Guess who got an air fryer for Christmas? Yes, I did! And I am really looking forward to exploring this different way of cooking some favorites.
Where to start? Air fryer frozen French fries, of course. LOL
I mean, aren’t we all looking for a faster and easier way to cook up some frozen fries for a quick side dish? I had to know how this cooking method worked, and fries seemed like the logical place to start.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen French fries
- Cooking spray
Pretty easy, right?
Disclosure: I have omitted the cooking spray more than once and had no issues with my fries. In theory, without the spray they will stick to the basket. This is probably variable depending upon the type and brand of fries you buy, so use the spray the first time and then, if you’re feeling brave, experiment without it another time.
How the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid works
I have an Instant Pot and my air fryer is a lid that goes right on it. What a relief – I did not need another whole appliance! The lid does take up a fair amount of room, but at least it’s not as big as most of the other choices out there.
The lid is basically an intense heating element. The default temperature for air frying is 400F. It also circulates air while cooking the food. This results in some differences between the cooking methods:
- Speed to preheat: the air fryer takes less than 5 minutes (exactly 3.5 when I timed it) to come up to temperature. I’m sure it helps that it is only heating a very small area within the Instant Pot’s stainless steel inner pot. This is compared to the 15-20 minutes it takes my full-sized oven to preheat to 400F.
- Speed to cook: Long ago I adopted the habit of cooking frozen French fries for about double the time suggested on the package. Whenever I followed the package instructions, they were too soft and mushy for us. I like a little crisp to my fries! This means I would be baking the fries for 45-60 minutes. In the air fryer, this time is much shorter! I usually go for 18 minutes, but it does vary a little by type (see below)
- Flipping the fries: when using the oven, you need to remove the baking sheet about halfway thru the cook time and flip the fries with a spatula. The Instant Pot air fryer beeps at you when it’s time to do this. And the fries are in a basket, not in an even layer. I have found it easiest to simply lift the basket and give the fries a good shakey-shake to mix them up a little. This does help to promote even heating, and it’s a lot faster and simpler than turning with a spatula.
- Texture of the fries: well, this is what it’s all about, right? In the oven, I get a few burnt fries and a few that are a little soft but am trying for most of them being crisp on the outside and tender inside. This happens more evenly and near-perfectly with the air fryer. This alone sells me on the air fryer – it is definitely living up to the hype!
Variations
Not all frozen fries are created equal, and different cuts and brands will likely yield different results. For example, I tried 2 different “types” of fries, both within the same brand: Ore Ida. My usual purchase is called “Golden Crinkles” but I also tried a similar fry called “Golden Crispers.”
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
In my experience, the golden crispers get…really crisp! And fast! They are done MUCH more quickly than the golden crinkles. I air fried the crispers for 18 minutes and they really were too crisp.
So when you are trying your air fryer, start with 15 minutes and then add from there. Once you know your perfect time, stick with the same brand and cut of fries and you’ll be good!
And don’t be afraid to add a little time. I air fry a half bag (16 oz) at a time but if I “over pour” slightly, the time does need to be lengthened. Whenever the cycle is done, always do a quick taste test.
If you think your fries need a little more, go ahead and give them another shake, replace the air fryer lid and set it to air fry for another 2-3 minutes. It’s easy to dial it in to get your preferred texture!
16 ounces of French fries is officially 5 servings. But c’mon, who are we kidding? If you are feeding a crowd, I recommend making the fries in 2 batches. You probably could air fry the whole bag at once, but I’ve never tried it and I think packing the basket too full would interfere with the air circulation – an important part of the air frying process!
So don't rush it, make your fries in small batches to ensure they are all the best they can be!
What to serve with your Air Fryer French fries
Well, this is pretty easy right? We Americans will eat fries with just about anything, but here's a few ideas to get you thinking.
You can level up the fries by making some delicious Carne Asada Fries - yum!
If you love Ranch and Cajun seasoning (and really, that's everyone, right?), some Louisiana voodoo fries bring all those delicious flavors together!
Or you can serve them on the side with something like a hero sandwich, or any of these delicious main dishes:
Once you've made frozen French Fries in the Instant Pot air fryer, you'll never want to make them any other way!
📖 Recipe
Would you like to save this recipe?
I'll email this post to you, so you can easily come back to it later!
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Ingredients
- 16 oz French Fries frozen
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place basket in the Instant Pot inner pot, add fries, then place the air fryer lid in place. Set timer for 15-18 minutes.
- Air fryer will beep when it is time to turn the food (after 11 minutes for an 18-minute cycle). Remove the lid, shake the basket a few times, then replace the lid and resume the cycle.
- Air fryer will beep and go into cool down mode when the cycle is complete.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
More potato sides
- Air Fryer Waffle Fries
- French Onion Potato Bake
- Air Fryer Onion Rings (yes, they're not potatoes but very much like fries!)
- and, you could use these fries to make some Irish Nachos!
Amy Liu Dong
Such an easy and delicious snack to make for everyone.
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us!
Sula
You're welcome, I'm so glad your family enjoyed these fries!
Sandra Moniot
Thank you so much. First time to use our air fryer. First recipe I found. WooHoo. Will let you know
Sula
Please do let me know - once you've found that "sweet spot" for your air fryer, you'll find yourself using it all the time!!
Jessica Formicola
Thank you so much for these great instructions! They don't include air fryer instructions on the bags yet, so this was very helpful!
Sula
Yes, wouldn't you think they'd address this on the bags?
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Delish!! I could eat that today and tomorrow and the next day. lol.
Sula
LOL me too!
Natalie
Easy, healthy, and delicious. My son loves these.
Sula
Oh yes, I love that the air fryer helps make french fries a little more healthy!
Jessica Formicola
My kids love fries, so I definitely need to try them in the air fryer! This is such a great idea!
Sula
So much better and easier!
Audrey
Everything is better in the air fryer!
Sula
So true!
Vincit Omina
What a genius present!
Sula
Agreed!
Gina Abernathy
My daughter has been pushing for me to get an air fryer for our home. I'm going to break down and buy one. We all love fries.
Sula
It's so worth it!
Arica Aspenson
I also got an air fryer for Christmas and have been experimenting! We love making frozen french fries in ours too! I even do frozen chicken breasts and I made from scratch potato wedges tonight! Such an awesome tool to have in the kitchen!
Sula
Isn't it just fun??
Jeannie
love air fryer fries, way better I rarely eat fries now and usually make them from regular potatotes. thanks for this.
Sula
I agree, they are much better in the air fryer!
Emily Flint
I always appreciate the research you do for us so that we know what to expect and what to buy. I honestly had no idea there were different "types" of frozen fries but after reading your post I'm only buying the crispy versions from now on, they turned out perfect!!
Sula
Crispy is what it's about!
Dawn
Thanks for the tip on how to do frozen french fries - air fryers have become the hot item! Keep the fryer content coming!
Sula
I will definitely have more to come!!
Big Trouble
Ha ha ha, you got an air fryer for Christmas, Sula? WOW, you are a lucky woman. Sounds like Santa was giving that gift for his OWN benefit??? Either way, these fries look BOMB! Especially the crispers--those look amazing!!!
Sula
Santa knew what he was doing, for sure!!