Are you tired of soggy, sad fries that just don’t hit the spot? If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re in for a treat! This kitchen superstar is an absolute game-changer when it comes to transforming frozen french fries into golden-brown, crispy perfection. Say goodbye to deep-frying messes and hello to healthier, equally delicious results. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best frozen french fries for air fryer cooking?
That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured the freezer aisle and put together a list of top contenders that truly shine when air-fried. Whether you like classic straight cuts, fun crinkles, or seasoned delights, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings and achieve that coveted crispness. Let’s dive into our top picks for the best frozen french fries for air fryer use!
Our Top Picks for the Best Frozen French Fries for Air Fryer
1. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries
If you’re chasing that classic drive-thru taste without leaving your kitchen, these Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are your ticket. Designed specifically for extra crispiness, they deliver a satisfying crunch that makes you feel like you just pulled up to your favorite burger joint. Their classic straight cut shape means they cook evenly and are just begging to be dipped in ketchup or your favorite sauce. They’re also gluten-free, making them a great option for many diets.
Key Features:
– One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries
– Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries offer an easy side dish for your meals
– Our French fries are gluten-free
– Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer
– Classic straight cut shape adds to the crispness and is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce
– Enjoy the classic burger and fries combo
– Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer
– Certified Kosher French fries
– Ore-Ida offers a variety of frozen potatoes, French Fries, Tater Tots and Hash Browns
– SNAP & EBT eligible food item
Pros:
– Achieves exceptional crispiness in an air fryer
– Classic “fast food” flavor and texture
– Gluten-free option
– Versatile for dipping
Cons:
– May need a slight seasoning boost for some palates
– Best served immediately for maximum crispiness
User Impressions:
Customers consistently praise these fries for their uncanny ability to replicate the fast-food experience at home. Many highlight how quickly they cook in an air fryer and the consistent crispiness they achieve, often making them a go-to for family dinners or a quick snack.
2. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles French Fries
For those who love a bit more surface area for maximum crispiness and seasoning, Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles are a fantastic choice. The unique crinkle cut isn’t just fun; it helps trap extra seasoning and creates more nooks and crannies for a satisfying crunch in every bite. They come pre-seasoned, saving you a step, and are also a gluten-free option, making them a convenient and flavorful side dish for any meal.
Key Features:
– One 26 oz bag of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles
– Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkles offer an easy side dish for your meals
– Gluten-free seasoned crinkle fries
– Easily prepare in your air fryer, oven or deep fryer
– Classic crinkle cut french fry shape adds to the crispness and is perfect for dipping in ketchup
– Enjoy the classic burger and crinkle cut fries combo
– Sealed in a bag for convenient storage in your freezer
– Certified Kosher seasoned crinkle French fries
– Ore-Ida offers a variety of frozen potatoes, French Fries, Tater Tots and Hash Browns
– SNAP & EBT eligible food item
Pros:
– Excellent crispy texture due to crinkle cut
– Conveniently pre-seasoned for extra flavor
– Gluten-free
– Great for holding dipping sauces
Cons:
– Seasoning might be too strong or mild for some preferences
– Smaller fries can sometimes overcook if not monitored
User Impressions:
Reviewers rave about the golden-brown results and satisfying crunch these crinkles achieve in an air fryer. The seasoning is often noted as a big plus, providing a savory kick that enhances the overall flavor, making them a popular choice for quick and tasty sides.
3. Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries
If you’re familiar with the iconic seasoned fries from Checkers or Rally’s, you know their unique flavor profile is hard to beat. Now, you can bring that restaurant experience right into your home and air fryer! These frozen fries come generously seasoned with their signature blend, ensuring a bold, savory taste with every crispy bite. They’re a game-changer for anyone craving that distinct zesty flavor.
Key Features:
– Frozen
– Other Frozen
– Checkers (implies brand and specific product)
Pros:
– Authentic Checkers/Rally’s restaurant flavor
– Pre-seasoned for ultimate convenience
– Achieves a nice crisp in the air fryer
– Unique flavor stands out from other brands
Cons:
– Seasoning might be too strong or specific for some
– Can be harder to find in some grocery stores
User Impressions:
Fans of Checkers and Rally’s are thrilled to be able to recreate their favorite fries at home. The seasoning is consistently highlighted as the main draw, making them a standout for those who enjoy a more robustly flavored fry. They cook up beautifully golden and crispy in an air fryer, making them a top pick.
4. 365 Everyday Value, Crinkle Cut French Fries No Salt Added
For those who prefer to control their sodium intake or love to add their own custom seasonings, 365 Everyday Value’s Crinkle Cut French Fries with No Salt Added are a perfect canvas. Brought to you by Whole Foods Market, these fries offer a clean, potato-forward taste that crisps up wonderfully in the air fryer. You can enjoy them as is or sprinkle on your favorite blend of herbs and spices for a personalized flavor experience.
Key Features:
– Brought to you by Whole Foods Market
– No added salt
– Ready in 20-25 minutes (oven/air fryer dependent)
Pros:
– Ideal for low-sodium diets or custom seasoning
– Good, natural potato flavor
– Crinkle cut promotes crispiness
– Reliable quality from Whole Foods Market
Cons:
– Requires user to add salt or seasoning for flavor
– Cooking time may vary slightly by air fryer model
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the versatility of these fries. Many comment on how well they crisp up and hold their shape, providing a satisfying texture. The lack of added salt is a big selling point for health-conscious buyers or those who like to experiment with their own flavor profiles.
5. Amazon Brand, Happy Belly Frozen Crinkle Fries
The Amazon Brand Happy Belly Frozen Crinkle Fries offer a straightforward, reliable option for delicious air-fried spuds. These crinkle-cut fries are designed for easy preparation and quick cooking, making them an excellent choice for a fast snack or a convenient side. They boast a fresh potato flavor that the whole family will enjoy, providing a simple yet satisfying foundation for any meal.
Key Features:
– One 32 ounce bag of Happy Belly Crinkle Fries
– Fresh potato flavor; great taste your whole family will enjoy; enjoy as a snack or side to your favorite meal; easy preparation; convenient and fast
– An Amazon brand
Pros:
– Good value with a larger 32 oz bag
– Easy and fast to prepare
– Pleasant, classic potato flavor
– Crinkle cut helps achieve good crispness
Cons:
– Might be less seasoned than other brands (allowing for custom seasoning)
– Availability might be limited to Amazon Fresh or certain retailers
User Impressions:
Reviewers often highlight the great value and consistent quality of these Amazon Brand fries. They are praised for their ease of cooking and ability to get perfectly crispy in an air fryer, making them a popular choice for families looking for an affordable and tasty frozen fry option.
6. Alexia Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt
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For a gourmet twist on a classic, Alexia Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt are a fantastic choice for your air fryer. These fries offer a natural sweetness perfectly complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt. They cook up beautifully golden and slightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, flavorful interior that’s quite different from traditional potato fries. They bring a sophisticated touch to any meal.
Key Features:
– Made with high-quality sweet potatoes
– Seasoned with a touch of sea salt
– No artificial colors or flavors
– Naturally gluten-free
– Gourmet taste and texture
Pros:
– Delicious sweet and savory flavor profile
– Cooks to a lovely crisp-tender texture in the air fryer
– Healthier alternative to regular fries
– Adds variety to your fry selection
Cons:
– Might not get as “crispy” as traditional potato fries due to natural sugars
– Pricier than some standard potato fry options
User Impressions:
Many customers absolutely love Alexia Sweet Potato Fries for their unique flavor and quality. Air fryer users particularly appreciate how well these fries cook, noting the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. They’re often recommended for those seeking a more wholesome or elevated fry experience.
7. McCain Superfries Extra Crispy Straight Cut French Fries
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McCain Superfries are a household name for a reason – they consistently deliver on taste and texture, and their Extra Crispy Straight Cut version is no exception when it comes to air frying. These fries are designed to achieve a fantastic, uniform crispness thanks to their special coating, while maintaining a fluffy interior. They’re a reliable go-to for a classic, crowd-pleasing fry that performs exceptionally well in your air fryer.
Key Features:
– Extra crispy coating for superior crunch
– Classic straight cut shape
– Made from high-quality potatoes
– Easy to prepare in an air fryer, oven, or deep fryer
– Great for everyday meals and snacks
Pros:
– Excellent, consistent crispiness
– Classic potato flavor appeals to most
– Readily available in most grocery stores
– Holds up well for dipping
Cons:
– Some might prefer a thicker cut
– May require slightly longer cooking for maximum crispness
User Impressions:
Consumers frequently praise McCain Superfries for their dependable quality and the consistent crispiness they achieve, especially when air-fried. They are often described as having that perfect “restaurant-style” texture and flavor that makes them a family favorite for quick and easy side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I get my frozen french fries extra crispy in an air fryer?
A: To achieve maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook fries in a single layer if possible, or in batches. Preheat your air fryer, and consider a light spray of cooking oil for extra crunch. Shaking the basket frequently (every 5-7 minutes) also helps ensure even cooking and browning.
Q2: What’s the best temperature to cook frozen fries in an air fryer?
A: Most frozen fries do best at a temperature between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). Always check the package instructions for the recommended air fryer temperature and cooking time, as they can vary slightly by brand and cut.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen french fries?
A: Yes, preheating your air fryer is highly recommended for best results. It ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the start, leading to more even cooking and a crispier exterior on your fries. Preheating usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Q4: How long do frozen french fries take to cook in an air fryer?
A: The cooking time typically ranges from 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries, the brand, and your air fryer model. Thinner fries cook faster than thicker cuts. Always shake the basket periodically and cook until golden brown and crispy.
Q5: Can I cook different types of frozen fries together in an air fryer?
A: It’s generally not recommended to cook vastly different types (e.g., thin straight-cut and thick crinkle-cut) together, as they may require different cooking times or temperatures to achieve optimal crispness. If you’re mixing, opt for fries of similar thickness and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q6: Do I need to add oil to frozen french fries before air frying?
A: Most frozen fries are pre-fried in oil, so additional oil isn’t strictly necessary. However, a light spray of a neutral cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) can help achieve an even crispier, more golden finish and enhance flavor. Don’t douse them, just a light mist.
Q7: What are some good dipping sauces for air-fried french fries?
A: Beyond classic ketchup, try mayonnaise-based sauces (like aioli or sriracha mayo), a tangy BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, or even a homemade fry sauce (ketchup, mayo, relish, and spices). For sweet potato fries, a maple-Dijon dip or marshmallow fluff can be surprisingly delicious!
With these top-rated frozen french fries and some air fryer tips in your arsenal, you’re all set to enjoy restaurant-quality, perfectly crispy fries right in your own kitchen. Happy frying!