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Instant Vortex Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

These directions for Instant Vortex air fryer frozen French fries deliver amazing results so you can enjoy them any time you’re in the mood for a savory treat.

With the convenience of an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked fries in a fraction of the time that it takes to make them in the oven. And they’re crispy, just like we like them.

plate of French fries and ketchup

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You can do the same thing with any other air fryer as well, but this is the one I have: Instant Vortex Air Fryer.

I’ve heard good things about the Cosori air fryer. But I’ve never used one, so I can’t totally vouch for it.

If you use a brand that’s different from the one I have, you may need to adjust the timing or temperature.

Instant Vortex Air Fryer French Fries

An air fryer is basically a small convection oven that uses rapid air technology. In other words, it creates hot air that circulates around the food. That’s how you get crispy hot French fries every time. 

When people ask what I consider the best air fryer, I tell them that if they already have one, that’s it. However, if they don’t, I generally recommend the one I have because it does such a great job! 

Regardless of which one you choose, any type of air fryer will do a much better job of delivering a healthier option than a method that requires a bunch of added oil.

If you follow the directions below, you’ll be able to avoid having soggy fries. And it’s much easier than a deep fryer French fries recipe.

This is such an easy side dish or even afternoon snack. No matter how or when you have them, they’re delicious!

Ingredients

This recipe only requires one ingredient, and that is the frozen fries, straight from the freezer. You don’t even need to thaw them first.

However, I do like to spritz them with a little extra oil to help them crisp up a little more. This time I used regular-cut fries, but sometimes I use shoestring-cut fries.

If you have frozen shoestring fries, decrease the time by a couple of minutes in the air fryer. You can pull out the drawer and check on them to see if they’re ready. If not, push the drawer back in and add another minute or two of air frying.

I also like to add a little bit of salt because it brings out the flavor of the potatoes. Again, that’s up to you.

plate of frozen french fries

Here is what you’ll need for delicious crispy French fries:

  • Frozen French fries
  • Cooking oil (avocado oil or olive oil)
  • Salt to taste (optional)
salt and avocado oil

For detailed measurements of each ingredient and the full recipe, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

You can purchase either avocado oil spray or olive oil spray. But I prefer to fill my own spray bottle—the one that’s shown later in this post.

Alternative Ingredients

If you prefer more flavor in your fries, feel free to sprinkle some other spices and seasonings over them.

Here are some you may want to try:

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chili powder
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Ground cayenne pepper

If another seasoning sounds good to you, give it a try. When I’m not sure about an ingredients, I’ll test it on a small amount of the recipe before I add it to the whole thing.

How to Cook French Fries in an Instant Vortex Air Fryer

Keep in mind that air fryers make cooking much quicker. Preheat the air fryer to 400˚ F. 

I’ll have to admit that I don’t always preheat the air fryer. However, your chances of having crispy fries increase if you do.

frozen fries in Instant Vortex air fryer

Pour the frozen fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them a quick spritz of oil.

I use this from Amazon: Oil Sprayer.

oil spray bottle

I like this spray bottle because it sends out a mist rather than a stream. That makes it a whole lot easier to coat the food or pan.

half cooked frozen fries in Instant Vortex air fryer

Cook the fries for 7 minutes. If you’re air frying shoestring fries, decrease the cooking time to 5 minutes.

Check them for doneness. The best way is to simply taste one.

air fried frozen fries in Instant Vortex air fryer

Shake the basket or flip the fries and cook them for another 2-3 minutes or until they’re crispy and light golden brown.

After they’re done, remove the basket and season the fries with salt or any other seasonings. Go light with the seasonings before tasting. You can always add more, but its’s much more difficult to remove the seasonings. 

scooping fries from the Instant Vortex air fryer onto a plate with ketchup

Serve the fries hot. I like to add a side of ketchup or this delicious copycat Chick Fil A sauce for dipping. Another good dip is this McDonald’s signature sauce.

Tips for Making Crispy Fries in an Air Fryer

french fries and ketchup on a plate

As I already mentioned, adding oil to the fries can help them crisp up more quickly.

Here are more tips for crispy French Fries:

  • Preheat the air fryer before cooking for better results.
  • Don’t overcrowd the fries. The air fryer is most effective when there’s plenty of space around the food for the hot air to circulate.
  • Cook at the recommended temperature and not lower. Otherwise, the inside of the potatoes will overcook before the outsides get crispy.
  • Remember to shake the basket or flip the fries partway through the process. This enables the air to reach all surfaces of the fries.
  • You may need to adjust the time even more for either steak fries or crinkle-cut fries. Start with less time and check on them. You can always cook them some more, but you can’t “uncook” them.

This recipe is good for any frozen French fries, so go ahead and get your favorite brand. In my case, that’s usually the one that’s on sale.

french fries and ketchup on a plate

Instant Vortex Air Fryer – A Great Tool for Making Delicious Fries

After following the directions and tips listed above, you’ll have a delicious side dish or snack. You’ll love the satisfying crunch and amazing flavor without the hassle of using grease that splatters. 

I was nervous the first time I used my air fryer. But now, I know that I can get a meal on the table in a of minutes.

Another thing I love about air frying is the easy cleanup. The Instant Vortex air fryer can go in the dishwasher. However, I find that’s it’s just as easy to wash it by hand with detergent. Give it a quick rinse, and it’s good to go for your next recipe!

French fries in air fryer and French fries on a plate with ketchup

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

My Instant Vortex air fryer has become my favorite small appliance. It helps me get food on the table quickly, and cleanup is so much easier.

Here are some of our favorite air fryer recipes:

Sausage Patties – You’ll love how sausage patties come out when you cook them with your air fryer. This method works for packaged patties or homemade sausage.

sausage patties on a plate

Blueberry Muffins – It always surprises people when they learn that I get such great results by air frying these homemade muffins. The outside is crispy, and the inside is moist and flaky.

blueberry muffins

Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Air frying delivers crispy crunchy toast while melting cheese to ooey-gooey goodness. Mmm! So satisfying and delicious!

grilled cheese sandwich on a plate with pickle slices

Baked Potatoes – Next time you want baked potatoes, follow this recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern. You’ll never want to cook them any other way!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños – If you like heat, you’ll love this delicious appetizer for any occasion. Any time I’ve put them on the snack table at get-togethers, they’ve disappeared very quickly.

plate of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers

Barbecued Chicken – One of my favorite ways to cook chicken indoors is in my air fryer. This barbecued chicken is absolutely amazing!

plate of barbecue chicken

Sweet Potato Fries – We also enjoy these sweet potato fries that I cook in the air fryer. Add a side of yogurt for dipping, and your taste buds will be so happy!

air fried sweet potato fries with yogurt dip

If you don’t have an air fryer, I highly recommend getting this Instant Vortex. It saves so much time in the kitchen, and it delivers such amazing results!

Yield: 4 servings

Instant Vortex Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

air fried french fries on a plate with ketchup

These Instant Vortex air fryer frozen French fries are easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces frozen French fries
  • 1 tablespoon oil (avocado oil or olive oil)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400˚ F. 
  2. Pour frozen fries into the basket of air fryer in a single layer.
  3. Spritz them with your oil of choice.
  4. Air fry for 5 minutes for shoestring-cut fries, 7 minutes for thicker-cut fries.
  5. Shake the basket or flip the fries with a spatula or tongs. Air fry for another 2-3 minutes or until they’re crispy and light golden brown.
  6. Check them for doneness.
  7. After they’re done, remove the basket and season the fries with salt or whatever seasonings you want.
  8. Serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 143Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 0mgSodium 375mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 2g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

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