How to Cook Frozen Fries in Air Fryer

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings for crispy, delicious fries. With the help of this innovative kitchen appliance, you can achieve perfectly cooked fries without the need for unhealthy deep frying.

In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps on how to cook frozen fries in an air fryer, so you can enjoy a guilt-free snack or side dish at any time. Say goodbye to soggy and greasy fries, and hello to perfectly crispy fries with the help of your trusty air fryer!

How to Cook Frozen Fries in Air Fryer:

Are you wanting crispy, golden fries but only have frozen ones on hand? No worries! With an air fryer, you can still enjoy that wonderful crunch without the bother of deep fried. Follow these simple steps to cook frozen fries to perfection in your air fryer:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your fries cook properly and become nice and crispy.

2. Prepare the Fries:

Take the frozen fries out of the box and put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking.

3. Add a Dash of Oil (Optional):

For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray or toss the frozen fries with a little cooking oil. This step is optional but can improve the structure and taste of your fries.

4. Cook in Batches:

If you have a big amount of frozen fries, it’s best to cook them in batches. Cooking in batches ensures that the air moves evenly around each fry, resulting in an equally crispy end.

5. Cook Time:

Cook the frozen fries for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may change based on the thickness of the fries and the speed of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

6. Check for Doneness:

After the cooking time is up, carefully take a fry from the basket and check for doneness. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft center.

7. Season and Serve:

Once your frozen fries are cooked to perfection, season them with salt or any other flavor of your choice. Serve them hot with your best dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayo, or mustard, and enjoy!

With these simple steps, you can quickly cook frozen fries in your air fryer, making a delicious and healthy alternative to standard deep-fried fries. Experiment with different spices and dipping sauces to create your fries to your liking. Happy cooking!

Must Read: 7 Spices Soul Food With a Twist

Top 10 Air Fryer Frozen Fries Hacks:

If you’re a fan of crispy, delicious fries but want to keep things easy and handy, using an air fryer for frozen fries is a game-changer! Here are some easy yet effective hacks to take your air fryer frozen fries to the next level:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness from the start.

• Shake Shake Shake: Midway through cooking, shake the basket or toss the fries gently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the frozen fries out in a single layer in the air fryer pan. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking a

• Lightly Oil: While frozen fries already have oil, adding a light spritz of cooking spray or covering them with a bit of oil can improve their crispiness.

• Season Before or After: Sprinkle your favorite spices before cooking for infused flavor or after cooking for a better taste.

• Experiment with Temperature and Time: Not all air fryers are the same. Adjust the temperature and cooking time based on your individual model and tastes.
  
• Use a Rack: Elevating the fries on a rack inside the air fryer basket can promote better movement and prevent them from sticking together.

• Try Different Varieties: From shoestring to steak fries, try different types of frozen fries to find your best and change cooking times accordingly.

• Add Cheese or Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cheese or other toppings during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra indulgent treat.

• Serve Immediately: For the crispiest results, enjoy your air fryer frozen fries as soon as they’re done cooking. They tend to lose their crunchiness if left to sit for too long.

By following these simple hacks, you’ll improve your air fryer frozen fries game and impress your taste buds with crispy, golden perfection every time!

Must Read: Angel Food Cake Lemon Pie Filling

7 Delicious Seasoning Ideas for Air Fryer Frozen Fries:

Are you ready to turn your everyday frozen fries into a flavor-packed delight? Look no further! With these simple seasoning ideas, you can turn your air fryer frozen fries into a mouthwatering treat that will leave everyone hungry for more. Let’s dive into the goodness!

1. Classic Garlic Parmesan:

Ingredients:

• Frozen chips
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
•  ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Method:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for making frozen fries. This usually runs from 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).

• Prepare the Fries: Spread the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer pan. Make sure they aren’t packed to allow for proper air movement.

• Season with Garlic: Sprinkle the chopped garlic evenly over the fries. The garlic will absorb its flavor into the fries as they cook, giving a delicious aroma and taste.

• Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the chopped Parmesan cheese over the fries. The cheese will melt and form a crispy, tasty covering on the fries.

• Add a Pinch of Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt over the seasoned fries. Be careful not to add too much salt, as Parmesan cheese already contains saltiness.

• Air Fry: Place the basket into the hot air fryer and cook the fries according to the manufacturer’s directions. Cooking times may change depending on the brand and thickness of the fries, but usually run from 12 to 20 minutes.

• Shake and Garnish: About halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, take them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with newly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips:

• For extra crispy fries, try spraying the fries with a light layer of cooking oil before adding.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese according to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with different types of Parmesan cheese, such as aged or chopped Parmesan, for unique taste profiles.
• Serve the garlic Parmesan fries with a side of marinara sauce or creamy ranch dressing for dipping.

2. Zesty Taco Seasoning:

Taco spice is like a magic powder that makes your food taste like a party! It’s a mix of spices that gives your meals a burst of flavor, especially if you love that Southwestern flair.

Here’s what makes up this spicy mix:

• Chili Powder: This is the main ingredient that gives taco sauce its signature kick. It adds a bit of heat and a rich, earthy taste to your meals.

• Cumin: Cumin brings a warm and nutty taste to the mix. It’s what gives tacos that unique, aromatic taste.

• Paprika: Paprika adds a bit of sweetness and a bright red color to the spice. It’s not too hot but adds a lovely depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings in that spicy, garlicky goodness without the bother of cutting up real garlic. It’s a staple in many spice mixes, giving an extra layer of flavor.

• Onion Powder: Just like garlic powder, onion powder gives a punch of taste without the tears of cutting onions. It adds a sweet and spicy taste to the mix.

• Oregano: Oregano adds a bit of earthiness and freshness to the spice. It’s a popular herb in Mexican and Southwestern cooking, giving a lovely green note.

• Salt and Pepper: These two are the basic spices that improve the tastes of all the other ingredients. They smooth out the spices and bring everything together.

3. Spicy Buffalo Kick:

If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat in your food, then the Spicy Buffalo Kick seasoning idea is great for you! It’s a flavor mix that brings the hot tang of buffalo sauce together with the smooth coolness of ranch dressing. Here’s how you can easily make your frozen fries extra spicy and delicious:

Ingredients:

• Frozen fries
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch seasoning

Instructions:

• Start by preheating your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Place your cold fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them to ensure they cook properly and get crispy.
• Cook the fries in the air fryer until they are golden brown and crispy, following the recommended time and temperature for your specific brand of fries.
• Once the fries are cooked, move them to a big mixing bowl.
• Drizzle buffalo sauce over the fries, using as much or as little as you prefer based on how spicy you like it.
• Sprinkle ranch sauce over the fries, ensuring they are properly coated.
• Toss the fries gently in the bowl until they are well coated with the buffalo sauce and ranch spice.
• Serve your Spicy Buffalo Kick fries hot and enjoy the tempting mix of heat and creamy coolness with every bite!

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice taste. If you prefer gentler heat, use less sauce, and if you love it extra hot, feel free to add more.
• You can also adapt this spice idea by adding additional toppings such as crumbled blue cheese or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
• These Spicy Buffalo Kick fries make a great starter or snack for parties, game nights, or any time you’re wanting something spicy and filling!

4. Herbaceous Ranch Delight:

Are you ready to give your fries a burst of garden-fresh goodness? Let’s talk about the Herbaceous Ranch Delight spice! It’s a mouthwatering mix of herbs and spices that will take your air fryer frozen fries to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano

Instructions:

• Start by taking a bowl and putting together your ranch spice mix with a large amount of dried herbs. These herbs will add a pop of freshness and flavor to your fries.
  
• Once you have your spice mix ready, it’s time to coat your frozen fries. Simply sprinkle the spice over the fries in your air fryer basket, making sure to cover them evenly.
  
• Pop the basket into your air fryer and cook according to the directions. As the fries cook, the herbs will release their flavors, creating a delicious aroma that will have your mouth watering in no time.
  
• Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, it’s time to dig in! Serve them up hot and enjoy the green goodness with every bite.

5. Savory Onion and Herb:

Ingredients:

• Onion Powder: This magical element adds a slight yet distinct onion taste to your fries. It’s like a special element that brings out the best in every bite.

• Garlic Powder: Ah, garlic! The king of spicy tastes. Just a sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth and flavor to your spice blend, making your fries appealing.

• Dried Parsley: Not only does dried parsley add a pop of bright green color to your fries, but it also brings a fresh, grassy taste that suits the spicy notes of the onion and garlic wonderfully.

• Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a bit of warmth and spice to your seasoning mix, bringing all the flavors together into a perfect symphony of taste.

How to Make Savory Onion and Herb Seasoning:

• Mixing: In a small bowl, mix equal parts of onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. You can change the amounts according to your taste preferences.

• Blend Well: Use a spoon or a whisk to mix the items together until they are evenly spread. Make sure there are no clumps, so each fry gets a uniform covering of taste.

• Taste Test: Give your spice blend a little taste test to ensure it has the right mix of flavors. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more of any item to achieve your desired taste.

How to Use Savory Onion and Herb Seasoning on Your Fries:

• Sprinkle: Once your fries are cooked and hot out of the air fryer, sprinkle the Savory Onion and Herb spice heavily over them while they’re still warm.

• Toss or Shake: Gently toss the fries or give the basket a shake to ensure that the salt covers each fry equally. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

• Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your freshly seasoned fries to a serving plate and dig in! Whether you’re having them as a snack or a side dish, the spicy goodness of the onion and herb dressing will make every bite a treat.

6. Cheesy Bacon Bliss:

Ingredients:

• Frozen chips
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the specified temperature for cooking leftover fries. This usually runs between 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C).

• Prepare Your Frozen Fries: Place your frozen fries in the air fryer pan in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

• Cook Your Fries: Cook the fries in the hot air fryer according to the instructions on the package or until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but cooking times may change based on your air fryer type.

• Add the Cheese: Once the fries are cooked, add a large amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot fries. The leftover heat from the fries will help melt the cheese and make a gooey, cheesy topping.

• Top with broken Bacon: Next, add the broken bacon over the melted cheese. The crispy bits of bacon will add a spicy crunch and irresistible flavor to your fries.

• Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cheesy bacon fries to a serving plate or bowl and dig in! These Cheesy Bacon Bliss fries are best eaten hot and fresh out of the air fryer.

7. Sweet and Smoky BBQ:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bbq sauce (you can find this in the spice section of your shopping store)
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

• Prepare Your Fries: Start by preheating your air fryer according to its directions. While it’s heating up, take out your frozen fries and spread them out evenly in the air fryer basket.
  
• Mix Your spice: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ spice and honey. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined.
  
• Coat Your Fries: Drizzle the spice mixture over your frozen fries in the air fryer pan. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy BBQ goodness.
  
• Air Fry Until Crispy: Place the basket into the hot air fryer and cook the fries according to the guidelines for frozen fries, generally around 15-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
  
• Serve and Enjoy: Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, carefully take them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a little extra barbecue spice if wanted, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Don’t have grilling seasoning? You can easily make your own by putting together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Adjust the amount of honey according to your taste choice. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; if you prefer it less sweet, use less.
• Serve your Sweet and Smoky BBQ fries with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or honey mustard, for an extra burst of flavor.

Must Read: 25 Foods That Make You Taste Good

Conclusion:

Cooking frozen fries in an air fryer is quick, easy, and results in deliciously crispy fries every time. Simply warm your air fryer, spread out the frozen fries in the basket, and cook according to the package guidelines or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Experiment with different spices to personalize your fries to your liking, and enjoy a tasty snack or side dish in no time!

Must Read: How to Cook Luffa Vegetable

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)