Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Chips, Crispy And Quick!

Cooking frozen chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy, golden brown chips. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as air fryers use less oil, and you can use any frozen chips you like, from French fries to steak cuts. The key to getting crispy chips is to ensure they're cooked at a high enough temperature and not stacked too high, so the air can circulate. You can also spritz them with oil before cooking for extra crunch.

Air fryer temperature and time

The cooking time for frozen chips in an air fryer depends on the type of chip and the model of the air fryer. For example, thin french fries will take less time than chunky chips, and different models of air fryers may cook faster than others. The recommended temperature for cooking frozen chips in an air fryer is between 190°C (375°F) and 200°C (400°F).

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the air fryer and the cut of the chip. For example, thicker chips like steak fries, wedges, or homestyle fries may need an additional 5-10 minutes. Most frozen chips are already coated with oil and seasoning, so they can be added straight to the air fryer basket. However, if the chips are not crisping up enough, you can spray them with a little oil.

The first time you cook frozen chips in an air fryer, it is recommended to keep a close eye on them to judge how fast your air fryer cooks. You can also shake the air fryer basket at each 5-minute mark to ensure even cooking. The length of time it takes to cook frozen chips in an air fryer will also depend on the type of air fryer you have. Most air fryers will cook frozen chips in 8 to 20 minutes, but it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Some specific recommendations for different types of chips include:

• Steak cut chips: Cook for 13-15 minutes at 190°C, shaking the chips halfway through.
• Waffle fries: Benefit from air fryer cooking as they crisp up perfectly; cook for 10-12 minutes at 190°C.
• Chunky chips: May take a little longer than thinner chips; it is recommended to keep checking on them and shaking them every 5 minutes until they are done to your liking.

Oil and seasoning

While cooking frozen chips in an air fryer, you can use oil to enhance the crispiness of the chips. However, it is not mandatory to use oil as air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional cooking methods like deep frying, and frozen chips are usually pre-coated in oil.

If you want to use oil, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before adding the chips. You can also spritz the frozen chips with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can toss the frozen chips in a little oil and ensure they are all coated before placing them in the air fryer.

When it comes to seasoning, you can experiment with a variety of spices and herbs. Some common seasonings include salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, curry powder, and mixed herbs. You can also try adding cajun spice or garlic salt, but be sure to reduce the amount of regular salt you add. Additionally, you can sprinkle on some grated vegan cheese for added flavor.

Crispy chips

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen chips, giving you a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried chips. They are also a great time-saver, as they cook food faster than a standard convection oven.

Preparation

Air fryers are suitable for any type of frozen chip, including French fries, steak cut, chunky, curly, waffle, straight-cut, or crinkle cut. You can also use any store-bought brand, such as McCain, Aunt Bessie, Sainsbury, Asda, or Tesco.

To prepare your frozen chips, simply add them to the air fryer basket. It is important to note that you should only cook one layer of chips at a time, without overlapping or stacking the chips. This is to ensure that the air can circulate the oil around the food.

Cooking

For crispy chips, it is recommended to cook your chips at a high temperature. The general consensus is to cook your chips at around 400℉ (200℃) for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chip. Thicker chips, such as steak fries, wedges, or homestyle, will take longer to cook, so you should add an additional 5-10 minutes. It is also recommended to shake the basket every 5 minutes to prevent the chips from sticking.

Serving

Once your chips are cooked, you can season them with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. You can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as sweet chilli mayo, tomato sauce, ketchup, aioli, BBQ sauce, or spicy yoghurt sauce.

Tips

• If your chips are not crispy enough, you can try spritzing them with a little oil before cooking.
• If you are using leftover chips that have been stored in the refrigerator, preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chips.
• If your air fryer is warm, your chips may cook a few minutes faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• If you want to make your own chips from scratch, you can peel and slice potatoes, parboil them in salted water for 5-8 minutes, and then add them to the air fryer.

Frozen chip types

The variety of frozen chip options available means you can easily find ones that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, if you're gluten intolerant, you can opt for McCain's gluten-free thin-cut chips. If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, Aldi offers sweet potato fries with a delightful crunch.

The versatility of frozen chips is further enhanced by the ability to cook them in an air fryer. This cooking method not only saves time and energy but also yields delicious results, with crispy, crunchy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Air fryers are particularly well-suited for cooking frozen chips, as they can produce the same great crunch as deep frying but with significantly fewer calories.

When using an air fryer, it's important to arrange the frozen chips in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of chip and the desired level of doneness, but on average, they take around 10 to 20 minutes at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 200°C.

So, whether you're a fan of thin and crispy chips or thick and chunky ones, there's a frozen chip variety that's perfect for your air fryer, offering convenience, taste, and texture all in one!

Air fryer basket

Yes, you can cook frozen chips in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to get tasty, crispy chips. The first time you cook frozen chips in an air fryer, keep a close eye on them so you can judge how fast your air fryer cooks. Air fryer models vary, so it is worth checking on your chips regularly.

To cook frozen chips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes. Then, add the frozen chips to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. You don't want to overfill the basket. Cooking in batches may be necessary. Spray the chips with a little oil to help them crisp up. Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chips. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent the chips from sticking together. You can also shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure all sides of the chips are getting a good blast of heat.

If you want crispier chips, cook them for longer. Thicker chips will require a few extra minutes, while smaller quantities may cook faster. You can also try spritzing the fries with a little oil before they go into the air fryer to help them crisp up.

Frequently asked questions