There’s nothing better than hot, crispy French fries—especially when they’re easy to make. If you’ve been baking frozen fries in the oven or frying them in oil, it’s time to level up with your air fryer.
Air fryers cook frozen French fries faster, crispier, and with way less oil than deep frying. No more waiting 20+ minutes for the oven to preheat or dealing with soggy fries. With the right temperature and a few simple tricks, you’ll get perfectly golden fries every time.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make frozen French fries in an air fryer, the best cooking times, and a few pro tips to make them extra crispy. Let’s get started!
Why Cook Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer?
If you’re still using the oven for frozen fries, you’re missing out. Air fryers do a better job in less time, and the results speak for themselves. Here’s why air frying is the best way to cook frozen French fries:
Crispier Than the Oven
Oven-baked fries often turn out soft or unevenly cooked. Air fryers circulate hot air around the fries, giving them a crisp texture similar to deep frying—without the extra oil.
Faster Cooking Time
No need to preheat for 10 minutes like an oven. Air fryers heat up almost instantly, and most frozen fries cook in just 10-15 minutes.
Healthier Than Deep Frying
Deep frying soaks fries in oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories. Air frying uses little to no oil while still delivering crispy, golden fries.
Less Mess & Hassle
Forget about greasy pans or oil splatters. With an air fryer, clean-up is easy—just a quick wipe or a rinse of the basket, and you’re done.
Works with Any Type of Frozen Fries
Shoestring, crinkle-cut, waffle fries—you name it. The air fryer can handle them all, and with a few small adjustments to cooking time, you’ll get perfect results every time.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have everything ready. The good news? You don’t need much!
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries – Any brand or cut works (shoestring, crinkle-cut, waffle fries, etc.).
- Cooking oil (optional) – A light spray of oil can make fries even crispier.
- Seasonings – Salt, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite spice blend.
Equipment
- Air fryer – Any model works, whether it’s a basket-style or oven-style air fryer.
- Tongs – Handy for shaking or flipping fries halfway through.
That’s it! With just these basics, you’re ready to make the crispiest air fryer French fries. Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer
Making frozen French fries in an air fryer is incredibly simple, but a few small tweaks can take them from good to amazing. Follow these steps for fries that are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps the fries cook more evenly and get that perfect crispiness. Most air fryers only take about 3-5 minutes to preheat, so it’s a quick step that can make a big difference.
Set your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F (depending on your preferred crispiness) and let it run empty for a few minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just turn it on and let it heat up before adding the fries.
Step 2 – Prepare the Frozen Fries
Take the bag of frozen fries and give it a good shake to break apart any clumps. If the fries are stuck together, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes or gently separate them with your hands.
While most frozen fries already have some oil, adding a tiny bit more can help them crisp up even better. Lightly spray or toss them with about a teaspoon of oil. This step is optional, but it’s a great trick for extra crunch. If you like seasoned fries, now is the time to add a little salt, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend.
Step 3 – Arrange Fries in the Air Fryer Basket
One of the biggest mistakes people make is overcrowding the basket. Fries need space for the hot air to circulate, so they crisp up evenly. If you pile them too high, you’ll end up with some fries that are overcooked and others that are too soft.
For best results, spread the fries in a single layer. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches instead of cramming too many in at once. If you have an oven-style air fryer with racks, try to keep the fries evenly distributed for better airflow.
Step 4 – Air Fry at the Right Temperature & Time
Cooking time depends on the type of fries you’re using. Here’s a general guide:
| Type of Frozen Fries | Temperature | Cooking Time |
| Shoestring Fries | 400°F (200°C) | 8-10 minutes |
| Regular-Cut Fries | 400°F (200°C) | 12-15 minutes |
| Crinkle-Cut Fries | 400°F (200°C) | 15-18 minutes |
| Waffle Fries | 375°F (190°C) | 10-12 minutes |
At the halfway mark, open the air fryer and shake the basket or flip the fries. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around. If your air fryer has a shake reminder function, even better—just follow the prompt.
If you like extra crispy fries, you can add 1-2 more minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Step 5 – Check for Doneness & Serve
Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, they’re ready to eat. Take a look at the texture—if they need a little more time, pop them back in for another minute or two. If they look perfect, transfer them to a plate or bowl and season them right away while they’re still hot.
If you didn’t add salt earlier, now is the time. Freshly cooked fries hold onto seasoning better when they’re warm. Toss them in your favorite flavors—classic salt and pepper, Cajun seasoning, or even garlic Parmesan for a gourmet twist.
Best Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
Want restaurant-style crispy fries at home? Air frying already gives frozen fries a great crunch, but a few simple tricks can make them even better. Here’s how to take your air fryer fries to the next level.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
The most common mistake people make is adding too many fries at once. When fries are piled on top of each other, the hot air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking. Always cook in a single layer for the crispiest results. If you’re making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds instead of overstuffing the air fryer.
Shake the Basket Halfway Through
Fries tend to cook faster on the top layer, so flipping them is key. At the halfway mark, shake the basket or use tongs to turn them over. This ensures even browning on all sides. If you’re using an oven-style air fryer, rotate the racks for the best results.
Add a Light Coating of Oil
Most frozen fries already contain some oil, but adding just a teaspoon more can enhance crispiness. Use a spray bottle or toss them lightly in oil before air frying. Avoid drenching them—too much oil can make them soggy instead of crispy.
If you want even crispier fries, a light spray of oil can make a big difference. But not all oils work well in an air fryer. Check out our guide on how to use oil in an air fryer to find the best options and tips for perfect results.
Increase Cooking Time Slightly
If your fries aren’t as crispy as you’d like, leave them in for an extra 1-2 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to make sure they don’t burn. Every air fryer is different, so a little trial and error will help you find the perfect timing.
Preheat the Air Fryer for Even Cooking
While some models don’t require preheating, it helps give the fries a quick, crispy start. Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F or 400°F before adding the fries. This small step makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Season Immediately After Cooking
If you add seasoning too early, it can burn in the air fryer or not stick properly. The best time to season is right after cooking, while the fries are still hot. Toss them with salt, garlic powder, or your favorite spices for maximum flavor.
Best Seasonings & Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Fries
Plain fries are great, but adding the right seasoning or dipping sauce can take them from basic to amazing. Whether you love classic flavors or something a little more adventurous, here are some of the best ways to season and serve your air fryer fries.
Best Seasonings for Air Fryer Fries
Freshly cooked fries are like a blank canvas—you can keep them simple or get creative with flavors. Here are some delicious seasoning ideas:
- Classic Salt & Pepper – A must-have. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper while the fries are still hot.
- Garlic Parmesan – Toss fries with garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and a little parsley for a restaurant-style flavor.
- Cajun Spice – If you love a little heat, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a bold, spicy kick.
- Lemon Pepper – A zesty option that adds a bright, citrusy twist.
- Truffle Salt – Perfect for a gourmet touch. A little goes a long way!
- Ranch Seasoning – Toss fries with dry ranch seasoning for an herby, tangy taste.
- BBQ Seasoning – Smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy—perfect for summer cookouts.
For the best flavor, season your fries immediately after cooking while they’re still hot. This helps the seasoning stick better.
Best Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Fries
A great dipping sauce can make fries even more irresistible. Here are some favorites:
| Dipping Sauce | Flavor Profile |
| Ketchup | Classic, tangy, slightly sweet |
| Garlic Aioli | Creamy, garlicky, and rich |
| Chipotle Mayo | Smoky with a little heat |
| BBQ Sauce | Sweet and smoky |
| Cheese Sauce | Gooey, cheesy goodness |
| Honey Mustard | Sweet and tangy |
| Sriracha Mayo | Spicy with a creamy balance |
| Ranch Dressing | Buttery, herby, and creamy |
| Truffle Mayo | Rich, earthy, and gourmet |
Want to take things up a notch? Try mixing sauces together! A little ketchup and mayo make a great fry sauce or combine honey mustard with BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet dip.
FAQs – Frozen French Fries in Air Fryer
How long do you cook frozen French fries in an air fryer?
Most frozen French fries take 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) in an air fryer. Shoestring fries cook faster (8-10 minutes), while thicker fries like crinkle-cut need 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Should I add oil to frozen fries in the air fryer?
Most frozen fries already contain oil, but adding a light spray of oil can enhance crispiness. Avoid using too much, as it can make them greasy instead of crispy.
Why aren’t my air fryer fries crispy?
If your fries turn out soft or soggy, try these fixes:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in a single layer.
- Shake or flip them halfway through cooking.
- Increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking.
Can I cook different types of frozen fries in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers work with shoestring, crinkle-cut, waffle fries, steak fries, and curly fries. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness—thicker fries need more time, while thinner ones cook faster.
How do I reheat leftover fries in an air fryer?
To reheat fries, air fry them at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. This restores their crispiness better than microwaving, which makes them soggy.
Can I cook fries and other foods together in an air fryer?
Yes, but make sure both foods have similar cooking times. If one cooks faster, remove it earlier. Also, avoid overcrowding so the fries still crisp up properly.
Enjoy Perfectly Crispy Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer
Making frozen French fries in the air fryer is one of the easiest and quickest ways to enjoy crispy, golden fries without all the mess or extra calories from deep frying. With just a few simple steps—preheating, shaking, and seasoning—you can turn any frozen fries into the perfect side dish or snack.
The beauty of the air fryer lies in its versatility. Whether you like your fries extra crispy or a little softer, you can adjust the cooking time to fit your preference. Plus, you can experiment with seasonings and dipping sauces to create a flavor profile that’s all your own.
So, next time you’re craving fries, skip the oven and deep fryer, and reach for the air fryer instead. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying crispy fries in no time!
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, golden fries and savor every bite!
