For an easy foolproof method for cooking frozen crinkle-cut french fries in the air fryer, try this recipe. Air fryer crinkle fries will be hot on the inside and crispy on the outside in minutes. I bet you can't eat just a dozen!
Once you've tried air frying fries, you will never want to go back to baking them in the oven again. Say goodbye to oven-baked fries and hello to air fryer fries.
This is so easy to make and goes with just about anything from Wagyu Cheeseburgers, Grilled Chicken Breasts, Pulled Pork Burgers, to Microwave Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
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Best French Fry Brands for Air Frying
This recipe works for air frying any crinkle-cut french fry brand including the following:
- Ore-Ida
- McCain
- Wal-Mart Great Value
- Grown in Idaho
- Arby's
- Lynden Farms
- or any of the best brands of frozen fries.
Why Air Fry Frozen Fries
Besides tasting amazing, here are the reasons why my family loves making frozen fries in the air fryer.
- Less oil than deep-frying for a healthier low-fat choice.
- They come out really crispy thanks to the hot dry air versus oil.
- No preheating or bringing oil to temperature for faster cooking.
- Great for reheating too.
Ingredients for Air-Fryer Crinkle Fries
Besides potatoes, there are often other ingredients in frozen fries. That usually includes some sort of vegetable oil, like in Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles. Because of this, you DO NOT need any oil when cooking frozen fries in the air fryer.
This recipe is for cooking 2 servings, each about 3oz. Wondering how many fries are in 3 ounces? Depending on size and brand, it is roughly about 13 fries.
How to Air Fry Frozen Crinkle Cut French Fries
Here are the easy steps for the best air fryer frozen crinkle fries:
- Add frozen crinkle french fries to your air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. (so the air can circulate & brown/crisp all sides - do NOT overcrowd)
- Set the air fryer time & temperature. (no preheating with this recipe!)
- Carefully remove cooked fries & season.
What Temperature to Air Fry Crinkle Fries?
Once the frozen fries are in the air fryer, set it to air fry at 400°. I have a Breville Smart Oven but this will work for any model or type of air fryer.
I DO NOT preheat mine, just add them & follow the cooking times below.
How Long to Cook Fries in the Air Fryer
The range will depend on how you like your fries. We like them extra crispy.
Here is the best cooking guide for air fryer fries! Times are based on cooking at 400* and how soft or crisp well done you like them:
- Soft & Limp Fries - 8-10 minutes
- Crispy & Golden Brown - 12 minutes
- Extra Crispy Fries - 15 minutes
- Well Done Fries - 18 minutes
If you like French-fried potatoes, you will love my recipe for homemade sweet potato fries cooked in a deep fryer. They are crispy & sweet.
Serve & Season
Sprinkle them with salt or any other desired seasoning while still hot. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dip as an appetizer or snack. Or for a complete meal with
FAQ
I find it best to put the food in and then set it; therefore, the food can be inside while preheating. For cooking frozen french fries, there is no need to preheat or wait to get the food in.
When I make a full tray, I like to shake the tray or move them around a bit with some tongs midway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly. It also ensures all sides get brown and crispy.
Since most frozen store-bought fries contain some sort of oil in the ingredients, the simple answer is no. You do not need to add any additional oil.
Frozen fries are a convenience food; therefore, they are made to be quick and easy. In fact, they are meant to be cooked from frozen - do not defrost.
Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle French Fries
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 6 oz frozen crinkle-cut french fries
- salt to taste
- ketchup, dips, seasonings optional
Instructions
- Add frozen crinkle french fries to your air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or tray, add only as many as will fit without overcrowding. Be sure to leave some space between the fries and that they are in a single layer.
- Once the frozen fries are in the air fryer, set to cook. Set to air fryer at 400°. Next set the timer for 12 minutes. For extra crispy, set it for 15 minutes.
- Shake or rotate fries midway through cooking if needed. This is not necessary but the more you have piled in the more likely they may need to move around the cook on all sides.
- When they are done cooking, carefully remove them from the oven and plate. Sprinkle with salt or any other desired seasoning. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dip.
- OPTIONAL - For seasoning powders and dip ideas see above
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 120 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 4.5g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 290mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrate 19g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 2g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 0mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 380mg | 8% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
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Jennifer says
Best way to make frozen fries. I can never remember the temperature or for how long so this was very helpful.
Angela says
I am glad this was helpful.
Brenda says
Yum. Hot and crispy. Just the right amount of time for the fries. Thank you.
Logan says
Perfect!