Frozen Curly Fries In An Air Fryer

Curly fries with their fun shape are a wonderful side dish or quick snack that the whole family will enjoy. But in the past, you may have experienced the disappointment of soggy curly fries that don’t live up to their delicious potential.

Thankfully, cooking frozen curly fries in an air fryer is a quick (10 minutes at 400 F/200 c) and easy way to achieve crispy and golden fries every time. In this article I go through the steps of cooking frozen curly fries in an air fryer, making it the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.

There is a recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Why cook frozen curly fries in an air fryer?

Quick and easy – The best way to cook curly fries is in an air fryer instead of a traditional oven. As it will take less time. Simply add the fries to your air fryer basket and air fry for 10-12 minutes vs. 20 minutes in an oven. For best results cook the fries from frozen, no need to defrost them.

Crispy – Air fryers are great for cooking all types of frozen food, and curly fries are no exception. Your air fryer will cook them to perfection with a crispy exterior and fluffy inside.

Healthy – Cooked in an air fryer you do not need to add any extra oil, reducing the calorie count vs. deep frying.

Family favorite – A great alternative to regular fries and just as easy to cook. Curly fries look and taste different. Kids love them.

How long does cooking frozen curly fries in the air fryer take?

It takes 10-12 minutes in an air fryer set at 400 F (200 c) to cook frozen curly fries.

The size of the curly fries can vary by brand, the larger the fries the longer they will need to cook.

What equipment do I need to cook curly fries in an air fryer?

To cook curly fries in an air fryer, all you need is…

• Kitchen tongs or a serving spoon
• Air fryer liner (optional) – Parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone to reduce clean-up time.

If you are thinking of adding a little bit of oil to help the fries crisp. Use cooking spray or an oil sprayer to apply. Also, pick an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil.

How to cook curly fries in an air fryer

Air frying frozen curly fries could not be easier and is faster than cooking in a traditional oven. It is a simple recipe, so follow these steps and serve up perfectly crispy curly fries every time.

Step 1 – Preheat the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 c) for better results.

Step 2 – Prepare the basket (optional)

Once the air fryer has pre-heated, add an air fryer basket liner if using. Parchment paper or silicone are all great options. 

Step 3 – Add curly fries

Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket. You can have fries on top of and next to each other. Fill the basket of the air fryer to no more than half full.

If you want to add extra seasoning or spray on some more oil to help the fries crisp. Now is the time to add and spray.

Step 4 – Cook

Air fry the frozen curly fries for 10 minutes.

Step 5 – Shake

After 5 minutes of cook time shake the air fryer basket to move the fries around.

Step 6 – Check

After the full 10 minutes check that the curly fries are cooked to your preference.

Step 7 – Extra Time (optional)

If you like extra crispy fries, air fry for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 8 – Serve

Once the curly fries are cooked to your preference. Use the tongs or serving spoon to remove them from the air fryer. Or simply pour them out of the basket into a large bowl. Serve the delicious fries with your favorite sauce.

Top tips

Here are some top tips for serving perfect curly fries.

Preheat – To serve up crispy fries preheat the air fryer.

Do not thaw – For best results cook the curly fries straight from frozen.

Don’t overfill – The size of your air fryer will decide how many fries you can cook at once. You don’t need to organize them in a single layer but don’t fill the basket more than half full. You still want there to be a little space between the fries for the hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.

Shake – By shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time all the fries will be crispy.

Extra time – Size of the fries can vary depending on the brand. Cooking big and lots of curly fries will need you to increase the total cook time.

Serving with

In our house, I tend to serve air-fried curly fries as an alternative to crispy french fries. An easy side dish to go with a burger, steak, or chicken wings.

If you want to make a more impressive feature of the golden brown air-fried curly fries. Place the fries on a serving platter and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder or chili flakes.

Serve this alongside your favorite dipping sauce. I tend to give my family 3-4 options for dipping sauces (ketchup, sweet chili, BBQ, and sour cream). To make the sour cream dip more interesting I add chopped herbs, like chives or parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

For a fun twist, serve the curly fries in a paper cone or a basket lined with parchment paper for a fresh and playful presentation. Works great when hosting and there are lots of kids.

Common questions

How do I store leftover curly fries?

If you have some leftover fries. Wait for the curly fries to cool to room temperature and put them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I reheat curly fries?

To reheat your curly fries, air fry them at 340 F (170 c) for 3-5 minutes.

Can I air fry any brand of curly fries?

Yes, you can cook any brand of frozen curly fries in your air fryer. Different brands use different names including shoestring and twister fries. All can be cooked in the air fryer.

Related articles

Here are some more related air fryer recipes you might like…

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – A collection of easy to follow air fryer recipes for all your favorite frozen foods.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges – Step by step guide to cook frozen potato wedges in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – A healthy alternative to white potato fries and wedges.

Recipe card