We show you how to make frozen shoestring fries in the air fryer so they turn out perfectly crispy, golden, and fast, just like restaurant fries, but healthier and made at home. Our simple method works with any air fryer model or brand of fries!
Why You'll Love Our Recipe!
- Fast and easy - Done in just 12-15 minutes, in half the time as the oven.
- Healthier than deep frying - Less oil and no greasy mess
- Crispy results - Air fryer heat makes fries crisp, not soggy
- Works with any brand - Use Alexia, Trader Joe's, or your favorite
- Simple snack or side - Pair with a healthy lean protein, roasted vegetables, and a salad for a lighter weeknight dinner.
We use our air fryer almost daily, and frozen fries are one of our favorite shortcut sides. Shoestring fries in particular cook up super crisp in less time than thicker cuts, plus they're the closest thing to fast food-style fries you can make at home.
I fully admit, since I don't eat gluten, fries are my guilty pleasure! Which means we also show you how to air fry frozen sweet potato fries, waffle fries, and frozen tater tots too.
Ingredients
- ½-1 lb frozen shoestring fries (any brand works!) We love Alexia, Trader Joes, or Whole Foods 360 to keep things "healthier" for packaged foods.
- Optional: canola or avocado oil spray
- Optional dips: ketchup, ranch, fry sauce, or malt vinegar
📝 Tip: Most frozen fries already contain oil and are partially cooked, so no extra oil is needed unless you want an even crispier texture.
Air Fryer Shoestring Fries Time and Temp
- Temperature: 400°F
- Time: 12-15 minutes
- Flip or shake: After 7-8 minutes
🔧 Pro Tip: A single layer = maximum crisp. Slight overlap is okay, but crowding will steam the fries instead of crisping them.
How to Air Fry Frozen Shoestring Fries
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Spray basket or tray lightly with oil if not non-stick (optional).
- Add frozen fries in a single layer (don't overcrowd).
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes, then flip or shake.
- Cook 4-7 more minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip or main dish.
Shoestring fries cook faster than other frozen varieties, so start checking at the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking!
Love fries? Making homemade fries is easier than you think! We think you'll also love our healthy homemade french fries, steak fries, and home fries.
Other Frozen Fry Styles
- Waffle Fries: Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping at the 8-minute
- Crinkle Fries: Cook at 400°F for 13-14 minutes, flipping at 7 minutes. They probably require extra seasoning.
Best Crispy Tips!
- Preheat for even cooking and maximum crisp
- Don't thaw first-cook straight from frozen
- Avoid cooking sprays like Pam on nonstick baskets
- Shake or flip halfway through to crisp all sides
- Adjust the seasoning after cooking with salt, garlic salt, or pepper since not all brands pre-season their fries
FAQs
Why aren't my air fryer fries crispy?
They may be overcrowded, undercooked, or not flipped. Use a single layer and flip or shake at the halfway point. Air fryer brands vary based on wattage, meaning some cooker faster or slower than others. Adjust the cooking time based on them being golden and crispy.
Can I use oil on frozen fries?
You can lightly spray or brush oil before cooking for extra crisp, but most frozen fries already have oil added.
Best Air Fryer Frozen Snacks
Try our other easy and healthy frozen snacks you can cook straight from frozen:
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Air Fried Frozen Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
- Frozen Chicken Taquitos in an Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza
- Mini Corn Dogs (Air Fryer from Frozen)
- Frozen Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Don't miss our roundup of 45+ Air Fryer Frozen Foods for even more easy meals and snacks. Mixing in some lighter frozen foods makes meal times easy!
If you loved our recipe, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and leave us a comment too! Connect with us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube!
Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Shoestring Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ lb 8 oz frozen french fries
- salt and/or pepper to taste if needed - some fry brands come unseasoned
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 3-5 minutes.
- Lay the fries in a single layer on the basket (a little overlap is fine but crowding them will prevent them from getting crisp).
- Air fry the shoestring fries for about 12-15 minutes+ minutes in total or until they're crispy, flipping after 7-8 minutes. The total time can vary based on your air fryer model and the brand of fries.
- Frozen fries come unseasoned, so you'll need to add salt, pepper, garlic salt or any other type of seasoning you love with fries. Our favorite is garlic salt! You can also brush a little oil on the fries if desired, but this is completely optional. Enjoy!
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