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The best things in life are often free. Sometimes, when we get lucky, other really fantastic things are dirt cheap. That's the discovery I made during a sprawling taste test of grocery-store french fries cooked in an air fryer.
At this point, we can agree that the air fryer has no match for cooking frozen fries. It's fast, and the results are as good as, if not better than, oven-baking or deep-frying. Plus, there's no messy oil to clean up or an excruciating oven preheat to endure.
While the mighty air fryer has emerged as the best way to crisp up a bag of frozen varieties for a mealtime side or party platter, far too many succumb to common fry blunders, such as unbalanced potato-to-skin ratios, a lack of seasoning or a hint of freezer burn.
I know a quality french fry when I see one.
As a self-certified fry expert, I picked six of the most popular varieties purchased on Amazon Fresh for the ultimate potato stick taste test. Flavor will always reign supreme, but these fried tubers were also judged on their ability to cook in one of our all-time favorite appliances.
The result: None of these spuds were complete duds, but here's how they stacked up in my taste-test and ranking.
365 by Whole Foods had a surprisingly poor showing.
It's worth reiterating that there wasn't a single option on this list that I wouldn't eat. The taste test was a reminder that frozen fries were practically made for an air fryer, yielding a hot, crunchy and salty snack in less than 15 minutes.
As with every carb-packed delicacy, some were better than others. Taste is subjective, and one person's Michelin star is another person's fast food. But I can assure you that my palate has waited all my life for this moment, and I stand by my final ranking.
These fries turned out dryer than I would have liked.
In this fry's defense, it's arguably the healthiest of the bunch. It comes with no added salt (blasphemy) and is made from organic potatoes, making its McDonald's-fry-like appearance hilariously, but also disappointingly, deceptive.
If you prefer a crunchier shoestring that you can pick up by the handful, this may be the fry for you. But for serial dippers like me who also crave a bit of seasoning and more oomph, these are a miss and not worth the time, the high price or the calories.
A good crinkle-cut fry combines a fluffy center with crispy outer edges.
Ore-Ida's lower ranking was certainly the biggest surprise for me. It's one of the most recognizable brands, and yet I found this tater to be a touch too mushy, with the stale flavor of a leftover fry reheated the next day.
If I had to go back in time, I'd leave these in the air fryer for a minute or two longer than the suggested cooking time, but I also shouldn't have to. I'm a firm believer in mass-market, easy foods getting it right the first time, so that I have to worry less about my brain and more about my appetite.
Ore-Ida's offering was passable but there are better fry options on this list.
Strong Roots made my favorite crinkle fry.
I'd be lying if I said that I wanted these to succeed. Out of every fry shape, crinkle-cut is not one that particularly excites me, as it reminds me of lunchtime in middle school, where I was most often bullied. But these were a pleasant surprise, touting a very potato-forward flavor and an ideal crunch.
They were a touch too burnt on the edges due to inconsistent sizes, so consider cooking for the lower end of the suggested time range. That said, I was not completely deterred by the char. In fact, it kind of enhanced the flavor and made up for the very obvious lack of sodium.
Lovers of crinkle-cut will not be disappointed by Strong Roots' version.
A big crunch and kick of seasoning catapulted Checkers' fries toward the top of the heap.
Admittedly, these got a leg up thanks to their crave-worthy waffle shape and iconic Checker's/Rally's seasoning. And while they were primed to sweep the competition, they ended up placing a solid third.
My only gripe was that they became a bit too one-noted and clashed with my array of dipping sauces. Those who prefer a fry without accompaniments will have found their new obsession. Those like me who aren't satisfied with a fry alone will want to consider the gold and silver medalists.
Checker's waffle fry was a clear contender for the title.
Grown in Idaho's fries developed the best browning of all the contenders.
If your idea of a perfect fry is golden brown, with a slight coating and a powerful crunch, this is the one for you. Frankly, Grown in Idaho was my initial favorite until I went back for seconds (and thirds and fourths) and realized its mouthfeel may be slightly off-putting for anyone who prefers something a bit softer.
But this was pretty darn delicious and, weirdly, had a delightful potato aftertaste that stood up to bold and spicy barbecue sauce. That, in and of itself, is an incredible feat as it's usually the condiment that leaves a lasting impression on the way down.
If you like your fries more crisp than moist, Grown in Idaho may be the best pick for you.
Amazon's straight fries were straight-up delicious.
While it pains me a little to give top honors to the corporate behemoth of our time, Amazon's iteration took top honors. This fry was well-balanced: seasoned, crisp and potato-forward with flecks of earthy skin and a size ideal for dipping.
I couldn't find one thing wrong with this fry, unlike every first date I've ever been on in my life. It was my potato soul mate and has now secured a permanent spot in my Amazon grocery rotation.
For a classic fry with a soft center and crispy shell, Amazon's shoestring fries are hard to beat.
The air fryer cooks frozen fries as fast and as well as any appliance we've tried.
While instructions will vary by brand, there are a handful of general tips to consider before tossing fries into an air fryer basket and pressing the on button: