Are you a fan of frozen crinkle fries but struggle to get them crispy and delicious? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! With the right technique and a little bit of patience, you can achieve perfectly crispy frozen crinkle fries every time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take your frozen crinkle fries from soggy to crispy in your air fryer.
Before we get started, here are some of the tools and ingredients you’ll need:
Now, let’s get cooking!
Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure that your fries cook evenly and get crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat it with oil. Add your frozen crinkle fries in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. This will help them cook evenly and get crispy.
Cook your frozen crinkle fries for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of fries you’re cooking, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer basket and sprinkle them with salt and any other seasonings you like. Serve them hot and enjoy!
When it comes to making frozen crinkle fries in your air fryer, the brand of fries you choose can make a big difference in the final result. Some brands may cook more evenly or get crispier than others. Here are a few of the best brands of crinkle fries that are perfect for cooking in your air fryer:
Ore-Ida is a popular brand of frozen fries that offers crinkle cut French fries that are perfect for air frying. They’re made from high-quality potatoes and have a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. These fries are also free from artificial colors and flavors.
Alexia is another great brand that offers crinkle cut fries that are perfect for air frying. Their fries are made from high-quality Yukon Gold potatoes and are lightly seasoned with sea salt. They’re also free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
McCain is a well-known brand that offers a wide variety of frozen potato products, including crinkle cut fries that are perfect for air frying. Their fries are made from premium potatoes and have a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. They’re also free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
If you’re on a budget, Great Value Crinkle Cut French Fried Potatoes are a great option for air frying. They’re affordable and made from high-quality potatoes, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. These fries are also free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Ultimately, the brand of crinkle fries you choose will come down to personal preference. Experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for you and your air fryer.
Now that you know the basic steps, let’s dive into some more tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect crispy frozen crinkle fries in your air fryer.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your frozen crinkle fries get crispy is to make sure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. If your fries are touching each other or piled on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly and may end up soggy instead of crispy. Cook your fries in batches if necessary to make sure they have plenty of room to cook.
Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking helps ensure that your fries cook evenly on all sides. Use a pair of tongs or oven mitts to give the basket a good shake, making sure that all of the fries move around and get evenly exposed to the hot air.
Using cooking spray or oil helps ensure that your fries get crispy and don’t stick to the air fryer basket. You don’t need a lot of oil – just a light coating will do the trick. You can also use an oil mister or spray bottle to apply a thin, even layer of oil.
While salt is a classic seasoning for fries, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Some ideas to try include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of fries you’re cooking. Keep an eye on your fries as they cook and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I cook frozen crinkle fries in an air fryer without oil?
Yes, you can cook frozen crinkle fries in an air fryer without oil. However, using a small amount of oil or cooking spray can help the fries get crispier and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
How do I prevent my frozen crinkle fries from getting soggy?
To prevent your frozen crinkle fries from getting soggy, make sure to preheat your air fryer, cook the fries in a single layer without overcrowding the basket, shake the basket halfway through cooking, and use a light coating of cooking spray or oil.
Can I cook frozen crinkle fries from scratch in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen crinkle fries from scratch in an air fryer. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may be longer than for pre-packaged frozen fries.
Can I use other types of frozen fries in my air fryer?
Yes, you can use other types of frozen fries in your air fryer, such as shoestring, curly, or waffle cut fries. The cooking times may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fries.
Can I use a different temperature or cooking time for my frozen crinkle fries?
Yes, you can experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find the perfect balance for your air fryer and personal preferences. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the amount of fries you’re cooking.
Cooking frozen crinkle fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve perfectly crispy fries without the need for deep frying. By preheating your air fryer, cooking the fries in a single layer, shaking the basket halfway through, and using a light coating of cooking spray or oil, you can ensure that your frozen crinkle fries come out golden brown and delicious every time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be enjoying crispy, delicious frozen crinkle fries in no time!
