How to Cook Waffle Fries in Air Fryer? A Step-by-step Guide

Cooking waffle fries in an air fryer is a speedy and convenient way to enjoy crispy, golden fries with less oil. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the fries evenly. Which gives them a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the insides tender.

Whether having them as a snack, side dish, or base for loaded toppings, cooking waffle fries in your air fryer is simple and delicious, to help you get the best results and up your fries game, here’s a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow.

How to Cook Waffle Fries in Air Fryer

Cooking waffle fries in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy fries with less oil than traditional deep frying. Here are some simple step-by-step guides to cook waffle fries in an air fryer:

Ingredients

Frozen waffle fries
Cooking spray (optional)
Salt and seasonings (optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). This preheating step is essential because it allows the air fryer to reach the desired cooking temperature, resulting in crispy fries.
Take your frozen waffle fries straight from the freezer—no need to defrost them. If you want extra crunchiness, lightly spray the fries with cooking spray. Adding a pinch of salt or your favorite seasonings is also okay for flavor.
Put the waffle fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket; if you have many fries, cook them in batches.
Slide the basket into your preheated air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them because the exact time can vary depending on your fries’ thickness and air fryer model.
At the halfway mark, stop the fryer and give the basket a gentle shake or flip the fries with tongs. This helps them cook evenly.
When your timer’s about to beep, check your waffle fries. They should be a lovely golden brown and feel crispy when touched. If you’re unsure, take one out and taste it to see if it’s as crispy as you like. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Once your fries are perfectly crispy, carefully take them out of the air fryer basket. You can use tongs or a spatula to do this.
Transfer your hot, crispy waffle fries onto a plate. If you want, sprinkle more salt or add extra seasonings for extra flavor.
Serve your air-fried waffle fries while they’re still hot and wonderfully crispy. They’re fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

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Tips to Make the Best Waffle Fries in the Air Fryer

To make the best waffle fries in the air fryer, you can follow these tips and tricks:

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Please set it to the recommended temperature of 400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding the fries.
Arrange the waffle fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, making some fries crispy while others are soggy. Cook in batches if necessary.
While not mandatory, a light spray of cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray on the fries can help enhance crispiness. However, avoid overdoing it to prevent excess oil buildup.
About halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer, shake the basket, or flip the fries with tongs. This ensures even cooking on all sides and helps achieve uniform crispiness.
Keep a close eye on the fries, especially toward the end of the cooking time. Cooking times can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the fries, so it’s essential to prevent overcooking.
Season your waffle fries before or after cooking with your favorite spices, herbs, or seasonings. Common options include garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or a seasoning blend. Sprinkle the seasoning when the fries are hot so it sticks better.
To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This also helps in keeping the fries intact and crispy.
Enjoy your waffle fries immediately after cooking while they’re at their crispiest. As fries cool down, they typically lose their crispness.
Depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences, you can experiment with cooking times and temperatures to achieve your desired crispiness. Just be sure to take notes for future reference.
If you have leftover waffle fries, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Follow the reheating tips mentioned earlier.

How to Store Air Fryer Waffle Fries

Storing air fryer waffle fries is simple. Here are steps to help you store them properly for later consumption:

Allow your cooked waffle fries to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent excess moisture inside the storage container, which can make the fries soggy.
Choose a container with a good seal. You can also use resealable plastic bags meant for food storage. Make sure the bag or container is dry and clean.
If you need to stack the fries, put a layer of parchment or wax paper between them. This stops them from sticking together and losing their crispiness.
Close the container or bag securely to keep air out. Air exposure can make the fries lose their crunch and pick up strange odors from the fridge or freezer.
Decide if you’re keeping the fries in the fridge for a short time or the freezer for a longer duration: If you plan to eat them within 1-2 days, pop them in the fridge. This keeps them decently crispy. For extended storage, put the container or bag in the freezer. They can last up to 2-3 months, but for the best quality, eat them within this timeframe.
When it’s time to enjoy your stored waffle fries, reheat them properly to regain that crispiness. Reheat in the air fryer or oven, not the microwave. Microwaving tends to make them soft. Place the frozen or refrigerated fries in a single layer in the air fryer or on a baking sheet in the oven for reheating. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy.
Once reheated, serve your waffle fries immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They might not be as perfect as freshly cooked ones, but they should still taste great.

How to Reheat Waffle Fries in the Air Fryer

Reheating waffle fries in the air fryer is an excellent way to revive their crispiness and flavor. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the fries will reheat evenly and regain their crispy texture.
Place your leftover waffle fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; leaving some space allows for better air circulation and more even reheating.
Set the timer for reheating to 3-5 minutes. The exact time depends on the quantity and thickness of the fries, as well as your air fryer’s performance.
About halfway through the reheating process, usually around 1.5-2.5 minutes, pause the air fryer. Gently shake the basket or use tongs to toss and flip the fries. This step helps ensure that all sides of the fries heat evenly and regain their crispiness.
As the timer nears its end, watch the waffle fries closely. They should be hot, crispy, and look like they did when freshly cooked. Be careful not to overcook them; they can become overly crispy or even burnt if left too long.
Once the fries are hot and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a serving plate.
Serve your reheated waffle fries immediately while they’re still hot. They should be very close in taste and texture to freshly cooked fries. Feel free to pair them with your preferred dipping sauces for extra flavor.

FAQs

Are Waffles Healthy?

No, Waffles are not healthy. They often contain ingredients like butter, white flour, and high sugar content, which nutritionists advise limiting. For instance, an IHOP Belgian waffle can have 29 grams of fat, 17 grams of sugar, and 590 calories. So, it’s better to consume them in balance.

Can Waffles Be Eaten Cold?

Yes, waffles can be eaten cold. But it largely depends on personal preference and the toppings used. While many prefer waffles hot or warm with toppings like syrup and butter. Also, you can enjoy them chilled, especially if you’ve added toppings like fruits, yogurt, or ice cream that taste great when cold.

Can You Freeze Waffles?

Yes, you can freeze waffles. Freezing them is a great way to store them for later use. Just wrap them well or use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn, and they should stay good for a few months.

Final Verdict

Using an air fryer to make waffle fries is a simple process that will give you deliciously crispy results. However, don’t forget to preheat the fryer first; don’t overcrowd the basket. And don’t be afraid to try different spices for that extra flavor kick.

If you’re eager for more expert tips and tricks to take your waffle fries to the next level, dive into the full article. Thanks to your reliable air fryer, you can enjoy these irresistibly crispy fries while keeping things healthier. So, indulge in those deliciously crispy treats!

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