Air Fryer Frozen French Fries That Actually Get Crispy

I used to think frozen fries were doomed to be soggy. Then I got an air fryer, and now that bag in my freezer basically pays rent. Crispy edges, fluffy middles, no puddle of oil on a baking sheet. You dump them in, shake once, and they come out like something from a burger joint.

Tips for the crispiest air fryer frozen fries

Don't overcrowd the basket. This is the mistake I see everyone make. Fries need airflow, so a single layer with a little breathing room beats a heaping pile every time. Shake or toss them halfway through. And skip the extra oil, since these are already coated. A pinch of salt right when they come out (while they're still hot) helps it stick.

Storage and reheating

Fries are best fresh, but leftovers reheat great. Toss them back in the air fryer at 380F for 3-4 minutes and they crisp right up. The microwave, sadly, turns them to mush.

Serving ideas

Garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a classic pile of ketchup. I like mine with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley when I'm feeling fancy.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

It helps but isn't required. A 3 minute preheat gives you a slightly crispier result.

Do frozen fries need oil?

No. They're already coated in oil from the factory. A light spritz is optional if you want extra crunch.

Why are my fries soggy?

Too many in the basket. Cook in batches so hot air can circulate.