If the only thing you ever cooked in your air fryer were French fries, it would still be worth every penny. Traditional deep-fried fries can be messy and require a ton of oil—and they’re tough to make perfectly at home. But thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve that crave-worthy crisp without drenching your kitchen in oil.
However, to get the absolute crunchiest results, there are a few important rules to follow. Below, you’ll find four easy tips for making the best air fryer French fries from frozen. And trust me, once you master this method, you’ll never go back to soggy fries or greasy stovetop cleanups again!
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer for Maximum Crunch
The hotter your air fryer is when you add the fries, the faster they’ll crisp and develop that golden-brown color. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it for about five minutes at 400°F (or your desired cooking temperature). If there’s no dedicated preheat button, just run it empty for about five minutes. This step ensures the air fryer chamber is thoroughly heated before you start cooking.
2. Use a Light Spritz of Cooking Oil
Some people skip the oil altogether, but a quick spritz of your favorite cooking oil—like canola, olive, or avocado—really helps seal in the moisture and develop that crunchy exterior. Lightly coat the basket and the frozen fries themselves for the best texture. You don’t need a lot; just a small amount is enough to create a beautifully crispy crust.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it’s crucial to give the fries plenty of space. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving a little room between each fry if possible. When fries are packed too tightly, the air can’t reach every side, leading to uneven cooking and less crunch. If you’re making a big batch, it’s better to cook in multiple rounds.
4. Shake the Basket for Even Cooking
About halfway through the cooking time, pull out the basket and give it a good shake to help the fries cook evenly. This little trick redistributes the fries, ensuring each piece has a chance to get crispy on all sides. After shaking, try to arrange them back into a single layer before returning the basket to the air fryer to finish cooking.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer French Fries
Frozen French fries (choose your favorite style—crinkle-cut, shoestring, waffle, or curly)
Cooking oil (olive, canola, avocado, etc.)
Salt (optional, or use your preferred seasoning blend)
How to Make Air Fryer French Fries (Step by Step)
Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about two to five minutes.
Oil the Basket: Lightly spritz the basket with cooking oil.
Add the Fries: Arrange your frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If desired, spritz the top of the fries with oil as well.
Cook: Air fry for 10 minutes.
Shake: Gently remove the basket and give it a good shake or stir to ensure even cooking.
Finish Cooking: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them and the style of fry you’re using.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt or your favorite seasoning blend, and enjoy while they’re hot.
Pro Tip: Thinner fries (like shoestring or matchstick) will generally cook faster, while thicker cuts (like waffle or steak fries) might need extra time. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.
What to Serve With Air Fryer French Fries
If it were up to me, a big plate of crispy fries plus a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a complete meal—maybe with a glass of wine on the side. But if you’re looking for extra protein or need to feed a crowd, pair your golden fries with:
Air Fryer Bacon Cheeseburgers
Hot Dogs or Brats
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or Thighs
Quick 10-Minute Salmon (also air-fried)
45-Minute Roast Chicken (classic oven or air fryer version)
For added veggies, pop some air-fried Brussels sprouts, cauliflower steaks, broccoli florets, or shishito peppers in after the fries are done. You’ll have a complete meal in no time!
Air Fryer French Fries FAQ
How long do fries take in the air fryer?
The cook time varies depending on the temperature and thickness of the fries. At 400°F, most frozen fries will take between 15 to 20 minutes to get crispy.
Can I put frozen French fries directly in the air fryer?
Absolutely. You can toss them in straight from the freezer. Just remember to preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket to achieve the best results.
Final Thoughts
With these tips, you’ll never have to suffer through undercooked, soggy, or flavorless fries again. Air fryer French fries are one of the easiest ways to take a favorite comfort food and make it at home—minus the mess and extra oil. Preheat your air fryer, use a quick spritz of cooking oil, don’t overload the basket, and shake midway through for the crispiest, most satisfying fries you can imagine.
Try out these simple steps today, and prepare to be amazed at how delicious homemade fries can be—no deep fryer required!