Air Fryer Frozen Curly Fries are the perfect complement to any meal. They are beautifully crispy every time and much healthier than being fried in oil!
Whether your goal is to cut back on fried foods, or you just want something delicious, these zesty curly fries are the INCREDIBLE!
While you can head to your local fast food chain, I think you are going to love the results of these easy curly fries. They require very little oil and still end up super crispy.
The only bad part is that you can’t eat just one! So, you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. Keep reading to learn how easy it is to make them.
🍽️ Why This Works
Quick and Easy | There is no need to break out the sharp knife and cutting board for these fries. You used bagged frozen fries and they cook fast!
Easy to Customize | Add seasonings to adjust the flavor as well as the cooking time to reach the desired crispiness.
Much Healthier | There is nothing wrong with indulging in some greasy fries from time to time. However, when you can enjoy something that tastes just as great and you know it’s healthier since they were made in the air fryer, it just makes more sense!
🍟 Ingredients
Frozen Curly Fries | Head to the store and grab your favorite brand of curly fries. There are many varieties including seasoned and unseasoned fries.
Olive Oil | It’s best to use an olive oil spray for a very light coating. If you are out of spray, you can use a pastry brush and brush the fries with oil. This works wells and is a great option. Alternatively, you can completely omit the oil if you would rather.
⏲️ Equipment and Tools
Air Fryer | While there are no wrong answers when it comes to air fryers, we love the Ninja, Gourmia, and Cosori fryers. They all work great and there are a variety of sizes to choose from. You’ll need something big enough that you can spread the fries in the basket while leaving plenty of space between so the air can flow properly.
Tongs | Having a good set of tongs is a must in the kitchen, especially when working with your air fryer. They make it easy to turn the food and grab them out of the basket to serve.
Air Fryer Liner | Use either a parchment liner or a silicone. It saves you time during cleanup, so it is worth using them.
🔥 Instructions
Step One: Add a very light spray of olive oil to the french fries, coating them evenly. You can omit this step if you are skipping the oil.
Step Two: Place the frozen french fries into the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave plenty of space between the fries to allow the air to properly flow. They can slightly touch, but keep it to a minimum.
Step Three: Warm the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Shake the fries 1 – 2 times during the cooking process so they cook evenly.
❗ Expert Tips
- Not every air fryer can be pre-heated. If your model allows for preheating, its a good idea to preheat.
- Feel free to add salt or other seasonings to your liking. Freshly grated Parmesan is delicious to add right before serving.
- Use tongs to gently toss the fries or simply shake the basket at least one time while they are cooking. This is a vital step that shouldn’t be skipped.
- Don’t go overboard with the oil or the curly fries may be soggy. I usually skip the oil altogether, but it is an option for you.
Storage
After the fries have cooled down, place them in an airtight food container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.
Reheating Instructions
Spray the fries with a little bit of olive oil and heat in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until they are crispy. They won’t need to cook as long as they do when they are frozen, so it’s going to be even faster.
You can also microwave them, but they are going to be mushy and won’t get crispy at all. If you have the time, just use the air fryer, you’ll be much happier with the results!
Substitutions
Feel free to swap the curly fries with any of your favorite frozen french fries. You will need to adjust the cooking time if the fries are thicker or larger in size. Cook until they reach the desired result.
🥦 Serving Suggestions
Serve the air fryer curly fries with your favorite dipping sauces. Honey mustard, ketchup, horseradish sauce, or anything else that you like will work! Goes well with sandwiches, burgers, or as an appetizer when entertaining.
I also recommend serving with some fun veggies like:
Air Fryer Roasted Root Vegetables
How to make an air fryer charcuterie board:
When you are entertaining, make an Air Fryer Charcuterie Board. Everyone will go wild over it!
Step One: Choose a tray or whatever you will be putting the charcuterie board together on. Add bowls with your favorite dipping sauces.
Step Two: Add the cooked fries and other main foods in groups around the board. Leave space for other foods that have a little brighter coloring.
Step Three: Place fresh vegetables and fruits to give the board a pop of color. Pickles, olives, tomatoes, peas, cucumbers and carrots are just a few ideas.
This one was made with our Air Fryer Waffle Fries, Air Fryer Curly Fries, Air Fryer Mini Corn Dogs and tons of colorful veggies! Swap this idea out and make it with Air Fryer Pickles, Air Fryer Raviolis, Air Fryer Pizza Won Tons or Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks.
Recipe FAQ
Any frozen curly fries will work. Some of our favorites are McCain, Ore-Ida, Arby’s, and Kroger brands. Try a variety to see which one you like the best.
They typically cook for 10-15 minutes. The time can be adjusted depending on what you like best. For larger fries or if you want them extra crispy, cook them a little bit longer. Or for super thin fries go for a little less time.
The options are truly endless! When serving them to a crowd, I like to make several different sauces so everyone has options. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
– Ranch Dressing
– Ketchup
– Honey Mustard
– Mayonnaise with Red Pepper Flakes or Sriracha
– Barbecue Sauce
– Cheese Sauce
Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Frozen Curly Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ bag Curly Fries frozen
- Spray Olive Oil optional
Instructions
- If you like your curly fries to be a little crispier, spray with just a little bit olive oil spray before placing into air fryer.
- Place curly fries into the air fryer and always allow a good amount of air flow between the fries. A slight bit of stacking is fine, but if you add too many, the fries will steam and not get crispy.
- Heat the air fryer up to 400 degrees. Our Ninja doesn't have a preheat function, but if yours does please use it. Cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your fries. Always check at the earlier stage to see how they are doing. Shake the basket 1-2 times while cooking.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi!
Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.
Just like Arby’s fries!!! Amazing