How to Make Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Crispy, Delicious Results Every Time​

If you’ve ever craved the golden, crispy texture of fresh french fries but didn’t want to heat up your oven or deep-fryer, the air fryer is your new best friend. Making frozen french fries in an air fryer is not only quick and easy—it delivers results that rival restaurant-quality fries, with less mess and far less oil. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a kid-friendly snack, a college student short on time, or someone health-conscious wanting to cut back on deep-frying, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve perfectly crispy, evenly cooked frozen fries using your air fryer. By the end, you’ll never reach for the oven or a bag of greasy fast-food fries again.

Why Air Frying Frozen French Fries Works So Well

Before diving into the “how,” let’s unpack why the air fryer excels at cooking frozen fries. Unlike a conventional oven, which relies on slow, radiant heat to cook food, air fryers use a high-powered fan to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. This process, called convection, dehydrates the surface of the fries quickly, creating that desirable crispy exterior while cooking the interior through. For frozen fries—already pre-cooked and frozen to lock in shape—this method skips the thawing step (though we’ll cover when to thaw, if ever) and jumpstarts browning, resulting in less steaming and more crisping.

Compared to deep-frying, air frying uses 70-80% less oil, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor or texture. The air fryer’s compact size also means faster preheating and cooking times—frozen fries often take just 10-20 minutes, depending on your model and the fry type.

Step 1: Choose the Right Frozen French Fries

Not all frozen fries are created equal, and your air fryer results will vary based on the brand and style you pick. Here’s what to look for:

• ​Thickness: Thicker-cut fries (like “steak fries” or “crinkle cuts”) tend to hold their shape better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Thinner shoestring fries can overcook quickly, turning brittle or soggy if not timed correctly.

• ​Coating: Some frozen fries come pre-seasoned or coated in a light batter (e.g., “seasoned,” “cheesy,” or “garlic parmesan”). These often cook faster because the coating helps them brown. Uncoated “plain” fries may require a tiny spritz of oil to crisp up.

• ​Brand Matters: Test different brands to find your favorite. Popular options like Alexia, Ore-Ida, or McCain often perform well, but check reviews or ask friends for recommendations—some brands are optimized for air frying.

Pro Tip: Avoid “oven-baked only” fries labeled for conventional ovens. While they’ll still work in an air fryer, they may lack the coating or density needed for optimal crisping.

Step 2: Prep Your Air Fryer and Fries (Spoiler: You Might Not Need to Thaw)

One of the biggest questions: Do I need to thaw frozen french fries before air frying?The short answer: ​No, and here’s why.​​ Thawing introduces excess moisture to the fries, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Air fryers thrive on dry heat, so keeping the fries frozen ensures they start cooking immediately, with the hot air evaporating surface moisture as they go.

That said, if your fries are partially thawed(e.g., left out accidentally), pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water before adding them to the basket.

​Prep Steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Most air fryers take 3-5 minutes to reach this temperature. Preheating is critical—it ensures the fries start crisping the moment they hit the basket.

2. Remove the frozen fries from the bag. Do not overcrowd the basket—this is the #1 mistake that leads to soggy fries. Work in batches if needed (aim for a single layer with space between each fry).

Step 3: Cook Time and Temperature: The Sweet Spot

Now, the moment of truth: setting your air fryer to the right temperature and time. As a general rule, most frozen french fries cook best at 380°F (193°C) for 12-18 minutes. However, variables like fry thickness, air fryer brand, and whether you add oil will affect this.

​General Guidelines by Fry Type:

• ​Thin/Shoestring Fries: 380°F for 10-12 minutes. Check at 10 minutes—these cook fast and can burn if left too long.

• ​Regular/Cut Fries: 380°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through (around 7-8 minutes) to ensure even cooking.

• ​Thick/Steak Fries: 380°F for 15-18 minutes. Flip once at the 10-minute mark. These need extra time to cook through without burning the exterior.

​Pro Tips for Precision:

• Use a timer—don’t rely on guesswork. Air fryers vary, and even 2 minutes can make a difference.

• If your air fryer has a “french fry” preset, start there and adjust. Some presets are too low (resulting in soft fries) or too high (burning thin fries).

• For extra crispiness, lightly mist the fries with olive oil or avocado oil spray before cooking. Just a few spritzes—too much oil can cause smoking or uneven browning.

Step 4: Check for Doneness and Adjust

How do you know when your frozen fries are done? Look for these signs:

• ​Color: Golden brown, not pale or translucent.

• ​Texture: Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Pierce a thicker fry with a fork—if it slides in easily, it’s cooked through.

• ​Sound: Crispy fries will make a slight “crackle” when shaken in the basket.

If they’re not crisp enough after the initial cook time:

• Increase the temperature by 25°F (14°C) and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

• Spread them in a single layer again (they may have clumped) and air fry without the basket lid (if your model has one) to increase air circulation.

If they’re overcooked (burnt edges):

• Next time, reduce the time by 1-2 minutes or lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C).

Step 5: Season Immediately for Maximum Flavor

The moment your fries come out of the air fryer, they’re at their hottest—and most absorbent. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning right away. Waiting even a minute allows the fries to cool, reducing how much seasoning sticks.

​Creative Seasoning Ideas:

• ​Classic: Sea salt + black pepper.

• ​Smoky: Smoked paprika + garlic powder + a pinch of cayenne.

• ​Cheesy: Grated parmesan + dried parsley.

• ​Everything Bagel: Everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion).

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Fries Problems

Even with the best instructions, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix them:

​Problem 1: Fries Are Soggy, Not Crispy​

• ​Cause: Overcrowded basket, not preheated, or too much moisture (thawed fries).

• ​Fix: Use a single layer, preheat the air fryer, and ensure fries are fully frozen. Pat dry if partially thawed.

​Problem 2: Fries Are Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside​

• ​Cause: Thin fries cooked too long at high heat, or thick fries not flipped.

• ​Fix: Adjust time/temperature for fry thickness. Flip thicker fries halfway through.

​Problem 3: Fries Stick to the Basket​

• ​Cause: No oil spray, or a dirty basket.

• ​Fix: Lightly coat the basket with oil spray before adding fries. Clean the basket with warm, soapy water after each use to remove stuck-on bits.

​Problem 4: Uneven Cooking (Some Crispy, Some Soft)​​

• ​Cause: Fries clumped together, or air fryer has hot spots.

• ​Fix: Spread fries in a single layer. Rotate the basket halfway through cooking to distribute heat.

Why Air-Fried Frozen Fries Are Healthier (and Better!) Than Deep-Fried

Let’s address the elephant in the room: fried foods are often seen as unhealthy, but air frying changes the game. Here’s why:

• ​Less Oil: Air-fried fries use minimal oil (often just a spritz), compared to deep-fried fries, which absorb 1-2 tablespoons of oil per serving.

• ​Fewer Calories: A 3-ounce serving of air-fried frozen fries has ~130 calories, while deep-fried can have ~230 calories.

• ​Retains Nutrients: Air frying doesn’t break down vitamins as much as deep-frying, thanks to shorter cook times and lower fat content.

Plus, you avoid the acrylamide formation that can happen when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures in oil—a potential carcinogen linked to over-frying.

Storage and Reheating Leftover Air-Fried Fries

Leftover air-fried fries? Don’t toss them—they reheat surprisingly well in the air fryer (better than the microwave, which makes them soggy).

​To Reheat:

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (177°C).

• Spread fries in a single layer.

• Cook for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Final Tips for Air Fryer Frozen Fries Mastery

• ​Invest in a Good Basket: Non-stick baskets work best—look for one with a mesh design to maximize air flow.

• ​Experiment with Brands: Some fries are thicker or coated differently; keep notes on what works.

• ​Don’t Fear the Flip: Even if your air fryer claims “no flipping needed,” a quick turn at the halfway mark ensures even crisping.

With these steps, you’ll master the art of air-fried frozen french fries—crispy, flavorful, and healthier than ever. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, a side dish, or a crowd, your air fryer is about to become your go-to tool for fry night. Enjoy!