Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket jump-starts crisping.

Add the fries. Place a single, even layer of frozen fries in the basket. Don’t overcrowd—air needs to circulate. For larger batches, cook in rounds.

Optional light oil spray. If you like extra crunch or your fries look dry, mist them with cooking oil. This helps seasonings stick, too.

Season lightly. Sprinkle with salt and any dry seasonings. Avoid sugar-based sauces now—they’ll burn. Sauces come after cooking.

Cook and shake. Air fry at 400°F (200°C). For shoestring or thin-cut fries, start with 8–10 minutes. For crinkle or waffle fries, 10–14 minutes. For steak fries, 12–16 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to promote even browning.

Check doneness early. Around the halfway point, peek at the color. If they’re browning too quickly, lower to 380°F (193°C); if they’re pale and soft, keep at 400°F and extend time by 2–3 minutes.

Crisp to your preference. Add 1–2 minutes if you like them extra crunchy. Taste one for salt and texture before you stop.

Serve immediately. Hot fries are best right away. Toss with a pinch more salt while they’re still steamy and serve with your favorite dips.