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“Fries before guys” became my personal motto. But, like potential partners, not all fries are created equal, so I look for the best of the best. After trying six popular frozen fries brands, I was surprised that the winning bag was also the cheapest.
With football season upon us and the Super Bowl approaching, you’re probably looking for the best way to serve fries at your watch party. That’s easy. This is air fryer.
While the powerful air fryer emerged as the best way to crisp up a bag of frozen varieties for mealtime or a party platter, so many were brought down by common fry mistakes, such as an unbalanced potato-to-skin ratio, lack of seasoning or a sign of freezer burn.
I know a quality french fry when I see one.
As a self-certified fry expert, I’ve rounded up six of the most popular varieties from Fresh Amazon for the ultimate taste test. Of course, taste always reigns supreme, but these fried tubers are also judged on their ability to cook in one of our favorite appliances.
The result: None of these spuds are complete duds, but here’s how they stack up in my taste-test and ranking.
Check it out: How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer in 60 Minutes
How to air fry french fries
The air fryer cooks frozen fries as fast as any appliance we’ve tested.
While instructions vary by brand, there are some general tips to consider before tossing fries into an air fryer basket and pressing the on button:
- Do not force the basket. They turn to mush and/or stick together.
- Do not add oil. Most frozen fries come pre-fried. More oil usually softens it.
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the fry. A shoe string will obviously take less time than a steak. Follow the instructions on your bag and do a trial run to find out which option gives the best results.
- If you ask for more salt, add it after cooking. Excess sodium will take away much-needed moisture.
- Give the basket a good shake every five minutes. This will ensure even heat distribution and no burnt ends.
Read more: Craving Crispy French Fries? Follow These 4 Steps to Perfect Potato Sticks
Ranking the best frozen french fries in an air fryer
Whole Foods’ 365 had a surprisingly poor showing.
It’s worth saying again that there isn’t a single option on this list that I wouldn’t eat. The taste test is a reminder that frozen fries are practically made for an air fryer, which can provide a hot, cooked and salty snack in less than 15 minutes.
As with every carb-laden delicacy, some are better than others. Taste, of course, is subjective and one person’s Michelin star is another person’s fast food. But I can assure you that my palate has been waiting all my life for this moment and I stand my last rank.
6. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Shoestring Cut Fries
These fries turned out drier than I wanted.
In this fry’s defense, it may be the healthiest of the bunch. It has no added salt (blasphemy) and is made from organic potatoes, making it look like McDonald’s which is hilariously, but also frustratingly, deceptive.
If you want a crunchier shoe that you can get through a few, this fry might be for you. But for serial dippers like me who also crave a little flavor and extra oomph, this is a miss and not worth the time, the high price or the calories.
5. Ore-Ida straight-cut fries
A good crinkle-cut fry combines a fluffy center with crispy outer edges.
Ore-Ida’s low ranking was the biggest surprise to me. This is one of the most recognizable brands and yet I find this tater a touch too soft and hides the delicious taste of the leftover fry when reheated the next day.
If I had to go back in time, I would leave it in the air fryer for a minute or two longer than their suggested cooking time but I didn’t need to either. I’m a firm believer in mass-market, easy first time right foods, so I worry less about my brain and more about my appetite.
Ore-Ida’s offer is passable but there are better fry options on this list.
4. Strong Roots crinkle fries
Strong Roots makes my favorite crinkle fry.
I’d be lying if I said I wanted it to succeed. Of all the fry shapes, the crinkle-cut is not one that particularly excites me, because it reminds me of middle school lunch, where I was always bullied. But it was a pleasant surprise, saying a very tasty potato and an ideal crunch.
They get very burnt on the edges due to the uneven size, so consider cooking on the lower end of their suggested time range. That being said, I wasn’t completely put off by the char. In fact, it’s a kind of flavor enhancer and makes up for the obvious lack of sodium.
Crinkle-cut lovers will not be disappointed with the Strong Roots version.
3. Checkers, Rally’s seasoned waffle fries
A big crunch and kick of seasoning pushes Checkers’ fries to the top of the heap.
True, it has a leg up because of their preferred waffle shape and iconic Checker’s/Rally’s seasoning. And as they prepared to sweep the competition, they placed a solid third.
My concern is that they become a spectacle and conflict with my array of sauces. Those who want a fry without partners will find their new obsession. Those like me who are not satisfied with just a fry want to consider the gold and silver medals.
Checker’s waffle fry is a clear contender for the title.
2. Grown in Idaho hand-cut-style fries
Idaho grown fries produced the best browning of all the contenders.
If your idea of a perfect fry is golden brown, with a light coating and a strong crunch, this is for you. Frankly, Grown in Idaho was my first favorite until I went back for seconds (and thirds and fourths) and realized that its feel might be a little off for anyone who likes something a little softer.
But it was very tasty and, surprisingly, had a delightful potato finish that stood up to the bold and spicy barbecue sauce. That, in itself, is a remarkable feat because it is often the flavor that leaves a lasting impression on humility.
If you like your fries crispier than soggy, Grown in Idaho may be the best choice for you.
1. Amazon grocery straight-cut fries
Amazon’s straight fries are delicious.
While it pains me to give top honors to the corporate behemoth of our time, Amazon’s comeback gets top honors. This fry is well balanced: seasoned, crisp and potato-forward with chunks of earthy skin and a good-sized dip.
I can’t find anything wrong with this fry, unlike every first date I’ve had in my life. This is my potato soul mate and has now earned a permanent place on my own Amazon grocery rotation.
For a classic fry with a soft center and crispy shell, Amazon’s shoestring fries are hard to beat.
