozen French Fry Recipe Tips

  • No added oil. You don’t need to use any oil on these fries. If you would like to add oil, use a little spray bottle to put a very light spritz on the fries.
  • Fry texture. If you like crispier fries, you will want to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Or less time for softer fries.
  • Different sized fries. Thicker fries will need to cook longer, while thinner fries will cook quicker.
  • Don’t overlap too much. You want to make sure to you don’t overfill the basket or the fries will not cook evenly. For best results keep the fries in a single layer, but some overlap is ok.
  • Taste test. Taste your fries after cooking before adding salt. A lot of frozen fries are already pre-salted and you wouldn’t want to make them inedible. If you want to salt your fries make sure to salt them after cooking, not before cooking.
  • Shake basket. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket well to flip the fries around as much as possible.
  • Different cook times. Different brands of air fryers cook differently. Depending on the size of your air fryer and how full the basket is the fries may need more or less cooking time

Storage Instructions for Fries

  • How to Refrigerate: Let the fries cool and put in a glass container or airtight container or zipper bag. They should last about 3-5 days in the fridge, but will not be nearly as fresh. Prepared pretzel bite dough can be stored in the fridge for a day.
  • How to Freeze: I do not recommend re-freezing frozen french fries that have been cooked.
  • How to Thaw: Make sure that you do not thaw out the french fries before air frying them.
  • How to Reheat: Reheat cold fries in the microwave for a few seconds at a time until desired warmth is reached. Or re-cook in air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes, shake the basket at the halfway point.
A tray of waffle fries, crinkle fries, and straight fries with a cup of ketchup.
Make Sure to Shake the Basket a Few Times Through Cooking Process

Try these other frozen air fryer recipes!

  • Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Egg Rolls
  • Uncrustables in Air Fryer
  • Mac and Cheese Bites in Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Bagel Bites
  • Mozzarella Sticks in Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Crispy Crowns (kind of like tater tots)

If you’ve tried this air fryer frozen french fries recipe, don’t forget to give me a star rating and leave me a comment in comment section below. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!

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Straight, waffle, and crinkle fries on a platter with ketchup.
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are the quickest way to make the best perfectly crispy fries. Easily make frozen fries in air fryer with this ultimate fry guide. Air fryer fries will be your new favorite go-to method for eating them.
Prep Time1 minute min
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Total Time13 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 295kcal
Author: Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

  • 1 pound frozen fries
  • salt optional
  • pepper optional
  • seasonings optional

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 350° F.
  • Place frozen fries into the basket.
  • Cook fries for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking time, pull out the basket and shake the fries around. Really try to get the fries mixed around.
  • Place cooked fries in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt or seasonings and serve.

Notes

Fry Cook Times

Crinkle Cut Fries: 12-15 minutes
Straight Cut Fries: 10-12 minutes
Waffle Cut Fries: 10-12 minutes
Steak Cut Fries: 12-15 minutes
Shoestring Cut Fries: 8-10 minutes
  • These fries do not require any added oil.
  • Make sure not to add too many fries to the basket. I usually use about half a bag at a time.
  • If you like crispier fries, you will want to add a minute or two to the cooking time. Or less time for softer fries.
  • Thicker fries will need to cook longer, while thinner fries will cook quicker.
  • Cooked fries will last about 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
 
 
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 5g | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out!

If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and leave me a comment. I love hearing from you! Share a picture on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.

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Comments

  1. Cathleen

    May 18, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    I have been loving using my air fryer for making frozen french fries, so this looks perfect! I am definitely going to try your method, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

  2. Tristin

    May 18, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Isn’t the air fryer the best, Cathleen? I love making my frozen french fries this way, they cook so quickly. Thanks so much!

  3. Heather

    May 18, 2021 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    This is great! I had no idea you could use frozen French fries and get them so crispy like this! Delicious!

  4. Tristin

    May 18, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Frozen french fries in the air fryer is such an easy way to make them. They get cooked to crispy perfection. Thanks Heather!

  5. Allyssa

    May 19, 2021 at 5:21 am

    5 stars
    Thanks a lot for this very helpful Idea! this is just so genius! Thanks again

  6. Tristin

    May 19, 2021 at 5:30 am

    It’s just so easy to make frozen french fries in an air fryer. They come out crispy and delicious! Thanks so much, Allyssa.

  7. GUNJAN C Dudani

    May 19, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    oh my gosh! looks so good and perfectly air fried. I am so glad that is an option not to deep fry it.

  8. Tristin

    May 19, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    I agree, the air fryer method is so much healthier than deep fryer the frozen fries. They come out crispy and are done super quickly! Thanks Gunjan.

  9. Farrukh Aziz

    May 20, 2021 at 12:46 am

    5 stars
    We all love french fries, and what’s better than homemade fries? This was really good, and using the air fryer makes my work a lot easier!

  10. Tristin

    May 20, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    It is so much easier and so much faster to use the air fryer to make frozen fries. Thanks Farrukh!

  11. Julia

    May 20, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Oh gosh, using the air fryer made it SO much easier and faster too!

  12. Tristin

    May 20, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Yes, that is what I love about air fryer french fries, they come out so much quicker! Thanks Julia.

  13. Linda

    May 21, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    5 stars
    This is a keeper! We love fries…who doesn’t and making it fresh at home is way better because it’s less greasy especially when done in an air fryer!

  14. Tristin

    May 21, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    I love that the fries come out less greasy than if you deep fried them, too. Thanks so much Linda!

  15. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    May 21, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    5 stars
    Air fryer is one of the best investments in the kitchen and it is for this very reason. My boys are able to make their own fries now and it is so much safer than using the oven. Thanks a lot for you timing chart. I have made a copy of that for ease in the future.

  16. Tristin

    May 21, 2021 at 4:43 pm

    I love that your boys are able to cook for themselves in the air fryer, such a great accomplishment! I hope they enjoy the fries. Thank you Sandhya.

  17. Amy Liu Dong

    May 22, 2021 at 12:35 am

    5 stars
    Such an easy, and delicious way of cooking my frozen french fries. I love it and thank you for the tips.

  18. Tristin

    May 22, 2021 at 12:45 am

    You are so welcome, Amy. I am glad that you love the recipe!

  19. Amy Casey

    May 22, 2021 at 5:59 am

    5 stars
    What a difference an air fryer makes! These fries were delicious! And it was fun to make a bunch of your sauce recipes to serve them with. A hit!!

  20. Tristin

    May 22, 2021 at 6:03 am

    Yeeesss, I totally agree, Amy. The fries come out great every time in the air fryer. So happy that you liked the recipe and the delicious sauces.

  21. S

    June 19, 2021 at 9:06 pm

    Went the recommended 1 minute longer for crispy
    fries and it worked perfectly!

  22. Tristin

    June 19, 2021 at 9:58 pm

    I’m so glad it worked out for you, S!! Thanks for your comment!

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Hey there! Welcome, I am so glad you are here. I’m Tristin, the food-lover, recipe-maker, and photo-taker behind Home Cooked Harvest, which features easy recipes made with tasty ingredients. Read More…

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