Ever wonder how to get that perfect crispy exterior on your curly fries without the mess of traditional frying? Look no further. Making Air fryer Frozen Curly Fries not only gives you that delectable crunch but does so in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s a last-minute snack for yourself or a treat for a group gathering, this method will have you serving up perfection every time. Let’s get into it!
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
So, why the hype about these air fryer curly fries? Let’s break it down.
Perfectly Crisp Every Time
You know those soggy fries you sometimes get from takeout or when oven-baking? Say goodbye to them. The hot air in the air fryer circulates around the fries, ensuring they cook evenly. Cooking curly fries in air fryer gives them a crispy exterior and a tender inside, exactly the way a curly fry should be.
Healthier Snacking Option
No need to drown these fries in extra oil! Since you’re making frozen curly fries in the air fryer, you use less oil than traditional frying or deep frying. That means you’re cutting down on saturated and monounsaturated fats. So, while we aren’t saying this easy air fryer recipe is a salad, it’s a step up in the health department.
Convenient and Quick Side
Short on time? No problem. Frozen curly fries is one of those easy recipes that go from the freezer to ready-to-eat in under 10 minutes. That’s faster than preheating an oven or driving to your nearest fast-food joint. Plus, the air fryer is super easy to clean, especially if you’re using a basket-style air fryer. No more scrubbing pans or dealing with oil splatters.
A Crowd Pleaser
Whether you’re serving them up for a game night, a family get-together, or just because you fancy some Arby’s-style curly fries, you’re sure to get rave reviews from all french fry lovers. And with the option to serve them with your favorite dipping sauces – think BBQ sauce, sour cream, or anything that tickles your fancy – you can cater to everyone’s tastes.
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s chat about what you’ll need to make this golden delight and some potential tweaks you might consider.
Frozen Curly Fries: These are the star of the show, and this is the BEST way to cook frozen curly fries! You can find them in the frozen foods section of most grocery stores. Brands like Arby’s even offer their signature curly fries in a frozen version.
Spray Oil (optional): A light spritz can add an extra touch of crispiness to the air fryer curly fries. If you don’t have cooking spray oil on hand, a slight drizzle of olive oil works too. Just be cautious not to overdo it; we want crispy, not greasy. If you’re looking to avoid extra calories, feel free to skip the oil entirely – the air fryer will still do its magic.
Substitutions: If curly fries aren’t your thing, this method works great for other frozen treats too. Tater tots, crinkle-cut fries, or even regular french fries can be air fried to perfection following the same basic steps.
🥣 How to Make Curly Fries in Air Fryer
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Making curly fries in the air fryer is a breeze, and I promise once you try it this way, there’s no turning back.
Prepping Your Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 200°C/ 400°F. This ensures that when you place those frozen curly fries in, they start cooking immediately. For those with an oven-style air fryer, placing the fries on the middle rack works best.
Arranging the Fries in the air fryer basket
Place frozen curly fries into the air fryer basket. Aim to lay them in a single layer. Sure, a little overlap is okay, (in fact, with curly fries there is a little more wiggle room because of their shape) but remember, the more space they have, the crispier they’ll become.
Cooking Frozen Curly Fries to Perfection
Cook curly fries for about 9 minutes. At the halfway mark, give them a shake or use a spatula to move them about. This ensures they get golden brown all around. After the initial 9 minutes, check ’em out. If you’re a fan of extra crispy fries, feel free to air fry curly fries for another minute or two.
Serving Hot
Once they’re done, serve these crispy curly fries immediately. Fresh curly fries from the air fryer have a crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’re in for a treat!
🫙 Storage & Reheating Instructions
If by some miracle you have any leftover curly fries, here’s how to keep them for later and maintain that delightful crunch:
Cool Before Storing
After you’ve feasted, make sure any leftover fries have cooled to room temperature. Storing them while they’re still warm can lead to condensation in the container, which might leave you with soggy curly fries.
Airtight is Right
Place the cooled curly fries in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and ensures your fries stay as fresh as possible. If you don’t have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag with the air squeezed out works as a good alternative. They store well for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat to Revive
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, don’t just microwave them—that’ll make them soft. For best results, air frying them at 200°C/ 400°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Alternatively, a conventional oven preheated to the same temperature, spread on a baking sheet, will also do the trick.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
Now that you’re practically an expert, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best out of your air-fried curly fries:
Single Layer is Key
It’s tempting to dump the whole bag in, especially when you’re super hungry. But resist the urge. Crowding the basket will steam the fries instead of frying them. If you’re making a larger batch for a group, it’s worth making multiple batches rather than adding the entire bag.
Spray Evenly
If you’re using spray oil, ensure it’s evenly sprayed. A patchy application can result in some parts being more crispy than others.
Shake, Shake, Shake
That halfway shake is more than just a suggestion. It ensures even cooking and that sought-after even golden-brown color.
Experiment with Seasoning
While these frozen fries often come seasoned, there’s no harm in adding a sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or any of your favorite seasonings after they come out of the fryer. Just toss them in a large bowl with your chosen seasoning and serve.
Can Fresh Curly Fries Be Made in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make fresh curly fries in an air fryer! Begin by spiralizing your potatoes into the desired curly shape. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry. Season as you like, and remember, with fresh fries, the cooking time might be shorter. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and turn too brown.
Are There Specific Brands of Frozen Curly Fries That Work Best?
While most different brands of frozen curly fries will work in an air fryer, some fan favorites include Arby’s frozen fries and other well-known supermarket brands. The key is to be familiar with the thickness and seasoning of your chosen brand, as this can affect cooking time and temperature. It’s always a good idea to start with the recommended time and then adjust as needed based on your preferences.
Stay tuned for some more tips on storing leftovers and what to pair with your delicious curly fries!
🍽️ What to Serve with Curly Fries
Curly fries are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your snacking experience:
Dipping Delights
Your favorite dipping sauce will always go well with air fryer curly fries. While ketchup is a classic, why not venture out with some other favorites like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, garlic mayo, sour cream, or even a spicy mayo? And for those who love Frozen Arby’s curly fries, a side of tangy cheddar sauce can’t be missed.
Pair with Proteins
If you’re looking to eat this easy side dish with a main course, consider serving your curly fries alongside some grilled chicken, juicy burgers, naked chicken tenders, or even some fish fillets. The combo of crispy fries with a savory protein is hard to beat.
Freshen Up with Salad
Balance out the indulgence with a fresh, crisp salad on the side. Whether it’s a simple green salad with vinaigrette or something more hearty like a Caesar or Greek salad, or a refreshing Pickled Beet Salad, the contrast of textures and flavors will delight your palate. Why not add them to a burger bowl? Our Healthy Burger Bowl and Cheeseburger Bowl are both incredible!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, while olive oil spray is common, you can also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or any other preferred cooking spray. Just ensure it can withstand high cooking temperatures.
No, but a light spray can enhance the crispiness. However, the air fryer does an excellent job crisping them up even without the extra oil.
Absolutely! Fresh curly fries might need a bit of an adjustment in cooking time, so keep an eye on them.
For best quality, consume them within 1-2 days.
Yes, any brand like Cosori, Philips, or even oven-style air fryers will work. Just ensure you adjust cooking times if your fryer tends to run hotter or cooler than others.
Happy air frying! Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and the delicious results.
😋 More air fryer recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- How to cook Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Sausage Links
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Curly Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 11 oz 312g Frozen Curly Fries (1/2 small bag)
- Spray oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/ 400°F.
- Place your frozen curly fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A little overlapping is fine.
- Air Fry for 9 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
- After 9 minutes check the fries are cooked to your liking. If you like them crispier, add another minute or two of cooking time on.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Experiment with Seasoning: While these frozen fries often come seasoned, there's no harm in adding a sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or any of your favorite seasonings after they come out of the fryer. Just toss them in a large bowl with your chosen seasoning and serve.
- Can Fresh Curly Fries Be Made in the Air Fryer? Yes, you can make fresh curly fries in an air fryer! Begin by spiralizing your potatoes into the desired curly shape. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry. Season as you like, and remember, with fresh fries, the cooking time might be shorter. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't overcook and turn too brown.
- Storage: After you've feasted, make sure any leftover fries have cooled to room temperature. Place the cooled curly fries in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and ensures your fries stay as fresh as possible. If you don't have an airtight container, a resealable plastic bag with the air squeezed out works as a good alternative. They store well for 1-2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy them again, don't just microwave them—that'll make them soft. For best results, air frying them at 200°C/ 400°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Alternatively, a conventional oven preheated to the same temperature, spread on a baking sheet, will also do the trick.