Air Fryer Waffle Fries

Name: Air Fryer Waffle Fries (Frozen)
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 bag Frozen Waffle Fries; Season Salt ((optional))

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Air Fryer Waffle Fries deliver a crispy crunch with less oil than using a deep fryer! They are a great side dish for burgers and hot dogs or simply enjoyed as quick snacks with your favorite dips!

Overhead view of waffle fries on a wooden serving platter next to small ramekins filled with dips.

The air frying cooking process transforms these frozen treats into the crispiest fries in no time.

With less oil usage and the air fryer basket's non-stick surface, you'll also spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious waffle fries - it's a win-win for everyone involved!

Whether it's a casual family dinner, a special celebration, or a cozy movie night at home, air fryer waffle fries always fit the bill.

For more easy air fryer recipes to make amazing snacks, check out my Easy Frozen Pretzel in Air Fryer Recipe, Grilled Cheese Air Fryer Recipe, Air Fryer Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe (For the Air Fryer & Oven), Air Fryer Onion Rings, and Air Fryer Bagel Bites!

Waffle Fries are also great served with Dino Nuggets Air Fryer, and Frozen Chicken Nuggets too!

Close view of waffle fries on a wooden serving platter next to a small ramekin filled with dip.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Waffle-Cut Fries

Frozen Waffle Fries - Any brand of frozen waffle-cut potato fries will do.
Season Salt - This optional salt with seasoning can be used to add some extra flavor to otherwise plain waffle fries.

Overhead view of a bag of frozen waffle fries.

How to Air Fry Waffle Fries

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your fries cook evenly and become nicely crisped.
Next, if your air fryer model recommends it, spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the fries.
Place a single layer of frozen waffle fries in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if required to prevent crowding the basket and so that there's good airflow around each fry.
Air fry the waffle fries for 9-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to help the fries toast evenly on all sides for a uniform crispness. If you're adding seasoned salt or other seasonings then do so halfway through and again just before removing the fries from the air fryer. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while the fries are cooking.
Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. If necessary, cook additional batches following the same process.
Serve the waffle fries hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayo, fry sauce, cowboy sauce, honey mustard sauce, BBQ sauce, or any other sauce you love.

Overhead view of waffle fries in an air fryer.

FAQs

Can I make homemade waffle fries in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make homemade waffle cut fries in the air fryer. Simply slice your potatoes with a criss-cross pattern, soak them in water to remove excess starch, pat them dry, and then follow the same air frying instructions.

Do I need to thaw the frozen waffle fries before air frying?

No, there is no need to thaw the frozen fries before air frying, just cook them straight from frozen.

How do I know when my air fryer waffle fries are done?

The air fryer waffle fries are done when they have a golden brown color and a crispy texture. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to check them at the 9-minute mark and keep them in for a couple more minutes if they're not quite ready.

Can I use oil on my air fryer waffle fries?

It's not necessary to use oil on them, but you could lightly spray your waffle fries with a cooking oil spray before cooking for an extra crispy finish. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other light cooking spray will work.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: To keep leftover fries crispy, store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat your leftover waffle fries in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through and are crispy again. This method helps retain their crispy texture, whereas microwaving can make the waffles go soggy.

Close view of waffle fries on a wooden serving platter next to small ramekins filled with dips.

Substitutions & Variations

If you don't have waffle fries, you can substitute them with another type of french fries, like regular fries, curly fries, tater tots, or even homemade potato slices for a more personalized touch. You could also use sweet potato waffle fries or sweet potato fries for a sweet and savory twist as they can be seasoned similarly and cooked following the same instructions.
You can substitute the Season Salt with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, or any of your favorite seasoning blends to add a different flavor profile.
Mix some dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano with your seasoning salt for an aromatic flavor.
If you like some heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix, or drizzle with a little hot sauce after removing them from the air fryer.
Garlic Parmesan Waffle Fries can be made by tossing the fries in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder after cooking for a cheesy, flavorful finish.
Make amazing Loaded Waffle Fries by topping your waffle fries with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions, then returning them to the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Serve with sour cream for a delicious treat.

Pro Tips

Avocado Non-Stick Spray and Extra Virgin Olive Oil have a high smoke point which works well in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can also use parchment paper liners with holes in them which are made specifically for air fryer baskets.
Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures that your cooking time is accurate and helps achieve a crispy exterior quickly.
Arrange in a single layer in the basket as overlapping leads to uneven cooking and the fries being less crispy.
Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around each waffle fry. This is key to achieving the crispy texture, so don't feel pressured to pour in the whole bag of fries! Cook in multiple batches rather than all at once if you need to, especially when using smaller air fryers.
A light spray of oil is all you need as this will crisp up the fries without adding unnecessary calories. However, if you want extra crispy waffle fries, you can brush olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil, or spray extra oil directly onto the fries before cooking.
Seasoning your fries halfway through cooking and again right after they come out ensures that the flavor is bold and evenly distributed.
Shaking the basket at the halfway point of cooking waffle fries is a small step that can make a big difference in texture as this helps each fry to cook evenly.

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Please leave a comment below if you have tried making this recipe. I love to hear from you and enjoy reading about what you think. Be sure to tag @devourdinner when posting to social media. I can't wait to see your photos!

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