Crispy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Cooking frozen french fries in an air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy crispy, delicious fries at home. Unlike traditional deep frying, air frying requires little to no oil, producing healthier and less greasy fries.

The best part about cooking french fries in an air fryer is that they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It takes half the time (10-12 minutes at 400 F/200 c) to cook the fries in an air fryer compared to a traditional oven (20 minutes). Cooking them in the air fryer is now the only way I cook french fries.

In this article, I guide you through how to cook frozen french fries in an air fryer. There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Why cook frozen french fries in an air fryer?

Quick and easy – Cooking frozen french fries in an air fryer instead of a traditional oven will take less time, making it the best way to cook them. Simply add the fries to your air fryer basket and air fry for 10 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 french 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. using a deep fryer.

Family favorite – The whole family will love crispy french fries in half the time thanks to you cooking them in an air fryer.

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

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

The size of the french fries can vary by brand. The larger the fries or the more fries you add the longer they will need to cook.

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

To cook air fryer french fries, 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 french fries in an air fryer

Air frying frozen french 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 french 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 french 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 french 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 french fries are cooked to your preference.

Step 7 – Extra Time (optional)

If you like extra crispy fries or have filled your basket to half-way, air fry for another 1-2 minutes. Repeat until your fries are cooked to your preference.

Step 8 – Serve

Once the french fries are cooked to your preference. Use the tongs or serving spoon to remove them from the air fryer.

Top tips

Here are some top tips for serving perfect french fries.

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

Do not thaw – For best results cook the french 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 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 can vary depending on the brand of french fries. You will need to increase the total cook time if cooking thicker fries.

Serving with

Air-fried french fries are truly fast food and they go well with a variety of foods.  

One of the easiest ways to enjoy fries is with a bowl of ketchup or any other of your favorite dipping sauces.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving your fries with chicken tenders or nuggets. Either homemade or premade straight out of a bag in the freezer. Another great pairing is with air fryer hamburgers, homemade or from the store.  The options are endless.

You can also get creative with your fries by experimenting with different toppings like cheese, bacon, or chili for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Common questions

How do I store leftover french fries?

If you have some leftover fries. Wait for the french 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 french fries?

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

Can I air fry any brand of french fries?

Yes, you can cook any brand of frozen french fries in your air fryer. All can be cooked in the air fryer.

Can I air fry an entire bag of french fries in one go?

It depends on the size of your air fryer and the size of the bag. In a 4.2 Quart (4L) air fryer you will be able to cook half a 2lb (1kg) bag each time.

If cooking lots of french fries you will need to increase the cooking time to close to 12 minutes.

Related articles

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

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – Simple step by step guides for cooking popular frozen foods in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Curly Fries – Looking for an interesting alternative to traditional straight cut fries, give curly fries a whirl.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – An healthier alternative to french fries.

Recipe card