Frozen French Fries: How to Perfect Them in the Air Fryer
Crispy, golden, and ready in minutes—ditch the oven and master frozen fries in your air fryer with our complete cooking guide.
Frozen French fries are a freezer staple—and the air fryer is hands-down the best way to cook them. Forget the soggy oven results. Air frying gives you crispy edges, soft centers, and a fast, mess-free cook time. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to perfect frozen fries in your air fryer—plus a few pro tips to take them to the next level.
Golden Crispy Frozen Fries
Perfectly crispy frozen fries straight from the air fryer - golden, evenly cooked, and ready in minutes
🔄 Oven vs. Air Fryer: Frozen Fry Comparison
| Method | Time | Temperature | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 20–25 min | 425°F | Often soggy |
| Air Fryer | 10–14 min | 375°F | Crispy + even |
💡 Pro Tip: The air fryer cuts cook time nearly in half—and no preheating required.
🧂 How to Cook Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer
What you need:
- • 1 bag of frozen fries (any brand or cut)
- • Optional: olive oil spray, salt, garlic powder, or seasoned salt
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F
Most models don't require it, but preheating for 2–3 minutes can improve crispiness.
2. Add frozen fries in a single layer
Don't overcrowd. For best results, fill no more than ¾ of the basket.
3. Optional: Lightly spray with oil
A quick mist of olive oil adds golden color and helps seasoning stick.
4. Cook for 10–14 minutes
Shake or toss the fries halfway through. Thin-cut fries may be ready in 10; thicker ones need up to 14.
5. Season and serve immediately
Add salt or your favorite seasoning while fries are still hot.
🍟 Air Fryer Times by Fry Type
| Fry Type | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | 375°F | 9–11 min | Shake once midway |
| Crinkle Cut | 375°F | 12–14 min | Slightly longer for thickness |
| Steak Fries | 375°F | 13–15 min | Flip with tongs if needed |
| Curly Fries | 375°F | 10–13 min | Shake often for even cooking |
| Waffle Fries | 375°F | 10–14 min | Watch closely in last minutes |
🍔 Perfect Pairings
Pair your golden fries with:
- • Air fryer chicken nuggets or burger patties
- • Dips like sriracha mayo, ranch, or cheese sauce
- • A fried egg on top for a brunch-style loaded fry
🙋♀️ FAQ: Frozen Fries in the Air Fryer
Do I need to thaw frozen fries before air frying?
Nope! Always cook them straight from frozen for the best texture.
Can I stack the fries?
A little overlap is fine, but too much will steam the fries instead of crisping them.
Do I need to use oil?
No, but a light spray can help improve browning and seasoning adhesion.
🥇 Final Tip: Don't Walk Away!
The last 2 minutes are the crispy zone—check your fries and stop when they're golden, not burnt.
Ready for Perfect Fries?
With these simple steps, you'll get perfectly crispy frozen fries every time. The key is not overcrowding the basket and giving them a good shake halfway through. Your family will never want oven fries again!
🧮 Want to convert other frozen foods? Use our Air Fryer Calculator to convert any oven recipe instantly!