Originally posted on April 2, 2020 and updated on September 6, 2023
Learn how make Air Fryer Frozen French Fries and then make them extra delicious by turning them into Garlic Parmesan French Fries.
If you’re going to make something basic like frozen french fries at home, you might as well turn them into something special. You’d think making french fries in the air fryer would be as simple as following package directions. Trust me, it is not. If you put frozen french fries into your air fryer for as long as you do your oven, you’re going to get rock hard fries that aren’t even edible. Both temperature and time need to be adjusted for air frying frozen french fries. And because I’m extra, I turned these basic frozen french fries into drool-worthy garlic parmesan french fries.
More Air Fryer Recipes from Foodtastic Mom
Why this recipe works
The small space of the air fryer and constant hot air circulation is going to make any type of fry more crisp than baking in the oven. A crisp fry mimics deep frying. You can even toss the frozen french fries with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil before air frying to really imitate that oil fried decadence. My second favorite way to serve these fries (besides my garlic parmesan mixture) is sprinkled with salt and malt vinegar. If you are wanting to make some fries from fresh potatoes, check out my recipe for Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
Ingredients for garlic parmesan air fryer frozen french fries
- Frozen French Fries – This recipe or guide works for any brand and type of frozen fries. Crinkle cut or fries, shoestring fries or waffle fries. Even sweet potato fries.
- Butter – Just a little melted butter tossed with the french fries after putting them into the air fryer basket makes a big difference in flavor. It helps them to taste more like deep fried french fries but with less calories.
- Garlic Cloves – Gives the fries a fragrant punch of garlic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – A classic combo with garlic flavoring.
- Lemon Juice – Gives the fries a fresh and zingy flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds color and freshness to your fries.
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions for air fryer frozen french fries
Depending how many fries you need, you might have to work in batches. Spread the frozen fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Fry them at 400 degrees F for a total time of 12 – 14 mins. Be sure to open the air fryer and toss the fries halfway through cooking time.
After the french fried potatoes are hot and crispy, toss them with the butter, garlic and parmesan seasoning mixture.
You of course can season your frozen french fries to your own tastes. Other spices that work well are garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning or paprika. And of course don’t forget a selection of dips – Ranch dressing, ketchup, honey mustard and/or BBQ sauce.
FAQ’s
Are frozen french fries cooked before frozen?
Yes. The fries are steamed first, so the potatoes are not raw. Then they are flask (quickly) fried so that they hold their shape. Then they are flash frozen, bagged and sold.
Do you spray oil on frozen french fries in an air fryer?
I never advise to use a propellant type of cooking spray, like Pam, in your air fryer basket. Over time the chemicals in these types of aerosol cans will damage the nonstick coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, use an oil mist sprayer such as this one. Fill it with your preferred cooking oil, like vegetable or olive oil. You can lightly mist foods in the air fryer in this way.
Storage directions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 5 – 7 minutes. Do not refreeze the fries once you’ve already air fried them.
Serving suggestions
Air fryer french fries make a terrific side dish, snack or appetizer. Serve them with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs or fried fish.
Kitchen tools
- This is the brand of air fryer I use to test all of my recipes
- Click here for more information on dry toasting garlic cloves
- I like this brand of garlic press the best
Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen french fries
- 2 cloves garlic unpeeled
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small skillet over medium heat, dry toast the garlic cloves until starting to brown. Allow to cool a bit and then press them through a garlic press.
- Place the french fries into the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F. Toss the fries about halfway through cooking time. Cook until the fries are crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside, about 12 - 14 minutes.
- While the fries are cooking, stir together the melted butter, toasted and pressed garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked fries to a large bowl. Toss them with the butter mixture. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Anita says
The french fries are really lovely, with butter, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s way better than your average french fries for sure.
foodtasticmom says
They definitely are. Thank you for the positive rating!
Dannii says
I ave seen a few people have success with really crispy fries in the air fryer using frozen fries. I am going to have to try this.
foodtasticmom says
The key is to not over cooking them. They can get way TOO crispy!
Natanja || Home Baked Bliss says
Thank you. A great way to skip the oil. They look delicious …I immediately wanna eat some 😍
foodtasticmom says
You’ll want to keep eating them 🙂
Jovita says
What a pity that I don’t have an air fryer. These fries look AMAZING!
foodtasticmom says
You should think about getting one!
Adrianne says
Yes!! You had me at french fries!! Love how you have turned something reasonably straight forward into an amazing side dish. This is spot on for weekends, love it!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Adrianne.
Tavo says
Wow, the Air Fryer Frozen French Fries post was a total hit in my kitchen! You’ve managed to turn a simple snack into something extraordinary. The tips on getting that perfect crisp were spot-on, and the seasoning suggestions? Chef’s kiss! Can’t wait to see what you cook up next.
foodtasticmom says
Tavo, you have made my day with your feedback about this recipe. Cheers to you!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed these with dinner last night and they were a hit all around the table! Quick, crisp and delicious!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this, Sara. Thanks very much!
Anjali says
This is the best way to make frozen french fries!! Ours always turn out crispy and perfect in the air fryer!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, absolutely the best. Thanks for your positive review!