Frozen chips in air fryer are a kitchen lifesaver. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, craving a late-night snack, or needing a quick side for dinner, they’re fast, easy, and delicious. But if you’ve only ever cooked them in the oven or deep fryer, you’re missing out on one of the best ways to prepare them: the air fryer.
Using an air fryer to cook frozen chips gives you the golden crunch of deep-frying with hardly any oil. It’s healthier, quicker, and way less messy. Whether you love crinkle-cut, sweet potato fries, or chunky steak chips, this method is a game-changer. So grab your favorite frozen fries and let’s get crispy
How to Cook Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it does help the chips cook more evenly and get that golden crunch. Most air fryers take just 2–3 minutes to preheat to 200°C (about 400°F).
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Add your frozen chips to the basket in a single layer. If you overcrowd it, they’ll steam instead of crisp. For a family-sized batch, cook in two rounds or shake halfway through.
Add a Light Spritz of Oil (Optional)
Most frozen chips already come with a light coating of oil, but if you love extra crispy fries, a quick spray of olive oil or canola oil will do the trick.
Set the Timer and Temperature
- Regular frozen chips: 200°C / 400°F for 15–20 minutes
- Crinkle-cut or steak fries: 18–22 minutes
- Shoestring fries: 10–12 minutes
- Sweet potato fries: 12–16 minutes
Shake the Basket Midway
At the halfway mark, give the basket a good shake. This helps all the chips get an even golden finish.
Check for Crispiness
Air fryers vary slightly, so do a quick crisp check a couple of minutes before the timer ends. If they’re golden and crisp, you’re good to go.
Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with sea salt, dip in ketchup, mayo, or aioli—and serve hot. Perfect with burgers, grilled chicken, or on their own as a snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put frozen chips straight in the air fryer?
Yes. No need to thaw them. Pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen—just make sure to spread them out in a single layer.
Do I need to add oil to frozen fries in an air fryer?
Most store-bought frozen chips already contain a bit of oil, so they’ll crisp up nicely on their own. But a quick spray of oil helps them brown and crisp even more.
Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?
They may be overcrowded or not cooked at a high enough temperature. Always cook at 200°C (400°F) and avoid layering too thickly in the basket.
How long do frozen chips take in the air fryer?
It depends on the cut, but most frozen fries take 15–20 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Always shake halfway for even cooking.
Are air fryer chips healthier than deep-fried chips?
Definitely. Air fryer chips use little to no added oil, meaning fewer calories and less fat—without sacrificing crunch.
Which frozen chips work best in an air fryer?
Crinkle-cut, straight-cut, waffle, curly fries, and even sweet potato fries all work great. Just adjust the time slightly depending on thickness.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen chips in the air fryer is a total game-changer. You get crispy, golden fries in less time, with less oil, and with way less hassle than oven baking or deep frying. Whether you’re a chip purist or love to experiment with different flavors and cuts, the air fryer is your best friend.
So next time you’re staring at a bag of frozen fries wondering what to do—skip the oven and let the air fryer work its magic. Crispy perfection is just minutes away.
