There’s something wildly satisfying about biting into a perfectly golden frycrispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with that little crunch that makes you reach for another. Air Fryer Frozen French Fries deliver exactly that, and they’re ridiculously easy to pull off on a busy weeknight.
I started making them this way back in 2019 when my youngest declared store fries “too soggy” and walked away from dinner. After testing dozens of batches, I learned the secret: don’t overcrowd the basket, and shake halfway through. Now they come out restaurant-quality every single time, and I’ve been writing about simple wins like this for over a decade.
PrintAir Fryer Frozen French Fries Recipe Easy and Crispy
These Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are perfectly crispy outside and soft inside, just like your favorite fast food fries. Air frying makes them quick and easy to prepare, delivering golden fries every time. Enjoy a delicious side with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 People 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag frozen French fries
- salt to taste I like to use seasoning salt
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Put the frozen fries into the air fryer basket then sprinkle salt over them and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
- Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then shake the basket.
- Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes until fries are crispy and golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 295kcal
- Sodium: 556mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love This Method
These fries hit that sweet spot between effortless and impressive. You’re pulling a bag from the freezer, tossing it in the air fryer, and serving up something that tastes like it came from your favorite dinergolden, crunchy, and completely addictive.
What makes this approach so reliable is how the air fryer circulates heat. It crisps every edge without the oil bath or the oven wait time. I’ve made these countless times for everything from weeknight dinners to game day spreads, and they disappear faster than I can refill the basket.
- Fast: Ready in under 20 minutes, start to finish
- Minimal cleanup: One basket, no baking sheets or pots of oil
- Consistently crispy: The air fryer does the work for you
What You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. You’re working with just three elements: a bag of frozen French fries, a sprinkle of salt (I reach for seasoning salt when I want extra flavor), and a light mist of olive oil spray. That’s it.
The olive oil spray isn’t about adding fatit’s about helping the exterior crisp up beautifully. Just a quick spritz does the job. For salt, use whatever you love. Plain sea salt works, but seasoning salt adds a little nostalgic diner vibe that I can’t resist.
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Start by placing your frozen fries directly into the air fryer basket. No thawing, no rinsingstraight from the freezer. Sprinkle them with salt and give them a light spray of olive oil. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
Halfway through, open the basket and give it a good shake. This redistributes the fries so every piece gets even heat. Then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep an eye on them toward the endair fryers vary, and you want golden, not burnt.
| Step | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 min | Add frozen fries to basket, season with salt, spray with olive oil |
| 2 | 10 min | Cook at 400°F |
| 3 | 30 sec | Shake basket to redistribute fries |
| 4 | 5–10 min | Continue cooking until golden and crispy |
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re feeding a crowd, cook in batches. Overlapping fries steam instead of crisp, and you’ll lose that satisfying crunch. A single layer with a little breathing room is ideal.
Pro Tip: If your fries aren’t as crispy as you’d like after the first round, add 2 to 3 more minutes. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so adjust based on what yours does best.
- Shake the basket halfway throughthis is essential for even browning
- Use a light hand with the oil spray; too much makes them soggy
- Check at the 12-minute mark if you prefer softer fries
How to Serve and Store
Serve these hot, straight from the basket. They’re perfect alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even as a snack with ketchup and a sprinkle of extra salt. I’ve also tossed them with a little parmesan and fresh herbs when I’m feeling fancy.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back the crispness. They won’t be quite as perfect as the first round, but they’re still miles better than microwave leftovers.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | Up to 2 days | Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes |
| Freezer (if homemade, not recommended for pre-frozen) | Not ideal | Best enjoyed fresh |
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FAQs (Air Fryer Frozen French Fries)
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F for best results. This high temperature creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy. Most frozen fries cook evenly at this temperature without burning.
How long do I cook frozen fries in the air fryer?
Cook for 12-15 minutes total, shaking the basket halfway through. Thin cut fries need closer to 10-12 minutes, while thick cut or steak fries may need 15-18 minutes. Check for golden brown color to determine doneness.
Should I add oil to frozen fries?
You don’t need to add oil since most frozen fries are pre-coated. However, a light spray of cooking oil can make them extra crispy. If you do add oil, use just 1-2 teaspoons for a full basket.
Why are my fries not getting crispy?
Overcrowding the basket is the main culprit. Cook in single layers for maximum air circulation. Also make sure to shake the basket every 5 minutes and pat frozen fries dry if they have ice crystals.
Can I season the fries before cooking?
Yes, season them right after they come out of the freezer while still slightly frosty. The moisture helps seasonings stick better. Add salt, garlic powder, or your favorite seasoning blend before cooking.
You’ll love how air fryer frozen French fries come together in just 15 minutesgolden, impossibly crispy, and gone before you know it. No fuss, no oil splatters, just the kind of simple win that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more joyful. They’re the side dish I reach for when I need something fast, delicious, and universally adored.
If you’re craving extra flavor, toss them with garlic powder or smoked paprika right after cookingit’s a trick I picked up from years of testing kitchen shortcuts. These also reheat beautifully in the air fryer, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, or pile them next to a juicy burger for a meal that feels like a treat.
I’d love to hear how yours turn outtag me in your photos or tell me which seasoning you tried. Did you grow up with fries as a family favorite, or is this a new tradition you’re starting? Save this recipe, share it with someone who loves good food made easy, and enjoy every crispy, golden bite.
