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    Ambitious Foodie » Recipes » Side Dishes

    How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

    Published: January 22, 2025 · Modified: March 22, 2025 By Imsen. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

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    Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are the quickest way to make golden, restaurant-style fries at home, minus the grease! With a few simple seasonings and a quick air fry, you’ll have crispy, flavorful fries in minutes.

    air fryer frozen french fries with garlic salt, parmesan cheese and italian parsley in bowl on countertop.

    I’ve always loved the satisfying crunch of well-cooked French fries, but deep frying has never been my thing — too much oil, too much mess! That’s when I learned that the air fryer is magic and that frozen fries can be turned into crispy perfection with little to no effort. And I did some seasoning experimentation, and I found that garlic salt and a last-minute sprinkle of Cajun seasonings made for the best flavor combo.

    Now these air fryer fries are an instant classic in my kitchen, be it for a snacking or a side dish for burgers and sandwiches. They’re super flexible to customize, and a quick spray of oil before cooking yields crispier results than you’ll ever achieve in a traditional oven. Trust me, you’ll never go back to soggy oven fries after you try this method!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Main Ingredients
    • How To Air Fry Frozen French Fries
    • Pro Tips
    • Notes and Variations
    • What To Serve With Crispy French Fries
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Easy Potato Recipes
    • Recipe
    • How To Make Crispy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Super Crispy & Delicious – The air fryer makes for delicious, perfectly golden and crispy fries without all the excess oil from a deep fryer.
    • Quick & Easy – Don’t have to preheat an oven or wait forever — ready in 15 minutes!
    • Healthier Approach – The Air Fryer uses way less oil than regular frying and is therefore a guilt-free snack.
    • Customizable & Versatile – Season with whatever you desire (garlic, paprika, parmesan or even truffle oil)!

    Main Ingredients

    This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:

    ingredients for frozen french fries in air fryer.
    • Frozen French Fries – The base of the recipe giving you a crispy outside and fluffy inside when you cook it in the air fryer. Since they are pre-cooked and lightly oiled, they crisp nicely without the need for deep frying.
    • Garlic Salt – The merger of salt and garlic powder that creates an umami loaded flavor profile that makes each fries even more delicious without hiding the actual flavors of the potatoes.
    • Parsley – A refreshing, herbal garnish that adds a burst of color and a subtle earthy flavor. It balances out the foody richness of the seasonings, and it makes the fries look pretty.
    • Cajun seasoning — A spicy warm blend giving heat and depth. Typically made using paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and other spices, it delivers smoky, spicy and slightly tangy flavor to the fries. Great for those who enjoy a bit of spice!
    • Spray Oil - A light spray of oil will cause the seasonings to stick to the fries better and encourage them to crisp up in the air fryer. It also guarantees that even golden-brown coating without making the fries greasy.

    How To Air Fry Frozen French Fries

    1. Preheat –  400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes
    2. Prepare - In a medium bowl, add frozen fries, then spray with a light coating of oil.
    3. Season – Add garlic salt to the fries and toss to coat.
    frozen french fries in air fryer basket.
    1. Cook – Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket midway through.
    freshly fried air fryer french fries on countertop.
    1. Finish - Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and parsley.
    air-fried frozen french fries in bowl with parmesan cheese.
    1. Serve – Gently toss and serve hot with your favorite dip!

    Pro Tips

    • Don’t Overcrowd — Arrange the fries in one layer so they cook evenly and get the most crispiness.
    • Shake the Basket — Halfway through cooking, toss the fries around in the basket to help them cook evenly on all sides.
    • Season in Two Steps - Add garlic salt before cooking for deep flavor, then Cajun seasoning after for a boldly fresh flavor.
    • Extra Crispy Hack – If you want them ultra crispy, spritz again with oil halfway through the cooking time, and air fry for 2-3 minutes longer.
    frozen french fries from air fryer with garlic salt, parmesan cheese and italian parsley in bowl on countertop.

    Notes and Variations

    • Adjust Spice Level – Increase or decrease Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat!
    • Different Seasonings – Mix up the Cajun for paprika or parmesan or ranch seasoning or lemon pepper for something different.
    • Crispier Fries – Cook 2-3 minutes longer for extra crunch. Spritzing more oil halfway through also helps.
    • Cheesy Upgrade — Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the hot fries after cooking for a rich, savory touch.
    • Dipping sauce ideas – Serve with spicy mayo, ranch, cheese sauce, or classic ketchup for added flavor!

    What To Serve With Crispy French Fries

    • Burgers & Sandwiches — Cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or Philly cheesesteaks, which are classics.
    • Grilled or Fried Proteins – Serve with grilled steak, fried chicken, or crispy fish or shrimp for a substantial dish.
    • Dipping Sauces - up the flavor with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
    • Loaded Fries – Cheese, sour cream and chives will turn them into a loaded fries platter (or make them into a meal).
    • Fresh Sides — Pair crispy fries with coleslaw, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do you have to cook your frozen fries in the air fryer?

    Air fry, turning the basket halfway through for even crispiness, at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Add 2–3 more minutes if you want extra crunchiness.

    What seasonings can I use?

    Other than garlic salt and Cajun seasoning, consider topping them with paprika, black pepper, parmesan, Italian herbs, ranch seasoning or chili powder for a different flavor. You might even squeeze in a touch of lemon or lime zest for some bright lift.

    Do I need to add oil when air frying frozen fries?

    No, but a light spray of oil helps them get crispier and makes the seasoning stick better. If your fries already have oil, though, feel free to skip this step.

    Can you reheat air fryer French fries?

    Yes! To return crispiness to the sausage chips, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking during cooking. The microwave is the enemy; it makes them soggy.

    If you tried this Crispy Air Fryer Frozen French Fries or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!

    More Easy Potato Recipes

    • Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
    • Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
    • Louisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe (Wingstop Copycat)
    • Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
    • Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
    • The Best Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
    • The Best Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
    • How to Make Crispy Frozen French Fries in the Air Fryer
    • How to Make Potatoes on the Blackstone Griddle
    • Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes

    Recipe

    How To Make Crispy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Frozen French Fries are the quickest way to make golden, restaurant-style fries at home, minus the grease! With a few simple seasonings and a quick air fry, you’ll have crispy, flavorful fries in minutes.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: Appetizer, holiday appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 321kcal
    Author: Imsen

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
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    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 lb 450g frozen French fries
    • 1 teaspoon cooking spray
    • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
    • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
    • fresh parsley  for garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat –  400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes
    • Prepare - In a medium bowl, add frozen fries, then spray with a light coating of oil.
    • Season – Add garlic salt to the fries and toss to coat.
    • Cook – Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket midway through.
    • Finish - Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and parsley.
    • Serve – Gently toss and serve hot with your favorite dip!

    NOTES

    • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer - Spread the fries in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness. If you have a large batch to prepare, do so in multiple batches.
    • Season in Two Steps — Sprinkle garlic salt on before cooking for deep flavor, and Cajun seasoning after cooking for a bold, fresh taste.
    • Crispiness — For super crispy fries, continue cooking 2-3 minutes longer, giving them a light spray of oil midway.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 1821mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2mg
    Keyword air fryer, Crispy Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer, French Fries, Frozen French Fries In The Air Fryer
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!

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    Hi, This is Imsen! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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