For regular-cut frozen fries. Don't thaw them, and shake every 5 minutes.
Times by cut
| Cut (from frozen) | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring / thin | 205°C / 400°F | 10–14 min |
| Regular straight-cut | 205°C / 400°F | 15–20 min |
| Crinkle-cut | 205°C / 400°F | 15–18 min |
| Steak fries / thick | 205°C / 400°F | 18–22 min |
| Waffle fries | 205°C / 400°F | 12–16 min |
| Potato wedges | 205°C / 400°F | 15–20 min |
| Sweet potato fries | 195°C / 380°F | 12–16 min |
Check the bag as well. Many brands now print air fryer directions, and their coating may need a slightly different time.
Step by step
- Preheat to 205°C / 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Add the fries straight from the freezer. Thawed fries go limp.
- Spread them out no more than two layers deep.
- Shake every 5 minutes, pulling the basket fully out so they tumble.
- Salt straight away when they come out, while the surface is still hot and slightly oily.
How much to cook at once
A 5–6 quart basket handles about 300–400 g of fries well, which is two to three side portions. A packed basket can take twice as long and comes out soft in the middle. For a family, cook two batches and keep the first warm in a low oven, or put the first batch back in for 2 minutes at the end to re-crisp. Sweet potato fries have more sugar and brown faster, so they need a lower temperature and closer watching.
Common mistakes
- Adding lots of oil. Frozen fries are usually par-fried already. Extra oil can make them greasy.
- Overfilling. The biggest cause of soggy fries.
- Using a liner with no holes. Solid liners block airflow under the fries. Use perforated liners or none.
Questions people ask
Do I need to spray frozen fries with oil?
Usually not. A light spray can help store-brand fries brown, but most are already coated.
Why are my fries burnt outside but soft inside?
The temperature is too high for that cut, or the basket was too full. Try 195°C / 380°F and a smaller batch.
Can I cook fries with chicken nuggets?
Yes, both cook at about 205°C / 400°F. Start the fries first and add the nuggets for the last 8–10 minutes.
Related guides
Reviewed October 2026. Temperatures from Health Canada and the USDA; see Sources.