You love your frozen potato snacks tater tots, french fries, hashbrowns but you know deep-frying loads them up with grease and calories. That’s why you picked up an air fryer. But now you’re wondering if it can really live up to the crispy, golden goodness of deep frying. Well, get ready for some good news! In testing out both methods with popular frozen potato snacks, we were pleasantly surprised to find the air fryer can match and even beat the deep fryer.
Crispiness and taste were nearly identical between the two, but the air fryer cut way down on grease. We have the details on cook times, flip techniques, and how to get perfect results every time using the air fryer. Let’s just say you can keep the crunch without the extra calories!
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer for Frozen Potato Snacks
Fast and Convenient
Whether you're craving french fries, tater tots or hash browns, an air fryer or deep fryer can cook frozen potato snacks quickly and easily. An air fryer preheats in just a couple minutes and most recipes are done in 10 to 15 minutes. A deep fryer does take longer to preheat the oil, but then cooks the food very fast once it's up to temperature. Either appliance is extremely convenient when you have a craving for crispy, fried potatoes.
Crispy Results
If maximum crispness is your top priority, a deep fryer is probably your best bet. Deep frying in hot oil is still the gold standard for getting potatoes ultra crispy on the outside while fluffy on the inside. Air fryers can produce crispy results too, but sometimes have trouble getting potatoes as crunchy as deep frying. Coating the potatoes in oil and using a higher air fryer temperature can help increase crispness.
Healthier Option
An air fryer is the healthier choice for cooking frozen potatoes. It requires little or no oil to get food crispy. A deep fryer, on the other hand, requires filling and heating a large vat of oil. This means the potatoes end up absorbing more oil, increasing the fat and calorie content. If health is a concern, an air fryer is your best option for making fried potato snacks.
Easier Clean Up
Air fryers are also much easier to clean since no oil is involved. You simply wipe down the basket and empty the tray below. Deep fryers require dealing with a large amount of used oil. You have to carefully drain, filter and properly dispose of the oil, and then scrub the fryer basket and basin to remove built-up residue. Air fryers win on convenience and clean up effort.
In the end, it comes down to your priorities. For the crispiest, most indulgent frozen potatoes, a deep fryer is your appliance of choice. If health and convenience are bigger concerns, an air fryer makes delicious potato snacks too with almost no mess or clean up. The choice is yours!
Makes Better Frozen Potato Snacks
How to Make Crispy Frozen French Fries in an Air Fryer
If you're craving crispy frozen french fries but want to avoid the grease and mess of deep frying, an air fryer is the perfect solution. Here's how to make delicious frozen fries in your air fryer:
Set the Air Fryer to 400 Degrees
Crank your air fryer up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key to getting your fries crispy on the outside while still fluffy on the inside.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket
Only fill your air fryer basket about halfway full with frozen french fries. Overcrowding the basket prevents the hot air from circulating and results in soggy, not crispy, fries.
Spray with Oil (Optional)
For extra crispy fries, spray the frozen fries with a little cooking oil before air frying. The oil will help the fries get nicely browned and adds more flavor. But oil is optional - you'll still get crispy fries without it.
Shake the Basket
After air frying the fries for about 10 minutes, carefully remove the basket and shake it to redistribute the fries. This allows the air to circulate around all sides of the fries for even cooking and crispiness.
Continue Cooking
Until Crispy Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking the fries, checking them frequently, until they're golden brown and crispy, about 10 to 15 minutes total.
Season and Enjoy!
As soon as your fries are done, remove the basket, season the fries with salt, and enjoy your crispy frozen french fries! Your air fryer has transformed boring frozen fries into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Frozen Potato Snacks
1. Do I need to thaw the potato snacks before cooking?
No, frozen potato snacks like french fries, tater tots, and hash browns can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer or deep fryer. The intense heat will quickly thaw and cook the snacks. For best results, shake the basket or stir the snacks a couple times during cooking to ensure even browning.
2. How long does it take to cook frozen potato snacks?
Cooking times can vary depending on the specific snack and how powerful your air fryer or deep fryer is. As a general rule of thumb:
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French fries: 8-12 minutes at 400 F
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Tater tots: 10-15 minutes at 400 F
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Hash browns: 10-15 minutes at 400 F
Check on the snacks starting around the 8 minute mark. Gently shake the basket or stir and continue cooking until the snacks are lightly browned and crisp.
3. Do I need to add oil when cooking frozen potato snacks?
When using an air fryer, only a light coating of oil is needed, about 1 tablespoon for a typical batch of snacks. Spray the oil over the snacks or toss to coat before placing them in the air fryer basket. For deep frying, fill your fryer with oil to the recommended level, usually around 3 to 4 inches. The oil will add extra crispness and flavor to the snacks.
4. Any tips for the best results?
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Don't overcrowd the air fryer or deep fryer basket. Cook the snacks in batches if needed.
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Shake or stir the snacks a couple times during cooking for even browning.
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Increase the time by a couple minutes for extra crispiness.
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Season the snacks immediately after cooking with salt, spices, or your favorite toppings.
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Drain excess oil from the snacks on paper towels before serving for a lighter result.
Whether you prefer the convenience of an air fryer or the classic taste of deep frying, cooking frozen potato snacks at home is a quick and tasty treat your whole family will enjoy. Let the sizzling begin!
Conclusion
So there you have it - while deep frying may give you that crispy, crunchy exterior we all crave in our frozen potato snacks, the air fryer is the healthier, easier choice that still delivers delicious results. And isn't that what we're all after in the end? A quick, tasty snack we can feel good about eating? Sure, the air fryer versions may be a tad less crispy, but they make up for it in convenience and nutrition.
So do your waistline and your wallet a favor and give the air fryer a try next time you get a hankerin' for some frozen potato snacks. We bet you'll be pleasantly surprised by the tasty, guilt-free results!