Air Fryer Frozen Potatoes: Is It Possible?

Cooking frozen potatoes in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this popular side dish. Frozen roast potatoes can be cooked from frozen, saving time on preparation and making it a quick and easy option for a versatile range of meals.

How to cook frozen potatoes in an air fryer

Frozen potatoes are a quick and tasty side dish that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook them to perfection.

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to give your potatoes a good head start. Set the temperature to 200°C/400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the potatoes

Take your desired brand of frozen potatoes. Most frozen potatoes are already seasoned, so you may not need to add any extra seasoning. However, you can add some oil, salt, and pepper if needed. If you are using frozen diced hash browns, mix the potatoes with oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes

Place the frozen potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer if possible. If you can't fit them all in one layer, don't fill the basket more than halfway. Air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes at 190°C/380°F. Then, shake the basket to move the potatoes around and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. For diced hash browns, cook for a total of 17-22 minutes at 400°F/200°C, flipping them halfway through.

Step 4: Check for doneness

Your potatoes are ready when the outside is crispy and browned, and the inside is tender and fluffy. Insert a fork into the centre of one of the potatoes to check if it is cooked to your liking. If not, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Serve your crispy, fluffy potatoes as a side dish or a snack. They go well with chicken, steak, vegetables, dips, and more. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't overfill the air fryer basket. If possible, arrange the potatoes in a single layer, or fill the basket no more than halfway.
• Shake the basket at regular intervals for even cooking and crispness.
• Depending on the brand of frozen potatoes, you may want to add extra seasoning before cooking.
• For the best texture and taste, serve the potatoes hot. If they do get cold, you can reheat them to restore their crispness.

How long to cook frozen potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can put frozen potatoes in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook frozen potatoes, and you don't need to thaw them first. In fact, thawing them beforehand may make them soggy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, run it at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the frozen potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for the air to flow.
• Depending on the size of your potatoes, cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F. Smaller potatoes will take less time, while larger potatoes may take up to 25 minutes.
• Shake the basket or stir the potatoes with a spatula halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• If desired, brush the potatoes with oil halfway through cooking to promote browning and crispiness.
• If your potatoes are unseasoned, you can toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

By following these steps, you can cook frozen potatoes in your air fryer to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

The benefits of cooking frozen potatoes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook frozen potatoes. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for your frozen spuds:

Quick and Easy

Cooking frozen potatoes in an air fryer is incredibly quick and easy. There is no need to thaw, peel, chop, or parboil the potatoes, saving you time and effort. Simply transfer the frozen potatoes into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of potato. No more waiting around for your potatoes to thaw or spending time on tedious preparation!

Healthy and Nutritious

Air-frying frozen potatoes is a healthier alternative to baking or frying. The excess fat from the potatoes drips into the bottom of the air fryer basket, reducing the amount of oil you consume. Air-fried potatoes are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Convenient and Versatile

Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen foods, and they can cook potatoes to perfection. You can use any brand of frozen potatoes, and they can go straight from the freezer into the air fryer. Most frozen potatoes are already seasoned, saving you even more time and effort. Whether you're making roast potatoes, French fries, or hash browns, the air fryer has you covered.

Delicious and Crispy

Air fryers produce delicious, crispy potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The even circulation of hot air in the air fryer ensures that your potatoes are cooked evenly and achieve the perfect texture. You can also easily adjust the seasoning to your preference, as frozen potatoes typically only come seasoned with salt.

Easy Cleanup

Using an air fryer instead of a skillet or oven can also make cleanup a breeze. The non-stick surface of air fryer baskets or trays typically requires no scrubbing, making it much easier to clean than traditional cookware. So, not only do you get delicious, healthy potatoes, but you also spend less time cleaning up afterward!

Reheating frozen potatoes in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F. While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen potatoes out of the freezer. You can use any type of frozen potato, such as roast potatoes, French fries, wedges, or diced hash browns.

Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket

Spread the frozen potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you can't fit them all in a single layer, make sure you don't fill the basket more than halfway. This will ensure even cooking and crispness.

Step 3: Reheat the Potatoes

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and reheat the potatoes for 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the quantity and type of potato, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Shake and Flip the Potatoes

After a few minutes, remove the air fryer basket and give it a good shake to toss the potatoes. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking. If you're reheating diced hash browns or similar, you may also need to flip them with a spatula to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Continue Reheating

Return the air fryer basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and crispy. Again, the exact time will depend on the type and quantity of potatoes you're reheating.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your potatoes are crispy and heated through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately. You can enjoy them as a side dish or a snack, and they go well with a variety of dips and sauces.

Seasoning ideas for frozen potatoes in an air fryer

Frozen potatoes are a convenient and tasty option for air frying, and the best part is that you can get creative with the seasonings! Here are some ideas to elevate your frozen potatoes in the air fryer:

Spicy and Savory

If you like your potatoes with a kick, try a Cajun blend of spices. Combine cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of ground thyme. You can also add some chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a chili-lime variation. For a southwestern twist, use taco seasoning. If you're a fan of ranch dressing, simply season your potatoes with a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix.

Cheesy and Creamy

For cheese lovers, try grating some cheese on top of your potatoes and melting it to perfection. You can even add bacon bits and sour cream for an indulgent treat. If you're feeling fancy, toss your potatoes in some garlic butter for a creamy, savory delight.

Herbaceous

Fresh or dried herbs can add a wonderful flavor to your potatoes. Try using basil, oregano, dill, or parsley to give your potatoes a bright, fresh taste. You can also combine herbs with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing twist.

Luxurious

Truffle oil is a luxurious way to elevate your potatoes. Drizzle a small amount on top of your cooked potatoes for an indulgent and aromatic experience.

Classic

Sometimes, simple is best. A classic combination of salt and pepper can bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes. You can also add garlic powder and paprika for an extra kick.

Remember, these are just suggestions—feel free to experiment and combine different seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile!

Frequently asked questions