How to Cook Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer Perfectly
If there's one thing Australians love, it's a good chip. Whether you're serving them alongside a burger, as a snack after school, or as a late-night treat, frozen chips are a household staple. The good news? Your air fryer is the absolute best way to cook them — delivering crispy, golden results without the mess and excess oil of deep frying. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen chips in an air fryer perfectly, every single time.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Chips?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why the air fryer is the superior method for cooking frozen chips.
Crispier Results Than the Oven
Traditional oven-baked chips can turn out soft and a bit soggy, especially if your oven doesn't circulate heat well. An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to crisp up the outside of each chip while keeping the inside fluffy. The result is closer to deep-fried chips — without the litre of oil.
Faster Cooking Times
An air fryer preheats in just 2–3 minutes and cooks frozen chips in roughly 15–20 minutes, compared to 25–35 minutes in a conventional oven. That's a significant time saving, especially on busy weeknights.
Less Oil, Less Mess
Most frozen chips already contain a small amount of oil from the manufacturing process. In an air fryer, you don't need to add any extra oil at all — though a light spray can enhance crispiness. There's no hot oil to dispose of, no splatter on your stovetop, and cleanup is a breeze.
If you're still on the fence about whether an air fryer is right for your kitchen, check out our buying guide for a full breakdown of what to look for.
What You'll Need
- A bag of frozen chips (any variety — straight cut, crinkle cut, shoestring, or wedges)
- Your air fryer
- Optional: a light spray of cooking oil (canola or olive oil spray works well)
- Salt and seasonings to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating is optional but recommended for the crispiest chips. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it run for 3 minutes before adding the chips. This ensures the cooking chamber is hot from the start, which helps the chips crisp up immediately rather than steaming.
Step 2: Add the Chips to the Basket
Pour your frozen chips into the air fryer basket. The key rule here is don't overcrowd. Chips need space for hot air to circulate around them. If you pile them too high, the ones in the middle will steam rather than crisp.
For best results: - Fill the basket no more than halfway - Spread chips in a single layer if possible - For larger batches, cook in two separate rounds
Step 3: Cook at the Right Temperature
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot for most frozen chip varieties — hot enough to crisp the outside without burning before the inside is cooked through.
Cooking times by chip type: - Straight cut chips (standard): 15–18 minutes - Crinkle cut chips: 16–20 minutes - Shoestring / thin chips: 12–15 minutes - Thick-cut chips / wedges: 20–25 minutes - Steak fries: 18–22 minutes
These are guidelines — your specific air fryer model may cook slightly faster or slower. Check out our air fryer reviews to see how different models perform on everyday tasks like this.
Step 4: Shake the Basket Halfway Through
At the halfway point, pull out the basket and give it a good shake. This redistributes the chips so all sides get exposed to the hot air. For wedges or thicker chips, you may want to use tongs to flip them individually for more even browning.
Step 5: Check for Doneness and Season
In the last 2–3 minutes, keep an eye on your chips. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, add 2–3 minutes and check again.
Once done, tip them into a bowl and season immediately while they're hot — salt sticks better to hot chips. Add your favourite seasonings: chicken salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chips
Want to take your air fryer chips to the next level? Here are some pro tips:
Tip 1: Don't Thaw the Chips First
Always cook chips straight from frozen. Thawing them first causes them to release moisture, which leads to soggy results. The air fryer handles frozen chips perfectly — no thawing required.
Tip 2: Use a Light Oil Spray
While most frozen chips don't need extra oil, a very light spray of cooking oil can boost crispiness, especially for lower-fat chip varieties. Don't overdo it — a quick 1-second spray is all you need.
Tip 3: Pat Dry If Chips Are Icy
If your chips have ice crystals on them (common if the bag has been opened and refrozen), give them a quick pat with a paper towel before cooking. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Tip 4: Avoid Stacking
We can't stress this enough — a single layer or at most a light double layer is ideal. Overcrowding is the number one reason air fryer chips turn out disappointing.
Tip 5: Increase Temperature for the Last Few Minutes
For an extra-crispy finish, bump the temperature up to 400°F (204°C) for the final 2–3 minutes of cooking. This gives the chips a final blast of heat that really crisps up the exterior.
Best Frozen Chip Brands for Air Fryers
Not all frozen chips are created equal. Here are some popular Australian brands and how they perform in the air fryer:
McCain Oven Chips
A classic Australian favourite. McCain's straight-cut oven chips cook beautifully in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for about 16 minutes. They come out golden and crispy with a fluffy interior.
Edgell Crinkle Cut Chips
Crinkle cuts have more surface area, which means more crunch. Edgell's crinkle cuts are a great choice for air frying — cook at 390°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway.
Coles and Woolworths Home Brand
Budget-friendly and widely available, supermarket home brand chips work well in the air fryer. They tend to be thinner, so reduce cooking time to 13–15 minutes.
Lamb Weston Steakhouse Fries
These thick-cut fries need a bit more time — around 22–25 minutes at 390°F (200°C) — but the result is a restaurant-quality chip that's hard to beat.
For more ideas on what to cook in your air fryer, browse our recipes section for inspiration.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes
My chips are soggy
Cause: Overcrowding, too much moisture, or temperature too low. Fix: Cook in smaller batches, pat chips dry before cooking, and make sure your air fryer is preheated to 390°F (200°C).
My chips are burning on the outside but raw inside
Cause: Temperature too high, or chips are too thick for the cooking time. Fix: Reduce temperature to 360°F (182°C) and increase cooking time. Check at the halfway point.
My chips are unevenly cooked
Cause: Not shaking the basket, or chips are different sizes. Fix: Shake the basket every 5–7 minutes, and try to use chips of similar size in each batch.
My air fryer is smoking
Cause: Fat dripping from chips onto the heating element, or residue from previous cooking. Fix: Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer (not the basket) to prevent smoking. Also ensure your air fryer is clean before use. See our guide on how to season and maintain your air fryer for cleaning tips.
Seasoning Ideas to Elevate Your Chips
Plain salted chips are great, but why not mix it up? Here are some seasoning combinations to try:
- Classic: Sea salt and malt vinegar
- Smoky BBQ: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne
- Chicken Salt: The Australian classic — available at most supermarkets
- Parmesan and Herb: Grated parmesan, dried rosemary, and garlic powder
- Spicy Sriracha: Toss cooked chips in a light drizzle of sriracha and honey
- Lemon Pepper: Lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sea salt
Pairing Your Air Fryer Chips
Chips are incredibly versatile. Here are some great pairings:
- Burgers and sliders — the ultimate combo
- Grilled fish or battered fish — a classic fish and chips night at home
- Dipping sauces — aioli, tomato sauce, sweet chilli, or gravy
- Loaded chips — top with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives for a crowd-pleasing snack
If you're cooking for a crowd, consider a dual basket air fryer so you can cook chips in one basket and your protein in the other simultaneously.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Chips
Not all air fryers are equally suited to cooking chips. Here's what to look for:
Capacity
For a family of four, you'll want at least a 5–6 litre air fryer. Smaller models (2–3 litres) are fine for one or two people but will require multiple batches for larger servings.
Basket Shape
Square or rectangular baskets tend to give more usable cooking space than round baskets, which is helpful when spreading chips in a single layer.
Temperature Range
Make sure your air fryer can reach at least 390°F (200°C) — most models can, but it's worth checking the specs.
Dual Zone Models
If you regularly cook chips alongside other foods, a dual zone air fryer lets you run two baskets at different temperatures simultaneously. Check out our compare models page to find the best dual zone options available in Australia.
For personalised recommendations based on your household size and budget, visit our buying guide — we've reviewed dozens of models to help you find the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add oil to frozen chips in an air fryer?
No, you don't need to add oil. Most frozen chips already contain oil from the manufacturing process. However, a very light spray of cooking oil can improve crispiness, especially for lower-fat varieties.
Can I cook chips from fresh in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade chips work brilliantly in the air fryer. Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, toss with a small amount of oil, and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking every 7–8 minutes.
What temperature should I use for frozen chips?
390°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for most frozen chip varieties. For thicker chips or wedges, you can start at 360°F (182°C) and increase to 390°F (200°C) for the final few minutes.
How do I stop my air fryer chips from sticking?
Most air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating, so sticking is rarely an issue. If you're having problems, a light spray of cooking oil on the basket before adding chips will help.
Can I reheat leftover chips in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is the best way to reheat chips. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave — it makes chips soft and rubbery.
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen chips in an air fryer is one of the simplest and most satisfying things you can do with this versatile appliance. With the right temperature, a bit of space in the basket, and a shake halfway through, you'll get perfectly crispy chips every time — no deep fryer required.
Whether you're a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just getting started, mastering frozen chips is a great foundation. From there, the possibilities are endless. Explore our recipes section for more air fryer inspiration, or head to our accessories page to find tools that make air frying even easier.
Happy cooking!
