The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Frozen Fries in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, golden fries without the guilt of deep frying. Frozen fries are a perfect match for air fryers because they’re pre-cut, pre-seasoned, and designed to crisp up beautifully with minimal oil. The hot air circulation in an air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you restaurant-quality fries in minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a side dish for a family dinner, the right frozen fries can elevate your meal. Let’s dive into the top six frozen fries for air fryers in 2025, based on taste, texture, and ease of preparation.
Top 6 Frozen Fries for Air Fryers in 2025
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries
Ore-Ida’s Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are a crowd-pleaser, delivering that classic drive-thru taste right at home. These thin-cut fries are coated with a special batter that ensures a satisfying crunch, even in an air fryer. They cook in about 10-12 minutes at 400°F, requiring a quick shake halfway through for even crisping. The seasoning is just right—salty and savory without overpowering the potato flavor. Testers loved their consistent texture and ability to stay crispy even after cooling slightly.
Real User Review from Amazon: “These are hands down the best frozen fries I’ve ever had! They come out so crispy in my air fryer, and the flavor is just like fast food fries. My kids devour them every time.” – Sarah J.
Buy Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries on Amazon
Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style Fries
For those who prefer a more artisanal vibe, Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style Fries are a standout. Grown in Idaho, these fries have a rustic look with some skin-on pieces, offering a robust potato flavor. They’re thicker than fast-food-style fries, so they take about 15-18 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. The interior stays fluffy while the outside gets a golden crunch. These fries are lightly seasoned, making them versatile for pairing with dips or seasonings of your choice.
Real User Review from Simply Recipes: “Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style Fries were the only brand that my whole family enjoyed both piping hot and at room temperature. They were crispy and well seasoned on the outside and moist and fluffy inside.” – Laurel Randolph
Buy Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style Fries on Amazon
Alexia House Cut Fries with Sea Salt
Alexia’s House Cut Fries are a premium option for those who want a gourmet experience. These fries are minimally processed, with a natural potato flavor enhanced by a touch of sea salt. They cook up crispy in the air fryer in about 12-15 minutes at 400°F, with a slightly chewy interior that balances the crunchy exterior. While some testers found them less salty than other brands, they’re perfect for customizing with your favorite seasonings.
Real User Review from Amazon: “These fries are amazing in the air fryer! They taste like something you’d get at a nice restaurant. I love that they’re not too salty so I can add my own spices.” – Mike T.
Buy Alexia House Cut Fries on Amazon
Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries
If you’re a fan of curly fries, Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries are a must-try. These fries are packed with bold flavors, including onion, garlic, and a smoky spice blend that mimics the fast-food favorite. They take about 12-15 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F, and their spiral shape ensures plenty of crispy edges. While they’re greasier than some other options, that richness is part of their charm. Perfect for a fun, indulgent treat.
Real User Review from Sporked: “These frozen french fries are nearly as good as actual Arby’s fries. They taste deep fried even when you cook them in the oven or air fryer. They are already saturated with delicious fryer oil.” – Danny Palumbo
Buy Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries on Amazon
Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries
Grown in Idaho’s Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries are a nostalgic pick with a modern twist. The crinkle-cut shape holds sauces well, and the special coating ensures a loud crunch. These fries cook in about 10-14 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer, with a creamy interior that contrasts the crispy shell. They’re moderately salted, making them a great all-purpose fry for burgers or sandwiches.
Real User Review from Food Network: “Out of all the frozen French fries on the market, my favorite thus far are the Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries from Grown in Idaho. They have the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.” – Food Network Staffer
Buy Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries on Amazon
Signature Select Extra Crispy Fast Food Style Fries
A budget-friendly gem, Signature Select’s Extra Crispy Fast Food Style Fries punch above their weight. These thin fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer in just 10-12 minutes at 400°F, with a rich, almost buttery flavor that rivals pricier brands. The coating gives them a fast-food-like crust, and they hold their crunch well. A great value option for feeding a crowd.
Real User Review from Tasting Table: “These fast food-like fries are seriously delicious, with a crispiness that’s evident even when you don’t put them in the air fryer for long enough. They almost have a crust to them that goes beyond what a basic roasted potato can offer.” – Samantha Maxwell
Buy Signature Select Extra Crispy Fast Food Style Fries on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Frozen Fries for Your Air Fryer
Cut and Style
The cut of the fry affects both texture and cooking time. Thin, fast-food-style fries (like Ore-Ida Extra Crispy) cook quickly and offer maximum crunch. Thicker cuts, like Lamb Weston Hand Cut Style, take longer but provide a fluffier interior. Crinkle-cut fries (Grown in Idaho) are great for dipping, while curly fries (Arby’s) add a fun, flavorful twist. Consider your preference for texture and how much time you want to spend cooking.
Seasoning
Some fries come lightly salted (Alexia House Cut), while others are boldly seasoned (Arby’s Curly Fries). If you like to customize your fries with spices or dips, opt for minimally seasoned options. For a ready-to-eat experience, choose fries with robust flavor profiles. Always check the sodium content if you’re watching your intake—some brands can be surprisingly high.
Coating and Ingredients
Many frozen fries use a starch-based coating (like potato or corn starch) to enhance crispiness, as noted in taste tests by Sporked. These coatings work especially well in air fryers, mimicking the texture of deep-fried fries. If you prefer a cleaner ingredient list, look for brands like Alexia, which use minimal additives. Avoid fries with artificial flavors if you’re sensitive to them.
Air Fryer Compatibility
Not all fries are created equal in an air fryer. Look for brands that explicitly mention air fryer instructions on the packaging, as they’re formulated for optimal results. Thin fries generally perform better because they allow better air circulation, as explained in air fryer testing by Food & Wine. Avoid overcrowding the basket—fill it only halfway for even cooking, as recommended by The Recipe Critic.
Price and Availability
Frozen fries range from budget-friendly (Signature Select) to premium (Alexia). Consider how often you will use them and whether you’re buying in bulk. Most of our picks are widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Check for deals, as prices can fluctuate, especially for store brands.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fries
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread fries in a single layer or fill the basket no more than halfway to ensure even crisping.
- Shake or Toss: Give the basket a shake every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Light Oil Spray: A quick spritz of olive oil can enhance crispiness, especially for uncoated fries.
- Adjust Time: Thicker fries may need a few extra minutes, while thin fries cook faster. Check for doneness early to avoid burning.
- Preheat (Optional): Some air fryers, like the Instant Vortex, have a preheat cycle that can shave off cooking time, but it’s not always necessary.
Common Questions About Frozen Fries in Air Fryers
Do I need to add oil? Most frozen fries are pre-coated with oil or starch, so extra oil isn’t necessary. However, a light spray can boost crispiness for brands like Alexia.
How long do fries take in an air fryer? Cooking times range from 10-18 minutes at 400°F, depending on the fry’s thickness. Always check the package for specific instructions.
Can I cook other foods with fries? Yes, but ensure there’s enough space for air circulation. Dual-basket air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi, are great for cooking fries and proteins simultaneously.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
