How Long To Cook Frozen Fries In An 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!

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Why you will love this recipe
What you need to make them
How to make them
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 them

ingredients for making frozen french fries in 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 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!

How to make them

collage showing how to cook frozen french fries in air fryr

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

french fries on a plate with two dipping sauces

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

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to 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 they are. If you are unsure, cook them in 5 minute increments.

Can you layer French fries in an air fryer?

You can, but for the crispiest and most evenly cooked fries I recommend frying them in a single layer.

Do I need to defrost French fries before frying?

No - it's actually better if you don't! The air fryer cooks them perfectly straight from frozen. This also goes for frying them using a deep fat fryer or baking them in the oven.

Sauces to dip them in

French fries are a great snack or side as they are, and even better when served with one or two dipping sauces. Try one of these:

5-minute Blue Cheese Sauce
Classic Vegan Guacamole
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
Whipped Feta Cheese (Tyrosalata)

More delicious air fryer side dishes

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

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

close up of french fries on a plate

▢ 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 usingalready seasoned fries- please check the bag before adding the salt!

Tips & tricks

Preheat your air fryerto 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 cookingas the oil will help the salt stick
Cook frozen French fries in one layerfor an even cook and the crispiest fries. If making more fries, cook them in batches.
Shake them halfwayfor an even cook
Store leftovers in the fridgein an airtight container for up to 4 days - but remember that they are at their best just after frying
Reheat friesby air frying for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C), shaking once halfway

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

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