Golden, crispy edges. Fluffy insides. That satisfying crunch when you bite down. Air fryer frozen french fries deliver all that no deep fryer, no splattering oil, no guilt.
I started shooting fries in the test kitchen back in 2016, and the difference between soggy and perfect comes down to one thing: don’t overcrowd the basket. Give them space to breathe, shake halfway through, and you’ll get restaurant-level crispiness every single time. I’ve photographed hundreds of batches trust the process, it works.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries: Easy Perfect Recipe
Enjoy crispy, golden air fryer frozen french fries that are tender inside and much healthier than traditional frying. This simple method delivers perfectly cooked fries quickly, making them an ideal side dish.
Put the frozen fries evenly into your air fryer basket. Season them lightly with salt and give a spray of olive oil.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the fries for 10 minutes.
Once time is up, shake the basket well to turn the fries.
Continue cooking another 5 to 10 minutes, checking often, until the fries reach your preferred crispiness.
Notes
For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use seasoning salt for extra flavor or regular salt if preferred. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a bag from the freezer and serving restaurant-quality fries in under 20 minutes. No preheating a giant oven, no bubbling pots of oil to deal with later.
Ridiculously easy: Three ingredients, one basket, zero stress.
Crispy every time: The circulating hot air works magic on those frozen spuds.
Healthier than frying: A light mist of olive oil is all you need for that golden crunch.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike devour these they taste just like the drive-thru, but better.
What You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. You probably have everything already, and if not, it’s a quick grocery grab.
Frozen French fries: Any cut works crinkle, shoestring, thick-cut, or steak fries. Straight from the freezer, no thawing.
Salt: Seasoning salt adds a nostalgic diner vibe, but plain salt works beautifully too.
Olive oil spray: Just a quick spritz to help them crisp up and brown evenly.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the spray. Even though the fries have some oil already, that extra mist makes all the difference between good and great.
How It All Comes Together
This is where the air fryer really shines. The process is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever turned on your oven for frozen fries.
Start by dumping the frozen fries straight into the air fryer basket no need to defrost. Sprinkle with your salt (I love seasoning salt for that extra pop), then give them a light spray of olive oil. Set the temperature to 400°F and let them cook for 10 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a good shake to flip the fries around. This ensures every side gets that golden, crispy finish. Then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.
After testing hundreds of batches, I’ve learned that the shake is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between uneven sogginess and that perfect all-over crunch.
Timing & Temperature at a Glance
Step
Temperature
Time
What to Do
Initial Cook
400°F
10 minutes
Season, spray, and cook
Shake
Flip fries for even crisping
Final Cook
400°F
5–10 minutes
Cook until golden and crispy
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
A few small tweaks can take your fries from good to unforgettable. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of testing.
Don’t overcrowd: Lay the fries in a single layer with a little breathing room. Crowding traps steam and leads to sogginess.
Check early: Air fryer models vary. Start checking at the 12-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Adjust for thickness: Thin-cut fries may be done in 12 minutes, while thick-cut or steak fries can take the full 20.
Season after, too: A pinch of extra salt right when they come out amps up the flavor.
Serving and Storing Your Fries
How to Serve
Storage
Reheating
Serve hot with ketchup, aioli, or ranch
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness
Pair with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken
Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch
Avoid the microwave it makes them soggy
Note: Fries are always best right out of the basket, but reheating in the air fryer brings back most of that original texture.
Craving delicious recipes and fresh cooking inspo? Follow me on Pinterest!
FAQs (Air Fryer Frozen French Fries)
What temperature should I set my air fryer to?
Set your air fryer to 400°F for the best results. This temperature creates the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Cooking at lower temperatures may result in soggy fries, while higher temps can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
How long do frozen fries take to cook?
Most frozen fries need 12-15 minutes in the air fryer. Thin-cut fries typically take 10-12 minutes, while thick-cut or steak fries need 15-18 minutes. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness.
Should I add oil to frozen fries before cooking?
Adding a light spray of oil enhances crispiness, though it’s not required since most frozen fries already contain oil. Use about 1 teaspoon of oil for a full basket. Avoid over-oiling as it can make the fries greasy instead of crispy.
Can I cook different brands of frozen fries the same way?
While the basic method stays the same, cooking times may vary slightly between brands. Premium brands often have thicker coatings that need an extra 2-3 minutes. Always check for golden-brown color and desired crispiness rather than relying solely on time.
Why are my fries not getting crispy enough?
Overcrowding the basket is the most common cause of soggy fries. Cook in single layers with space between each fry for proper air circulation. Also ensure your air fryer is preheated for 2-3 minutes before adding the fries for maximum crispiness.
You’ll love how these air fryer frozen french fries turn out golden, crispy, and ready in just 15 minutes. No oil splatter, no waiting around. Just that perfect crunch you’ve been craving, straight from the freezer to your plate.
Want to mix things up? Toss them with garlic powder and parmesan right after cooking, or serve them alongside a tangy aioli for dipping. I’ve tested hundreds of fry batches over the years, and my favorite trick is adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra something. Leftovers reheat beautifully at 375°F for about four minutes they’ll taste like you just made them.
Snap a photo when yours come out hot and golden I’d love to see how they turned out for you. Did you grow up dunking fries in a milkshake, or are you team ketchup all the way? Save this recipe for those nights when you need something fast, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. Your family’s going to be so happy.
