How to cook frozen fries air fryer

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With just 2 minutes of prep & 14 minutes of cooking you can make the best frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer *. Perfectly crispy with a little bit of olive oil, and ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

How to cook frozen fries air fryer
Jump to:
  • Why you will love this recipe
  • What you need to make air fryer frozen French fries
  • How to cook frozen French fries in air fryer
  • Tips & tricks
  • Recipe FAQ
  • Sauces to dip them in
  • More delicious air fryer side dishes
  • Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

  • It's the best way to cook frozen french fries
  • Crispier than baked
  • Healthier than fried
  • Quicker than in the oven
  • Super easy and done in 16 minutes - with just 2 minutes of prep

What you need to make air fryer frozen French fries

How to cook frozen fries air fryer

Ingredient notes & substitutions

  • Frozen French fries: I used thin cut French fries - a thicker kind will require more time. Start with the recommended time for this recipe and add more time if needed, in 2 minute increments.
  • Olive oil can be swapped for a different type of vegetable oil or a few spritzes of cooking spray. Oil can also be skipped, but helps the fries get really crispy and a nice color.
  • Salt might not be necessary if you're using already seasoned fries - please check the bag before adding the salt!

How to cook frozen French fries in air fryer

How to cook frozen fries air fryer
  1. Place frozen French fries in a bowl or on a plate
  2. Pour over olive oil
  3. Add salt, then mix and make sure to spread the oil and salt as evenly as possible all over the fries
  4. Place them in the preheated air fryer * basket
  5. Air fry for 7 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then shake the basket
  6. Air fry for 7 more minutes at 400°F (200°C), and serve immediately!
How to cook frozen fries air fryer

Tips & tricks

  • Preheat your air fryer *to shorten the cook time - if not preheating you might need more than 14 minutes
  • Don't defrost the French fries - cook them straight from frozen
  • Salt the fries before cooking as the oil will help the salt stick
  • Cook frozen French fries in one layer for an even cook and the crispiest fries. If making more fries, cook them in batches.
  • Shake them halfway for an even cook
  • Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days - but remember that they are at their best just after frying
  • Reheat fries in the air fryer * for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C)
How to cook frozen fries air fryer

Recipe FAQ

How long do you cook frozen French fries in an air fryr?

Cooking frozen French fries in the air fryer takes 10-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact cook time depends on your air fryer and how thick the fries are. If you are unsure, cook them in 5 minute increments.

Can you cook store bought frozen french fries in an air fryer?

Yes, cooking store bought frozen French fries in your air fryer i a great idea!

How do you cook frozen store bought fries in an air fryer?

Air fry store bought fries at 400°F (200°C) for 14 minutes, shaking them once halfway. If needed (for example for thick fries), add more time in 2 minute increments.

Should I preheat my air fryer for frozen french fries?

Yes, I recommend always preheating your air fryer.

How do you season frozen fries?

There are many ways to season frozen French fries. My favorite way is to just sprinkle with salt, but you can also add spices like paprika powder, garlic powder and chili powder, different spice mixes like Elote seasoning or cheesy spice blends, or top them with nutritional yeast.

For more answers to your air fryer questions - check out my Air Fryer FAQ.

Sauces to dip them in

Air fryer French fries are a great snack or side as they are, and even better when served with one or two dipping sauces. If ketchup is just not enough for you, then try one of these:

  • Garlic Dipping Sauce
  • 5-minute Blue Cheese Sauce
  • Chipotle Ranch Dressing
  • 2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
  • Whipped Feta Cheese (Tyrosalata)
How to cook frozen fries air fryer

More delicious air fryer side dishes

Enjoy cooking with your air fryer? Then I think you will love these air fryer sides!

  • Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
  • Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
  • Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
  • Air Fryer Potato Wedges
  • Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

And don't miss my complete guide to cooking frozen foods in air fryer.

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Recipe

How to cook frozen fries air fryer

  • 2 handfuls frozen french fries
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon fine table salt

  • Preheat your air fryer by running it at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

  • Place the frozen french fries in a bowl or on a plate and season with olive oil and salt. Mix well and try to distribute the oil and salt as evenly as possible all over the fries.

  • Place the fries in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 14 minutes, shaking once halfway.

  • Serve immediately on their own, as a side, or with your favorite dipping sauce!

Ingredient notes & substitutions

  • Frozen French fries: I used thin cut French fries - a thicker kind will require more time. Start with the recommended time for this recipe and add more time as needed in 2 minute increments.
  • Olive oil can be swapped for a different type of vegetable oil. Oil can also be skipped, but helps the fries get really crispy and a nice color.
  • Salt might not be necessary if you're using already seasoned fries - please check the bag before adding the salt!

Tips & tricks

  • Preheat your air fryer to shorten the cook time - if not preheating you might need more than 14 minutes
  • Don't defrost the French fries - cook them straight from frozen
  • You can add other seasonings than salt - for example paprika powder, chili powder or garlic powder
  • Salt the fries before cooking as the oil will help the salt stick
  • Cook frozen French fries in one layer for an even cook and the crispiest fries. If making more fries, cook them in batches.
  • Shake them halfway for an even cook
  • Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days - but remember that they are at their best just after frying
  • Reheat fries by air frying for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C), shaking once halfway

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1026mg | Potassium: 645mg | Fiber: 7g | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.

Reader Interactions

How long do you cook frozen french fries in an air fryer?

Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Working in batches as needed, place frozen fries in air fryer basket and air fry for 10-13 minutes, depending on the type of fry, shaking the basket and checking for desired level of crispiness, every 5 minutes.

How long does it take to cook fries in an air fryer?

Air fry them at 380 for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Take them out when they're crisp and brown around the edges. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cooking as many batches as necessary to give the fries adequate space in the basket. Finally, toss them all in together!

Why are my frozen fries not crispy in air fryer?

Agitate While Cooking To make sure all of your air fryer frozen French fries get nice and crispy, it's important to shake the basket a few times during cooking. This will help redistribute the heat and make sure all of the fries are cooked evenly. Serve Immediately Air fryer French fries are best enjoyed fresh.

Do I need to defrost frozen french fries before air frying?

No need to thaw or defrost your bag of frozen French fries. Simply take it out and place the frozen fries in the air fryer tray or basket. Spread them out so they're evenly spread out in a single layer.