Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
French fries in an air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

You won't be able to stop eating these Air Fryer Frozen French Fries! Air frying is the best way to cook fries perfectly: crispy exterior and pillowy soft inside. Choose between thin fries, curly fries, waffle fries, steak fries, crinkle-cut fries, or sweet potato fries, we have it all covered here!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Belgium
Keyword: easy air fryer recipe, easy side dish, french fries, homemade mcdonalds fries, kid friendly, quick side dish, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Bethany Galloway

Ingredients

  • 454 g 1lb Frozen french fries
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Additional seasonings see notes below

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
  • Once the air fryer is heated and the indicator light turns off, add the frozen french fries to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
    Frozen french fries in an air fryer basket.
  • Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the fries or shaking the basket halfway through. I find using tongs the easiest way to do this.
    Tongs flipping fries in an air fryer.
  • Check the notes below for the cooking times for other kinds of fries. These cooking times are for thin fries.
  • Pro tip: if you like your fries extra crispy, cook for another 2-5 minutes.
  • When the fries are finished cooking, tip them into a large bowl and season them immediately if desired, tossing them gently with tongs or shaking the bowl to get an even coating.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
    Air fryer french fries in a large white bowl with a small bowl of ketchup.

Notes

  • Air fryer size: Cook time can vary between different air fryer sizes and brands. When I turn the fries over at the halfway point, I also check to see how they are cooking. If they're still looking very pale, I add a minute or two to the cooking time to see how they are doing.
  • Don't thaw: For best results, cook this french fries recipe straight from the freezer. Thawing them will make them soggy and less crispy.
  • Season after: I always have better results when I season my fries when they're still hot (right after cooking), no matter the recipe, but especially for air fryer frozen french fries. The seasoning just won't stick to frozen fries. However, store-bought fries are coated in oil before they're frozen, so after they've cooked the oil is released and they have the perfect oily surface for seasoning. I toss mine in a large mixing bowl and shake the bowl (with a lid) or toss them gently with tongs while they're still hot.
  • Type of fry: Different kinds of fries like thicker fries or waffle fries take a little longer to cook than regular thin fries. Make sure you follow the cooking times for your type of fry and add extra time if needed.

    • Cooking times for each type of fry

    • Thin fries: 10 minutes
    • Thick fries (steak cut): 15 minutes
    • Crinkle-cut fries: 12 minutes
    • Curly fries: 12 minutes
    • Waffle fries: 12 minutes
    • Sweet potato fries: 15 minutes

    French fry seasonings to try:

  • Taco seasoning
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Smoky & spicy: 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder.
  • A little tangy: 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.
  • Simple: 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 368mg | Fiber: 2g