Air-Fryer Crispy Crowns: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook crispy crowns, resulting in a delicious and crispy texture without the need for deep frying and extra oil. The cooking time for crispy crowns in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, but on average, they take around 10 minutes to cook. The process is simple: first, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then cook the crispy crowns for 7-8 minutes, tossing them halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can spray the crowns with olive oil or cooking spray before cooking.

How to make crispy crowns in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns (or other frozen tater tot crowns)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Ketchup or other dipping sauces (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary, it helps to ensure that your crispy crowns cook evenly and achieve the perfect temperature and texture.
• Open the bag of Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns and pour them into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. This will allow each crown to cook evenly and get extra crispy.
• If desired, lightly spray the crowns with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is optional, as the crowns may already contain some oil, but it can help enhance their crispiness.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or taco seasoning.
• Air fry the crispy crowns for about 7-8 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer, open the basket, and give the crowns a good shake or flip them over. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents sticking.
• After the first shake, continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crowns reach your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryer temperatures can vary slightly.
• Once they're done, remove the crowns from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
• Enjoy your crispy crowns as a snack or side dish. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or cheese sauce.

Tips:

• If you want super crispy crowns, you can add a little extra oil before placing them in the air fryer and increase the cooking time in 1-minute intervals.
• If you're cooking for a large group, consider cooking and serving in batches to ensure everyone gets to enjoy them fresh and crispy.
• You can also use this recipe with Ore-Ida Tater Tots, as they cook in the same amount of time.

Storage and Reheating:

• Leftover crispy crowns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer or oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy crowns!

How long to cook crispy crowns in an air fryer

Cooking crispy crowns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get perfect tater tots. This cooking method makes crowns that taste like they were just deep-fried but without all the oil.

The cooking time for crispy crowns in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the desired level of crispiness and the model of the air fryer. On average, they should be cooked for around 10 minutes at 400°F, but this can range from 7 to 14 minutes. It is important to pause the air fryer and shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Open the bag of crispy crowns and pour them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. They can be touching but should not overlap too much to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the crowns for about 5 minutes, then pause and shake the basket to flip them over.
• Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the crowns reach the desired level of crispiness.
• Remove the crowns from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving.

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Spray the crowns with cooking oil or cooking spray before cooking.
• Add a little extra oil and increase the cooking time in 1-minute intervals.
• If cooking a large batch, cook in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

Serving Recommendations:

Crispy crowns can be served as a side dish, a snack, or incorporated into meals like breakfast casseroles, breakfast burritos, nachos, or tacos. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or cheese sauce.

How to store and reheat crispy crowns

Crispy crowns are best served right after cooking, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or oven and cook for a few minutes until they return to their crispy perfection. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer before turning on the air fryer or oven.

If you're reheating a large batch of crispy crowns, it's best to use a full-size air fryer or oven to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time and temperature may differ for larger appliances, so adjust accordingly. For smaller batches, you can use a countertop air fryer and follow the same reheating instructions as above.

When reheating, you may need to shake or flip the crowns halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating. Also, keep in mind that air fryer temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the crowns towards the end of the cooking time. They are ready when they are crispy and golden brown.

Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to enhance the flavor of your reheated crispy crowns. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce.

Dipping sauces for crispy crowns

Crispy crowns are a delicious snack, side dish, or even a meal in themselves. They are versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings and sauces. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to take your crispy crowns to the next level:

Ketchup

The classic condiment, ketchup, is a popular choice for dipping crispy crowns. It's a simple, sweet, and tangy option that pairs well with the potato flavour. If you want to spice things up a bit, you can even make your own spicy ketchup by adding some Worcestershire sauce and Sriracha.

Ranch Dressing

A cool and creamy ranch dressing is a great contrast to the crispy, golden brown exterior of the crowns. It adds a tangy, herby flavour and is a perfect pairing.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is another tangy, sweet, and savoury option that goes well with potatoes. You can make your own by mixing yellow mustard, dijon mustard, mayo, honey, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and cumin.

Barbecue Sauce

A smoky, sweet barbecue sauce is a great way to add some extra flavour to your crispy crowns. It's a classic pairing with potatoes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a tangy and creamy option that can be used as a base for other flavours. You could add some chives or garlic to sour cream for a more complex flavour profile.

Cheese Sauce

For something a little more indulgent, try dipping your crispy crowns in a cheese sauce. This is a great option if you're serving the crowns as a snack or side dish, or you could even use the crowns as a base and top them with cheese sauce, vegetables, and proteins for a hearty meal.

Spicy Honey Mustard

If you like a little kick to your food, try a spicy honey mustard sauce. The sweetness of the honey pairs well with the heat, and it's perfect for those who like their food full of flavour.

Garlic Aioli

A garlic aioli is a delicious, creamy option that adds a punch of garlic flavour. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for something a little more indulgent and is great with potatoes.

Boom Boom Sauce, Champps Sauce, Campfire Sauce, or Zesty Sauce

These unique sauces, as recommended by Food Lovin' Family, are sure to add some flavour and fun to your crispy crowns.

Sriracha Mayo

For those who really like it hot, a sriracha mayo dip will bring the heat and add a tangy, creamy element to your crispy crowns.

Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce

This sauce, recommended by Planted in the Kitchen, is a great vegan option and adds a nutty, tangy flavour to your crowns.

Spicy Cashew Dressing

Another recommendation from Planted in the Kitchen, this spicy cashew dressing is sure to add some heat and a creamy texture to your crispy crowns.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dipping sauces for crispy crowns. Get creative, experiment with different flavours, and find your perfect combination!

What to serve with crispy crowns

Crispy Crowns are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

As a Side Dish

Crispy Crowns make a great potato side dish, similar to French fries, hash browns, or tater tots. They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, brats, or hot dogs. You can also serve them with Air Fryer Bacon, Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwiches, Air Fryer Salmon, or Air Fryer Burgers as a healthier alternative to chips.

Dipping Sauces

For an extra flavour boost, serve Crispy Crowns with your favourite dipping sauce. Ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, sour cream, and sweet Thai chili sauce are all excellent choices. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own dipping sauces like Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce or Spicy Cashew Dressing.

Totchos

Take your Crispy Crowns to the next level by topping them with your favourite nacho toppings like sour cream, cheese, and salsa to create the ultimate totchos.

Breakfast Options

Crispy Crowns are a fantastic breakfast option. You can incorporate them into a breakfast casserole or wrap them up in a breakfast burrito. For a heartier breakfast, use them as a base for "cheese fries" or add them to a taco for some extra substance.

Appetizers and Snacks

For a tasty appetizer or snack, try making Loaded Crispy Crown Cups. Form the Crispy Crowns into cup shapes, fill them with melted cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon, and watch them disappear! They are the perfect crispy, cheesy, and creamy bite-sized treat.

With their versatility and quick preparation time, Crispy Crowns are a fantastic option for any meal. Get creative and enjoy them in a variety of ways!

Frequently asked questions