Making Air Fryer Crinkle-Cut Fries (From Frozen and Scratch)

If you’re craving crinkle-cut fries but don’t want to deep fry them, an air fryer is a perfect solution.

Not only are air fryers a much healthier option than traditional deep frying, but they can also give you crispy, delicious results that will satisfy your cravings.

Let’s look at how to make air fryer crinkle-cut fries more delicious.

Contents

How to Cook Frozen Crinkle-Cut Fries in an Air Fryer?

Here is a step-by-step guide to making frozen crinkle-cut fries in an air fryer.

1. Preparing Your Fries 

The key to any good fried dish is preparing the ingredients properly.

For crinkle-cut fries, this means cutting them into even slices and soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before you begin cooking.

This allows the potatoes to absorb some moisture and creates a crispier texture when they’re done.

After soaking them, make sure you pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or cloth so that excess moisture doesn’t get into your air fryer. 

2. Cooking Your Fries 

Once your potatoes are prepped, it’s time to start cooking!

  • Add your prepped potatoes to the air fryer basket and spray with oil (either olive oil or unsalted butter).
  • Set your air fryer temperature to 375F and cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning of your fries.

When finished, you should have crispy golden-brown crinkle-cut fries that are ready for dipping! 

Why Won’t My Crinkle-Cut Fries in an Air Fryer Get Crispy?

If your fries are not getting as crispy as you’d like, there could be a few reasons why.

  • One common issue is that the potatoes weren’t cut into even slices or soaked for long enough before cooking. If this is the case, simply adjust your preparation steps and try again.
  • Another potential issue is that the air fryer temperature isn’t high enough. If you find that your fries lack crispness, try increasing your air fryer temperature to 400F and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Finally, it could be that there is too much moisture in the air fryer basket. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before adding them to the basket and ensure that you’re using an oil spray or butter rather than pouring it directly onto the fries.

By following these simple tips and adjusting preparation as needed, you can enjoy delicious crinkle-cut fries from your air fryer in no time!

How to Make Crinkle-Cut Fries in an Air Fryer From Scratch?

Let’s explore the process step by step. 

1. What You Need 

The first step to making crinkle fries is gathering the necessary supplies.

You will need potatoes (3-4 depending on how many people you are feeding), a sharp knife, a cutting board, oil for frying, and salt for seasoning.

Additionally, a food processor with a blade attachment or a French fry slicer will come in handy. 

2. Preparing the Potatoes

Once all your supplies are gathered, it’s time to prepare the potatoes.

  • Begin by washing them off and scrubbing away any dirt or debris that may be present.
  • Then dry them off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  • Peel each potato (or leave the potato skin on if desired) and then cut into equal-sized slices about ¼ inch thick.
  • From there, take each slice and cut it into thin strips about ½ inch long – this is where having a food processor or French fry slicer comes in handy as they tend to make more uniform cuts than hand slicing.
  • Finally, cut each strip into small cubes; if done correctly they should resemble small square boxes with crinkles on one side.  

3. Cook Your Fries!

Place your seasoned potatoes in batches into the basket of your air fryer making sure there is enough space between each piece so they cook evenly without sticking together.

Cook for 15 minutes (or longer depending on how crispy you want them) shaking halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.

Once done, remove from the air fryer and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil/grease before serving hot!  

How to Store Air Fryer Crinkle-Cut Fries?

We’ll provide tips for how to store air fryer crinkle-cut fries so that they stay fresh and tasty for longer! 

1. Keep them Cool 

The key to keeping your air fryer crinkle-cut fries fresh is to keep them cool. If you plan on eating your fries within a few hours of cooking them, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.

The cold temperature will help prevent moisture from accumulating on the surface of the fries, which can make them soggy.

If you’re storing your fries overnight or longer, it’s best to freeze them. This will help preserve their texture and flavor for weeks or even months at a time. 

2. Choose the Right Container 

When storing air fryer crinkle-cut fries, be sure to choose an airtight container that won’t let in any moisture or oxygen.

If you plan on refrigerating your fries, you can use an aluminum foil pan or plastic storage container with a lid that seals tightly.

For freezing, use freezer bags or freezer containers designed specifically for food storage.

Both types of containers are available at most grocery stores and home goods stores. 

3. Prevent Freezer Burn 

If you plan on freezing your crinkle-cut fries, it’s important to take steps to prevent freezer burn. The best way to do this is by wrapping the container tightly with aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

This will create an extra layer of protection against moisture loss and oxygen exposure that can cause freezer burn over time.

Another tip is to try not to freeze too much at once—only freeze as many servings as you think you will eat within a few weeks so that they don’t get pushed back too far in the freezer and forgotten about!  

How to Reheat Air Fryer Crinkle-Cut Fries?

Once you’re ready to enjoy your air fryer crinkle-cut fries again, there are a few ways you can reheat them.

If they have been refrigerated, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or until heated through.

If they have been frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours before reheating.

To reheat frozen fries, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through (this may take up to 10 minutes).

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try giving them another quick turn in the air fryer! The extra heat and crispiness will make them extra delicious.

Are Air Fryer Crinkle-Cut Fries Healthy?

Is an air fryer really a healthier way to make french fries?

Let’s take a look at the evidence. 

What Makes Air Fried Fries Healthier? 

Air-fried crinkle-cut fries are considered healthier than those cooked in oil for several reasons.

  • First, air frying uses less oil than traditional methods, making them lower in fat and calories. This can be especially helpful for those trying to watch their weight or calorie intake.
  • Additionally, air frying does not require the use of saturated fats like butter or lard, which can lead to high cholesterol and other health issues. 
  • In addition, air fryers tend to cook food faster and more evenly than traditional methods, resulting in better texture and flavor.
  • This means that you don’t need as much oil or butter to get the same results as with deep-frying – another benefit for those looking to reduce fat and calorie content in their meals.
  • Finally, studies have shown that air frying can reduce levels of acrylamide (a potentially carcinogenic compound) by up to 90%, compared with deep-fried foods. 

Are Air Fryer Crinkle Cut Fries Still Unhealthy? 

While air-fried crinkle-cut fries may be healthier than those cooked using traditional methods, they still contain unhealthy amounts of sodium and carbohydrates if eaten in large quantities.

Furthermore, many pre-made crinkle-cut fries contain additives such as preservatives or coloring agents that may not be healthy for you if consumed regularly.

Additionally, even when cooked in an air fryer, crinkle-cut fries are still high in fat and calories due to the nature of the food itself – so it’s important to keep portion sizes small when indulging in this snack! 

Air Frying Tips and Notes:

1. No Oil is Necessary 

Air fryers use super-heated air to cook food instead of oil, which means that you don’t need to add any oil in order for your food to turn out crispy and tasty.

This makes air frying a much healthier option than traditional deep-frying methods.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the mess of oil after cooking! 

2. Cook Frozen – Do Not Thaw First 

Air fryers are great for quickly cooking frozen foods without having to wait for them to thaw first.

From fries and chicken nuggets to fish sticks and veggie burgers, most frozen foods will turn out just as delicious when cooked in an air fryer as they would if they were cooked in a traditional oven or deep-fat fryer.

Just make sure that you read the recipe instructions carefully; some recipes may require preheating before cooking frozen foods while others suggest starting with room-temperature ingredients instead. 

3. Shake or Turn if Needed 

Most recipes will require you to shake or turn over the ingredients in order for them to cook evenly.

If the recipe does not specify how often you should shake or turn over the ingredients, make sure that you set a timer so that you remember!

Also, make sure not to overcrowd the basket; too many ingredients can prevent hot air from circulating properly and may cause uneven cooking results.   

Fun Ways to Spice Up Your Air Fryer Crinkle Cut Fries 

Today, we’ll be covering three different ways you can dress up your fries for an added kick—spicy, loaded, and savory. 

1. Spicy Fries:

If you like a bit of heat with your fries then this one is for you! All you need is some Old Bay seasoning and a sprinkle of paprika before popping your fries in the air fryer.

Once they’ve been cooked halfway through, sprinkle on some Old Bay seasoning and continue cooking until golden brown. The result?

Deliciously spicy crinkle-cut fries that will have you coming back for more! 

2. Loaded Fries:

Take your crinkle-cut fries to the next level by loading them up with all sorts of tasty toppings after they come out of the air fryer.

Get creative and use whatever ingredients suit your fancy—think vegan chili, vegan cheese sauce, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, onion rings…The possibilities are endless! 

3. Savory Fries:

For a savory spin on your crinkle-cut fries try tossing them in some chopped fresh herbs before putting them into the air fryer.

Rosemary or thyme work nicely here but feel free to experiment with other herbs too!

Once they’re done cooking simply sprinkle on some salt and pepper and enjoy. 

Conclusion: 

Air fryers are a great way to whip up tasty treats without all the unhealthy fat associated with deep frying.

With just a few simple steps and some flavor variations of your own choosing, you can enjoy delicious crinkle-cut fries right from the comfort of your home kitchen!

Give it a try today and see just how easy it is – we know you won’t regret it! Happy eating!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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