Air Fryer Curly Fries (Homemade & From Frozen)

As the aroma of crispy, golden curly fries fills your kitchen, you can’t help but smile. This recipe for Air Fryer Curly Fries (Homemade & From Frozen) takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish and delivers a delicious crunch that rivals your favorite diner. The air fryer technique ensures minimal oil usage while still achieving that perfect crispy texture.

This recipe is perfect for home cooks looking for a quick and fun snack. Whether it’s movie night or a casual gathering with friends, curly fries can elevate any occasion. You can prepare the homemade fries ahead of time and simply air fry them when you’re ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade fries taste fresher than store-bought.
• The air fryer creates a crispy exterior with tender insides.
• Customizable seasonings to suit your flavor preferences.
• Frozen curly fries cook up perfectly without thawing.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a few simple ingredients to make these tasty fries.

For the Curly Fries

• 1 lb Russet potatoes, peeled and both ends cut off flat (about 450-500 grams)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Russet potatoes are ideal for frying due to their high starch content.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil.
• Any seasoning blend can be used instead of the spices listed.
• Sweet potatoes work well for a healthier twist.

How to Make It

Here’s how to create delicious curly fries from scratch or from frozen.

Spiralize the potatoes

Spiralize the potatoes using a curly fry spiralizer setting (larger shredding holes). Ensure the potato is centered and press down while moving the handle forward. Discard the smaller bits or save them for a soup later.

Soak the potatoes

Add the potato spirals to a large bowl filled with cold water and soak for 15 minutes. This process helps remove excess starch. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the spirals to wash away any remaining starch. Pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel and return them to the bowl.

Add the flavor

Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until the spirals are evenly coated.

Air fry curly fries from raw

Preheat the air fryer to 395 F/200 C for 3-4 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then spread the potato spirals in a single layer. They can overlap slightly, but avoid overcrowding. Air fry the fries for 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For extra crispiness, add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Air fry frozen curly fries

Remove frozen curly fries from the package without thawing. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Cook frozen fries at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: yes, for the uncooked spiralized potatoes only.
Reheat: air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking for the best crisp.
• Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer to allow proper airflow.
• Use a light hand with oil; just enough to coat the potatoes will work.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste before air frying.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch.
• Serve as a side dish with burgers or grilled meats.
• Enjoy them as a standalone snack for your next movie night.