Spending a premium on frozen potatoes is a rookie mistake. A head-to-head test of six major brands revealed that a $3 bag actually outclassed its expensive competitors in both texture and flavor. You can skip the gourmet aisle and still end up with a plate of perfectly seasoned, crispy fries that taste like they came from a professional kitchen.
The real magic happens when you ditch the oven for an air fryer. This countertop powerhouse uses high-speed convection to guarantee a crunch that a traditional bake just can't touch. It is the fastest, most consistent way to get a mountain of snacks on the table without the greasy mess or the high price tag.
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. Joey Skladany/CNET
As a self-certified fry expert, I rounded up six of the most popular varieties from Amazon Fresh for the ultimate 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.
Watch this: How to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer in 60 Minutes 03:25
How to air fry french fries
The air fryer cooks frozen fries as fast and as well as any appliance we've tried. John Carlsen/CNET
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:
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