A testing team from CNET found that the most affordable bag of frozen French fries produced the best results in an air fryer.

This finding challenges the assumption that higher-priced frozen foods offer superior quality, suggesting that budget options can match or exceed premium brands in texture and taste.

The CNET Home & Kitchen testing team evaluated six different bags of frozen French fries [1] to determine which brand offered the best value and texture. According to the team, the cheapest bag they tested, which cost under $3 [2], was the crispiest and most satisfying option when prepared in an air fryer [2].

"The cheapest bag we tested, at just under $3, turned out to be the crispiest and most satisfying when air‑fried," CNET staff said [2].

Other evaluations of frozen fries have shown varying levels of success across different demographics. Andee Gosnell of Yahoo Style said that three of the six frozen fries tested were approved by kids, adults, and chefs alike [3]. While the CNET results specifically linked the top performance to the lowest price point, other reviews focus on broader appeal across different age groups and professional standards.

The testing process focused on how the fries reacted to the high-heat circulation of an air fryer. The goal was to identify which brand maintained its structural integrity while achieving a golden-brown finish without requiring expensive premium ingredients [1].

“The cheapest bag we tested, at just under $3, turned out to be the crispiest and most satisfying when air‑fried.”

These results suggest that the processing methods used for budget-tier frozen potatoes may be more compatible with air frying technology than those used for premium brands. This indicates that consumers do not need to pay a price premium for 'gourmet' frozen options to achieve professional-grade crispness at home.