Who doesn’t love a good batch of crispy fries? While deep-frying can be messy and unhealthy, the air fryer has swooped in like a superhero to save our snack cravings. If you’re on the hunt for the best frozen fries for air fryer cooking, you’re in the right place! Air fryers transform humble frozen spuds into golden, crunchy delights with significantly less oil, making them a healthier and much more convenient option.
But here’s a little secret: getting that perfect crunch isn’t just about the fries; it’s also about the air fryer itself. The right appliance, coupled with quality frozen fries, makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up not only some fantastic frozen fry options but also the air fryers and tools that’ll help you achieve delicious results every single time. Get ready to transform your snack game!
Our Top Picks for Crispy Air Fryer Fries (and the Gadgets to Cook Them!)
Here are our top 7 recommendations to help you make the best frozen fries for your air fryer experience, covering both the frozen varieties and the essential appliances.
1. Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries, 22 oz (Frozen)
If you’re a fan of those iconic, perfectly seasoned curly fries you get at the restaurant, guess what? You can recreate that magic right in your own kitchen! Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries bring that unique flavor and fun spiral shape to your air fryer. They cook up beautifully, getting delightfully crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside, making them a fantastic choice for a quick snack or a side dish that’s sure to impress.
Key Features:
– No Trans Fats per Serving (a healthier edge!)
– Unique curly shape
– Pre-seasoned for convenience
– Excellent crisping potential in an air fryer
Pros:
– Distinctive flavor that stands out
– Fun shape adds to the eating experience
– Easy to cook to perfection in an air fryer
– Great for a taste of your favorite fast-food at home
Cons:
– Seasoning might be too strong for some palates
– Not a plain fry option if you prefer to season yourself
User Impressions: Customers rave about the authentic Arby’s taste and how well these fries crisp up in the air fryer. Many consider them a staple for homemade “fast food” nights. They’re often praised for being a consistently good frozen fry option.
2. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Broil
To truly get the best out of your frozen fries, you need a powerful and efficient air fryer, and this Ninja model delivers! It’s designed to give you that deep-fried crispness with up to 75% less fat, making your fry cravings a guilt-free pleasure. Its versatile functions mean it’s not just a one-trick pony, handling everything from roasting to dehydrating, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen aiming for healthier and faster meals, including perfectly golden frozen fries.
Key Features:
– LESS FAT: Enjoy food with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
– WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F for versatile cooking.
– FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
– 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
– DEHYDRATE: Create homemade snacks with thorough dehydration.
– EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
Pros:
– Delivers exceptional crispiness for frozen fries and other foods.
– Generous capacity suitable for families.
– Multiple cooking functions enhance kitchen versatility.
– Parts are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.
Cons:
– Can take up significant counter space.
– Some users might find the initial learning curve slightly steep for all functions.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise its ability to crisp food incredibly well, especially frozen items like French fries. They love the ease of cleaning and the overall performance, often recommending it as a go-to appliance for quick, healthier meals.
3. Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries, 28 oz (Frozen)
Just like Arby’s, Checkers and Rally’s bring their signature seasoned fries directly to your freezer aisle. These fries are beloved for their distinctive seasoning and satisfying crunch, which translates beautifully when cooked in an air fryer. If you’re looking to replicate that drive-thru experience at home without the greasy mess, these frozen fries are an excellent contender, promising that familiar, savory flavor and a perfect crispy texture right out of your air fryer basket.
Key Features:
– Frozen and ready to cook
– Famous seasoned flavor
– Classic cut fry shape
Pros:
– Authentic Checkers/Rally’s taste
– Crisps up wonderfully in the air fryer
– Pre-seasoned for maximum convenience
– Great as a quick snack or side dish
Cons:
– Seasoning may not appeal to everyone
– Can be harder to find in some grocery stores
User Impressions: Fans of the restaurant’s fries are thrilled to be able to make them at home, often highlighting how perfectly they crisp up in an air fryer. They appreciate the consistent flavor and ease of preparation, making them a popular choice for home cooks.
4. The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Two: Perfectly Sized Recipes for Your Fryer
While not a bag of fries, this cookbook is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about getting the absolute best frozen fries for air fryer cooking – and so much more! It provides perfectly sized recipes and essential tips to master your air fryer. Learning the right temperatures, times, and shaking techniques from a good cookbook can significantly elevate the quality of your air-fried frozen fries from good to absolutely amazing, ensuring they’re always golden brown and crispy.
Key Features:
– Recipes perfectly sized for two people.
– Provides essential air frying tips and techniques.
– Offers a wide variety of dishes beyond just fries.
Pros:
– Helps optimize cooking times and temperatures for perfect results.
– Expands your air fryer’s utility beyond just frozen items.
– Ideal for smaller households, reducing food waste.
– Great resource for new and experienced air fryer owners alike.
Cons:
– Not directly a food product.
– Might require purchasing additional ingredients for recipes.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise this cookbook for its practical and delicious recipes that genuinely work in an air fryer. Many highlight how it helped them get more out of their appliance and achieve better results, including perfectly cooked frozen items.
5. Birds Eye Shoestring Zucchini Fries, Frozen Vegetable Snacks
Looking for a healthier twist on your fry cravings? Birds Eye Shoestring Zucchini Fries are a fantastic alternative to traditional potato fries. These aren’t just plain zucchini; they’re sliced and lightly breaded in cornmeal and wheat flour, offering a surprisingly satisfying crunch when air-fried. They provide a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying that familiar fry shape and texture.
Key Features:
– One 12 oz bag of Birds Eye Shoestring Zucchini Fries.
– Sliced zucchini breaded in cornmeal and wheat flour.
– Easy to prepare for snacks, sides, or appetizers.
– Made without artificial flavors or artificial colors.
– Ready in about 20 minutes in the oven (or faster in air fryer).
– Store in the freezer until ready to prepare.
Pros:
– Healthier alternative to potato fries.
– Good way to get more vegetables into your diet.
– Crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
– No artificial flavors or colors.
Cons:
– Flavor and texture are distinct from potato fries, might not satisfy all cravings.
– Smaller bag size compared to traditional frozen fries.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate these as a healthier and tasty vegetable side or snack. They note that while they don’t taste exactly like potato fries, they are surprisingly good and crisp up well, making them a great option for a lighter indulgence.
6. Ninja, Toaster Oven, Air Fryer, Thermometer, Toaster Oven
If you’re after ultimate versatility for all your cooking needs, including making the best frozen fries for air fryer perfection, this Ninja appliance is a powerhouse. It combines multiple functions, including a top-tier air fryer, into one sleek unit. Its Dual Heat Technology ensures food is cooked through and perfectly crispy on the outside, and the integrated Smart Cook System takes the guesswork out of achieving ideal doneness. This means your frozen fries will be cooked perfectly every time, no more soggy centers or burnt edges!
Key Features:
– DUAL HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Up to 500°F SearPlate and cyclonic air for simultaneous searing and crisping.
– MAXIMUM VERSATILITY: 13 Functions (Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, etc.).
– SMART COOK SYSTEM: Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
– AIR FRYER HEALTHY MEALS: Up to 75% less fat using air fry function.
– FASTER COOKING: Up to 65% faster cooking vs. a full-size electric oven.
– XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Fits up to 6 chicken breasts or 4 lbs of ingredients.
– RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Flips up for vertical storage.
Pros:
– Extremely versatile with 13 cooking functions.
– Delivers exceptionally crispy results for air-fried foods.
– Smart thermometer ensures precise cooking.
– Space-saving design when stored vertically.
– Large capacity suitable for bigger families or meal prep.
Cons:
– Higher price point than basic air fryers.
– Learning all 13 functions might take time.
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by its multi-functionality and the quality of cooking. They particularly love its ability to achieve restaurant-quality crispiness for fries and other air-fried items, along with the convenience of the smart thermometer.
7. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Crisp Technology
For those who want a dedicated, powerful air fryer without all the extra oven functions, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is an excellent choice. It’s built with Air Crisp Technology to ensure your frozen fries (and other foods) get that desirable superheated, crispy finish with little to no oil. Its generous 5-quart capacity means you can cook a substantial batch of fries for the whole family, and its “Frozen to Crispy” feature is tailor-made for transforming your favorite frozen spuds into golden, delicious perfection.
Key Features:
– AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results.
– LARGE CAPACITY: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries.
– 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
– GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
– FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods to an extra-crispy finish in minutes.
– SPACE SAVER: Latest design aims to save countertop space.
– EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick basket and crisper plate.
Pros:
– Exceptional at making frozen fries extra crispy.
– Large capacity is great for families or entertaining.
– Quick cooking with dedicated “Frozen to Crispy” function.
– Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts.
– Efficient use of counter space for its capacity.
Cons:
– Fewer functions compared to more expensive multi-cookers.
– Still takes up a decent amount of counter space when in use.
User Impressions: Users love this model for its consistent performance in making food, especially fries, incredibly crispy. Its large capacity and ease of cleaning are frequently highlighted as major advantages, making it a highly recommended air fryer for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Frying Frozen Fries
Q1: What makes frozen fries good in an air fryer?
A1: Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around the food, creating a convection effect similar to deep frying, but without submerging food in oil. This process crisps the outside of frozen fries while keeping the inside fluffy, resulting in a healthier and less greasy alternative to traditional deep-frying.
Q2: How do I get my frozen fries extra crispy in the air fryer?
A2: For maximum crispiness, preheat your air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake the basket every 5-7 minutes during cooking. A very light spray of oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) can also help achieve a golden brown finish, but it’s often not necessary.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen fries?
A3: Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the fries is highly recommended. It ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature from the start, leading to more even cooking and a crispier texture.
Q4: Can I cook different types of frozen fries at once in an air fryer?
A4: While possible, it’s generally not recommended to mix different types of fries (e.g., shoestring and crinkle cut) in the same batch. Different cuts and thicknesses require varying cooking times and temperatures to achieve ideal crispiness. For best results, cook similar types of fries together.
Q5: What’s the ideal temperature for cooking frozen fries in an air fryer?
A5: Most frozen fries cook best between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) in an air fryer. Always check the packaging for specific instructions, as temperatures can vary slightly between brands.
Q6: How long does it take to cook frozen fries in an air fryer?
A6: Cooking times can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries and the specific air fryer model. Shoestring fries might take 10-15 minutes, while thicker cuts could take 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket periodically for even cooking.
Q7: Are air-fried frozen fries healthier than deep-fried?
A7: Absolutely! Air-fried frozen fries use significantly less oil—often just a tiny spray or none at all—compared to deep-frying, which submerges them in hot oil. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content, making them a much healthier alternative without sacrificing that delicious crispy texture.