Chick-fil-A fries are a beloved fast food menu item. Their signature waffle fries have just the right amount of crisp on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. Rather than deep frying the fries like many fast food restaurants, Chick-fil-A fries are cooked in canola oil. This makes them a bit healthier than typical fast food fries. However, they can become even healthier when made at home in an air fryer.
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that use hot air and convection to cook food. This allows food to get crispy and browned without being completely submerged in oil. Air frying fries can reduce the fat and calorie content compared to frying in oil. Using an air fryer is a great way to recreate Chick-fil-A style waffle fries at home.
But figuring out the right cooking time can be tricky. Undercooking leaves soggy fries, but overcooking leads to dried out, tough fries. So how long should Chick-fil-A fries cook in an air fryer for the best texture?
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Cooking Times
There are a few key factors that impact how long fries need to cook in an air fryer:
- Amount of fries – More fries takes longer
- Cut of fries – Thicker cut fries take longer
- Moisture content – Wet fries take longer
- Preheating – Preheating reduces cook time
- Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage equals faster cooking
The amount of fries will have the biggest impact on cook time. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will increase the time needed. Cutting fries into thinner sticks rather than wedges reduces the time. Starting with dried potato wedges versus soaked wedges also shortens the length. Preheating the air fryer helps the fries start crisping sooner. And higher wattage air fryers will cook faster than lower wattage models.
Chick-fil-A Fries Air Fryer Cook Time Chart
Taking all those factors into account, the following chart provides general guidelines for how long to cook Chick-fil-A style fries in an air fryer:
| Amount of Fries | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 cups | 15 – 18 minutes |
| 3 – 4 cups | 17 – 20 minutes |
| 5 – 6 cups | 19 – 22 minutes |
These times are based on medium-thick fry wedges cut from russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. For thinner fries, reduce cook time by 2 to 3 minutes. For extra crispy fries, add 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust as needed based on your preference.
Chick-fil-A Fries Air Fryer Recipe Step-by-Step
Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to make copycat Chick-fil-A fries in the air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, washed and dried
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut potatoes into medium thick wedges, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toss fries lightly in oil. Mix in seasonings until coated evenly.
- Place fries in a single layer in air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 17-20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Fries should be golden brown when finished.
- Remove fries to paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Season immediately with additional salt if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Adjust cook times based on the factors mentioned above. Cook in batches for larger amounts of fries. Let the air fryer fully reheat between batches for best results.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Chick-fil-A Fries
Here are some top tips to help you nail air fried Chick-fil-A fries:
- Choose starchy potatoes – Russet and Yukon gold varieties have higher starch content for fluffier fries.
- Dry potatoes thoroughly – Excess moisture increases cook time and leads to soggy fries.
- Don’t overcrowd – Fry in a single layer with space between each fry.
- Preheat properly – Allow air fryer to fully preheat before adding fries.
- Toss in oil – Lightly coating fries in oil helps get a crispy texture.
- Shake halfway – Shaking the basket midway through evens out cooking.
- Blot oil – Draining on paper towels removes excess grease.
- Season immediately – Sprinkle with salt right after cooking for maximum flavor.
Common Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Fries Questions
Should I soak the potatoes before air frying?
Soaking potato wedges in water before air frying is not necessary. In fact, it can make the cook time longer and lead to wetter, less crispy fries. Make sure to dry the potato wedges thoroughly after cutting for best results.
Can I cook frozen fries in my air fryer?
Most frozen fries can be cooked in an air fryer. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Shake the basket more frequently to prevent frozen fries from sticking together. Air frying frozen fries makes them nice and crispy.
Should I double fry my fries like Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A likely double fries their waffle fries for extra crispness. You can mimic this at home by frying at a lower temp first to cook fries through, then at a higher temp to get them crispy. When air frying, cook at a lower temp halfway through, then bump up to highest temp.
How can I get restaurant-style waffle fries?
Use a waffle cut fry slicer to cut potato wedges into waffle shapes before air frying. These specialized tools can be purchased online or in many kitchen stores. The waffle shape helps create crispy ridges and grooves like Chick-fil-A’s fries.
Should I flip the fries during air frying?
Flipping fries halfway through is not necessary if your air fryermodel agitates the contents well. Fries self-flip and circulate when the basket shakes. Focus on shaking the basket instead of flipping for evenly cooked fries.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A style waffle fries can absolutely be made right at home with an air fryer. Allow 15-22 minutes for fresh-cut potato wedges to transform into crispy, delicious fries. Adjust cook times based on amount of fries, thickness, and doneness preference. With a few simple tips, your air fried fries can rival those from the actual restaurant. So save yourself a trip through the drive-thru and enjoy this classic fast food snack from the comfort of your own kitchen.