How-To Guide: Frozen Waffle Fries In Air Fryer

How to cook frozen waffle fries in an air fryer?

I would choose to thaw them for 5 minutes first to make the surface dry. Doing this can avoid the fries turning out soggy after baking, and the texture will be closer to that of freshly fried fries.

Preheating the air fryer to 190°C (374°F) is crucial. This temperature can quickly form a golden crust on the outside without making the inside too dry. When spreading the fries flat, remember to leave some space between them. If they are stacked, the hot air will not circulate well, and the resulting fries will be limp and soft, just like day - old fries.

Set a basic time of 8 minutes. Pull out the fry basket halfway through and quickly toss the fries twice. Stay beside it and observe the color change in the last two minutes because the water content of fries varies among different brands. When you hear a faint rustling sound from the surface of the fries, that's the best time to take them out of the air fryer.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes or garlic powder right after they are out of the air fryer. The heat will help the seasonings adhere naturally. Yogurt sauce goes better with the fries than ketchup as it can cut through the greasiness, especially when a little lemon juice is drizzled on top to enhance the overall freshness. The fries made by this method won't turn soft even when eaten cold.

Should I add oil when cooking waffle fries?

To make the taste of waffle fries better, it is recommended to use a little oil.

Although frozen fries have already been pre - fried, they tend to lose moisture too quickly under the high temperature of an air fryer. Spraying an appropriate amount of oil can not only lock in the moisture but also make the unique grid pattern more evenly crispy.

Cooking tips:

Put the frozen fries directly into the fry basket without thawing them in advance.

If the fries stick together, gently separate them before spraying the oil.

Use an oil spray bottle to give two quick sprays, paying special attention to the grooves.

Flip the fries after about 6 minutes. By this time, the fries have taken shape and are less likely to break.

If you don't use any oil at all, the finished product will be rather dry and have a strong powdery texture on the surface. Adding a little oil can make the fries taste more like traditionally fried ones and keep them crispy even after they cool down.

Do I need to flip waffle fries while cooking?

Yes, you need to flip the waffle fries. This can make the fries heat more evenly, especially making the patterns on the surface more crispy. My advice is that flipping them once in the middle is the best, which saves time and the fries are less likely to break.

When to flip:

Flip the fries when the air fryer has run for half of the total time. For example, if the total set time is 12 minutes, quickly open the fry basket at the 6 - minute mark. Use tongs or chopsticks to flip the fries over as a whole. If the basket is filled relatively full, gently shaking them loose also works.

Consequences of not flipping:

The part of the fries in contact with the bottom of the fry basket is prone to excessive charring, while the top may not be golden enough. The concave and convex parts of waffle fries especially need to be heated on both sides to form a uniform crispy crust.

How many waffle fries can I cook at once?

Generally, it's safest to fill the fry basket to about 70% capacity. I'm used to using a coffee cup as a measuring tool. For one person, about half a cup and a half of waffle fries is just enough to be spread out in a single layer. For four people, you need to fry them in two batches to ensure the crispness.

When the fries are stacked more than two layers high, the bottom layer is prone to being crushed and deformed. There is an intuitive way to judge: if you can clearly see the grid at the bottom of the fry basket after spreading the fries flat, it means there is enough space. If you notice that the fries start to stick together after preheating, it means you've loaded too many. It's best to immediately take out half of them.

If you have a 3.5 - liter air fryer in a small family, 300 milliliters of frozen fries measured in a measuring cup is just right. Although frying in two batches will take about 4 more minutes, it can keep the three - dimensional shape of each wavy - patterned fry.

What seasonings go best with waffle fries?

Here are some of my most commonly used combinations:

Basic savory version:

While it's still hot, sprinkle fine sea salt + black pepper + garlic powder in a ratio of 2:1:1. The garlic flavor can bring out the sweetness of the fries.

Spicier version:

Mix smoked paprika with a small amount of cumin powder, and then add a little chopped onion. This is great for dipping in yogurt sauce.

For cheese lovers:

Immediately sprinkle Parmesan cheese powder after frying and let the residual heat melt it. Or cover the freshly fried fries with Cheddar cheese slices and heat them in the microwave for 10 seconds until they're stretchy.

How to store leftover waffle fries?

Short - term storage (should be consumed on the same day):

After the fries have cooled down enough so they're not too hot to touch,put them into a breathable paper bag or an open bowl lined with kitchen paper, and then store them in the refrigerator. Don't use a sealed container, as the moisture will make the surface of the fries soggy. Before eating, reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C for 3 minutes, and the texture will be close to that of freshly fried ones.

Freezing for up to 1 month:

Lay the fries flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour until they're set.

Put them into a sealed bag, squeeze out the air and label with the date.

When reheating, there's no need to thaw. Just fry at 200°C for 5 - 6 minutes and flip them once halfway through.