How to air fry frozen french fries

• Air frying produces crispier fries than the oven and is less messy than deep frying.
• Preheat the air fryer, and use the proper cook time for the kind of french fry you're making.
• For the best results, don't overcrowd the basket and toss them halfway through cooking.

Frozen french fries are a convenient snack food and a total crowd-pleaser. All of the hard work is done for you, so all you have to do is retrieve them from the freezer and heat them up. While you can use the oven or even a deep fryer, there's a better option: the best air fryer. 

"You'll get crispier results than baking fries thanks to the convection," says Breville product expert, Karen Diep. Plus, it'll be faster, shaving off a third or more of the cook time. Many frozen fry brands include instructions for deep frying, but you'll be trading crispy fires for a real mess and a ton of used oil. "Air frying is a great alternative to getting crispier fries without the excessive fat that comes with deep frying," says Diep.

Cook times for different types of frozen french fries

Many frozen french fry brands now include air fryer instructions right on the bag. "I would recommend using the instructions indicated on the package as the manufacturer will have developed and tested the product many times," says Diep. 

If the fries don't include instructions, the cook time will vary depending on the kind of fry and the thickness. This chart is a good starting point, but keep a close eye on the fries as they cook.

Insider's takeaway

If you want crispy fries with minimal clean-up, the air fryer is the best choice for heating up frozen french fries. Be sure to preheat your air fryer and don't overcrowd the fries in the basket. The cook time will depend upon the thickness of the fries, with thin varieties like shoestring taking less time than thick ones like steak fries.