Frozen chips are what most people cook first in an air fryer — and they're better than oven chips in a fraction of the time. Here's exactly how long they take and how to get them properly crispy.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do frozen chips take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry frozen chips at 200°C (400°F) for 12–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Thin fries take about 12 minutes; thick steak cut chips take up to 18.
Q: Do you need oil for frozen chips?
A: No — most frozen chips are pre-coated. A light spritz of oil makes them crispier, but it's optional.
Times by chip type
| Chip type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin / French fries | 200°C / 400°F | 12–14 min |
| Straight cut | 200°C / 400°F | 14–16 min |
| Steak / chunky chips | 200°C / 400°F | 16–18 min |
| Sweet potato fries | 200°C / 400°F | 14–18 min |
| Curly fries | 190°C / 375°F | 12–15 min |
For everything else, our air fryer cooking times chart has the lot.
The crispy method
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- Add the chips straight from frozen in one even layer — don't fill past halfway.
- Cook and shake. Shake the basket every 5–6 minutes so they brown evenly.
- Finish hot. Add 2 extra minutes at the end if you like them extra crispy, then season immediately.
Crispiness tips
- Don't overcrowd. A single layer is the number-one rule for crispy chips.
- Spritz lightly. A teaspoon of oil sprayed over the top crisps the edges.
- Season after cooking. Salt draws out moisture, so add it once they're done.
- Watching carbs? Swap to roasted veg or see our low-carb air fryer recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put frozen chips straight in the air fryer?
Yes — cook them straight from frozen, no defrosting needed. Just shake the basket halfway so they crisp evenly.
Why are my air fryer chips soggy?
Almost always overcrowding. Cook in one even layer, shake regularly, and add a couple of minutes at the end if needed.
Are air fryer frozen chips healthier than oven chips?
They use little or no added oil and cook faster, so they're generally lighter than deep-fried and comparable to or better than oven chips.