When it comes to frying frozen steak fries, the cooking time can vary depending on a few factors. In general, frying frozen steak fries will take longer than frying fresh or thawed fries, but following some tips can help ensure they turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Typical Cooking Times
As a general guideline, frozen steak fries take about:
- 12-15 minutes at 350°F if using an air fryer
- 8-12 minutes at 350°F if using a convection oven
- 10-15 minutes if frying in oil on the stovetop
However, cooking time can vary based on:
Fry Thickness
Thicker cut fries will take longer to cook through than thinner fries. For example, extra thick steak fries may need closer to 18-20 minutes in the air fryer versus 12-15 minutes for average frozen fries.
Amount Being Cooked
The more frozen fries you cook at once, the longer they will take to fry since the fries will cool down the oil or air fryer temperature when added.
Appliance Temperature
Frying at a higher temperature between 375-400°F will reduce the cooking time compared to frying at 325-350°F. But going too high can lead to burning on the outside before the inside is cooked.
Preheating
It’s important to fully preheat air fryers, convection ovens, and oil to the desired temperature before adding the frozen fries. This helps ensure the fries start cooking immediately rather than spending time coming up to temp.
Tips for Frying Frozen Steak Fries
To achieve crispy, fully cooked fries from frozen, keep these tips in mind:
Use Starch Coating
Most frozen fries have a coating of corn starch or rice flour that helps them fry up extra crispy. Be sure to bake or fry them without rinsing or removing this coating.
Spread in a Single Layer
Arrange the fries in a single layer on your baking sheet or air fryer basket, rather than stacking them. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each fry for even cooking.
Flip Occasionally
If frying on the stovetop, flip the fries over every few minutes so both sides get evenly browned. For air frying or baking, give the basket or pan a shake halfway through cooking.
Blot with Paper Towels
After frying, remove fries from the oil and let any excess oil drip off. Gently blot with paper towels to remove grease and yield a crisper texture.
Season Quickly
Season the hot fries right after cooking for maximum flavor impact. Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, malt vinegar, or other favorite seasonings.
How to Tell When Fries are Done
Check for doneness after the minimum recommended fry time. Fries are fully cooked when:
- Golden brown and crispy on the outside
- Fully heated through on the inside (not cold)
- Soft and fluffy interior rather than crunchy and raw
If needed, continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until fries reach desired doneness. Undercooking can lead to a soft, soggy texture while overcooking causes burning.
Serving and Storing Fried Frozen Fries
For Best Texture
The texture of fried frozen fries is best right after cooking. As they cool, they will gradually lose crispiness.
Keep Warm in Oven
To serve fries warm throughout a meal, place them in a 175°F oven after frying to keep crispy until served.
Refrigerate Promptly
For food safety, fried frozen fries should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Store in a covered container for 3-5 days.
Reheat Carefully
To reheat leftover fried frozen fries, bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving can make them soggy.
Conclusion
Frying frozen steak fries to crispy perfection typically takes 12-15 minutes in an air fryer, 8-12 minutes baked, or 10-15 minutes fried in oil. Allow extra time for thicker cut fries and larger amounts. Preheating, using starch coating, spreading in a single layer, flipping occasionally, and seasoning quickly results in the best texture. Check for doneness based on interior tenderness and external crispness. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and store promptly after cooking for food safety. With the proper technique, frozen steak fries can turn out just as delicious as their fresh counterpart.