Do you like well-done crispy fries but do not like the idea of deep frying and all the oil splattering? Well, you have got to look no further than your fabulous, all-in-one appliance, an air fryer!
Air frying frozen french fries is a great alternative to frying because it takes lesser time and it is also healthier than other methods and it also produces tasty fries each time.
In this article, it will be our pleasure to explain different methods used in preparing the air fryer frozen french fries in details, the tips and tricks you should know and most of the common questions asked on the same subject. Let’s dive in to get a jump on how you can make restaurant-style fries right in your own kitchen!
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Why Cook Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer?
There are several reasons why cooking frozen french fries in an air fryer is a game-changer:
• Crispy Perfection: Freezing Fries and air frying them get a crunchy surface and soft texture inside, pretty much like deep-frying, but with much less fat.
• Healthier Option: Air fry could be done without the use of oil rendering it a healthier practice as compared to deep frying. It means you can get your favourite fries with a reduced measure of calories as well as fat.
• Convenience: Air fryer for instance means you can get fresh and hot fries in a few minutes at your disposal. Just need not to stop to wait for the pot of oil to heat or warm up an oven.
• Versatility: It is possible to go for frozen fries and cook shoestring, crinkle-cut, waffle, and others with the help of this appliance.
How to Cook Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer
• First, you set your air fryer to desired temperature of 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Place the frozen fries in the air fryer basket taking care not to stuff them. It is recommended to do it so the basket isn’t filled to the top; half of the container should be enough.
• Drizzle the fries with oil or use cooking spray and spread it lightly over the fries. And this should assist to make them get crispier.
• Afterwards season it with salt, pepper or any of your preferable spices.
• Cook at 400 degrees F for 10-15 min turning the basket every 5 min to make sure foods are cooked evenly. This may of course depend on what type and how many fries there are on the grill.
• Turn over the fries After 10 minutes has elapsed. If it is not crispy enough to your desired then you continue air frying in times intervals of 2 minutes.
• Take the fries out of the air fryer and transfer it on the serving plate and serve hot as it is, or with your desired sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
1. Don’t overcrowd the basket. It is desirable to cook the fries in portions if they will not fit into a single layer in the frying pan or oven.
2. When cooking the mixture with the eggs, it is advisable to shake the basket more often, so that the food may not stick and may also turn a nice brown on the outside.
3. For the extra crispiness, you should ensure that you spray the fries with oil then air fry and add an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Cooking time depends with the type and thickness of the fries that you have defrosting. The thinkers may need few more minutes than the regular ones.
5. Always make sure that you are ready to put your fries in the air fryer by preheating the machine for a least 2-3 minutes. As mentioned, this is done so that the fries are well cooked and none of them remains under done.
6. When cooking with an air fryer, use a basket style air fryer if possible as these offer the best results. Of course, toaster oven-style air fryers may not make the food as crispy.
7. It is recommended to serve the fries as soon as possibly as it enhances its crispness. If they do this for a long time then they become soft and hence do not have that crunch.
Reheating Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to heat up the frozen fries is such a great idea that took my attention lately.
All you’ll need to do is to transfer the leftover fries into the basket of the air fryer and set it at 400F for approximately 2-3 minutes shaking the basket in the middle of the frying time. This will assist in to regain their crispiness without the need to overcook them.
Seasoning Ideas for Air Fryer Fries
While salt is a classic choice, there are many other ways to season your air fryer frozen fries:
• Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic and dried parsley and toss with the fries.
• Chili Lime: Top the fries with chili powder, lime zest as well as sprinkling some salt on the fries.
• Ranch: Combine dried ranch seasoning mix with garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle over the fries.
• Cajun: Here you can use Cajun seasoning or marinate and mix the food with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper.
Key Takeaways
• Air frying French fries is one of the easiest ways to fry foods as well as being healthier than deep frying.
• Turn your air fryer on, then put the fries onto the basket and spray some oil on the fries, season it and air fry for 10-15 minutes and shake the basket from time to time.
• Do not overcrowd the basket and depending on the type and thickness of the fries cook them for the appropriate time.
• There are many ways to increase the flavor level in your air fryer fries; try out different seasonings.
FAQ
Can I apply oil on my air fryer frozen fries?
Of course, oil isn’t necessary, but if you prefer your fries to be very crispy, it is possible to spray them with some oil.
For how long does one preheat the air fryer?
Air fryer usually takes about 2-3 minutes to preheat before you include the fries in the basket.
Can I place the fries in an overlapping manner in the basket of the air fryer?
One should not overcrowd the fries rather it is preferable to fry the fries in a single layer or at most with slight layering over each other. Cooking at a low temperature in turn when there is overcrowding is one of the dangers that offend culinary practices.
What temperature is best to use while cooking the frozen fries with the aid of an air fryer?
The general temperature setting for air frying frozen fries should be at 400°F(200°C).
When using an air fryer how often should one shake the basket?
Stir the basket with a spatula every 5 minutes that it is in the fryer to get an even color and to avoid sticking.
Is it possible to cook the different category of frozen fries in an air fryer?
Yes! As for frozen fries you can fry shoestring fries, crinkle cut fries, waffle cut or any other type of fries you can think of. The last step suggests that depending on the characteristics of the particular recipe, one has to modify the cooking time.
Conclusion
By reading this article and following these tips and guidelines, you can easily achieve cooking the best Air Fryer Frozen French Fries that will become the same as restaurant ones. It is fun to try different recipes for seasonings and dipping sauces to get the taste that suites you best!