Recently, we tested a range of popular frozen french fries to identify the superior options available in supermarkets. There were plenty out there that we’d rather leave in the deep-freeze, but a few reminded us just how easy and satisfying the simple spuds can be. And while the best frozen fries are perfectly fine when made according to their labels, they can be made even better with a little care — and some creative zhuzhing up.

We pooled together collective wisdom to help you up your frozen-fry game with tips for preparation and flavor enhancements, as well as health benefits with fries made without seed oils.

Give Them Room

Just like roasted vegetables, frozen fries need room to achieve the optimal crisp texture, so resist the urge to overcrowd the pan. Evenly distributing them before roasting prevents steaming and promotes browning. “They need space,” as the saying goes.

For extra breathing room, a large sheet pan is especially useful. A pan larger than the standard half sheet allows you to cook a bigger bag of fries to feed a crowd — or a very hungry family.

Preheat the Pan

Another useful trick is preheating your pan, which helps promote crispness, since the fries will be hitting an already-hot surface when they go into the oven to bake. This step also saves time — you can put the sheet pan in the oven while it is coming to temperature — but be sure to check on your fries, since this step will probably reduce the cooking time listed on the label.

Consider an Air Fryer

Air fryer enthusiasts often highlight the appliance’s knack for heating up and crisping frozen foods.

In side-by-side comparisons, fries prepared in an air fryer offered a crispier texture and more uniform browning than the ones made in the oven. The differences weren’t overwhelming, so if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry too much.

Most frozen fry packages now include air fryer instructions. To get the best results, keep a few things in mind: avoid cooking sprays, don’t always worry about preheating the air fryer, shake the basket a few times to promote even cooking, and don’t overcrowd (see above).

Season or Top Them

Almost all frozen fries can benefit from at least a little extra salt, so you might want to start with a pinch. But don’t stop there: the spice cabinet has endless possibilities. Garlic powder, paprika, and fresh or dried herbs can give your fries a flavor boost. Blends like za’atar, Creole seasoning, or adobo are also excellent choices. A drizzle of flavored oil can elevate the flavor as well.

You can take it further by topping fries with extras such as crumbled cheese and herbs. Or, treat the spuds like tortilla chips and build them into “nacho-style” fries with cheese sauce, beans, and salsa.

Loaded potato-style toppings work wonderfully, too — bacon crumbles, scallions, and sour cream can transform fries into a hearty dish. In some cuisines, fries are topped with meats, sauces, and slaws to create full street-food-style meals.

Diversify Your Dipping Options

Ketchup is the classic condiment for fry-dunking, of course. But it’s so easy to mix things up — literally — using ingredients you’re likely to have around. Mayo blended with chili crisp, hot sauce, or garlic powder makes an instant dip. For more oomph, you can add fresh or dried herbs, mustard, and lemon zest or juice.

Other condiments can also provide inspiration. Stir a little curry paste, harissa, or chili paste into your dip for bold flavor. Yogurt or sour cream makes a great tangy base, and you can easily flavor it with garlic, herbs, or spice blends to create a refreshing contrast to hot, crispy fries.