Emilie Meyer
McCain Smiles are a fun, family-friendly side dish or snack made from mashed potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt and pepper. They are quick and easy to cook in an air fryer, taking less than 10 minutes to go from frozen to a delicious, golden brown. The exact cooking time and temperature depend on the size and brand of the air fryer, and whether it is preheated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F / 200°C or 300°F (150°C) |
| Time | 7-9 minutes or 8 minutes or 14 minutes |
| Preheat | No need to preheat |
| Flip | Flip halfway through if needed |
| Colour | Golden brown |
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What You'll Learn
McCain Smiles in the air fryer: 400°F for 8 minutes
McCain Smiles are a fun and tasty treat that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. These smiley-faced potato fries are a great snack or side dish that can be served with your favourite dipping sauce or enjoyed as they are.
To make McCain Smiles in an air fryer, first set your air fryer to 400°F. While your air fryer is preheating, place the frozen smiley fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap so that they cook evenly. Once the air fryer is preheated, set the timer for 8 minutes and let the fries cook. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the smiles halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, so it is always good to keep an eye on your fries to ensure they don't overcook. The smiles are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.
McCain Smiles are a fun and convenient way to bring a smile to your face and your meal. They are perfect for a quick and easy snack or a picky eater-approved family dinner, bringing a unique twist to your regular French fries.
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No need to preheat the air fryer
To cook McCain Smiles in an air fryer, simply place the frozen smiles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlaps. Set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and let them cook for 8 minutes. There's no need to defrost or add oil, and flipping them halfway through is optional.
The total cook time will be around 11-12 minutes if you're using an instant pot vortex oven that preheats automatically for 5 minutes. In this case, set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and the timer for 7 minutes. Once the preheat cycle is over, place the smiles in the oven and bake for 6-7 minutes or until they're golden brown.
It's important to note that cook times may vary depending on the power output and model of your air fryer. The size of the air fryer can also affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly. As a general rule, McCain Smiles usually take less than 10 minutes to go from frozen to a delicious, hot potato treat.
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Arrange in a single layer in the basket
When cooking McCain Smiles in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer in the basket. This ensures that each Smile gets equal exposure to the hot air circulating in the fryer, resulting in an even cook. If the Smiles are piled on top of each other, they will not brown or crisp up properly.
To do this, simply place the frozen Smiles in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you are cooking a large batch and your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the Smiles in two batches to ensure they are arranged in a single layer. This may be a bit more time-consuming, but it is worth it to ensure even cooking and browning.
The goal is to have each Smile exposed to the hot air, allowing it to get crispy and golden on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. By arranging them in a single layer, you avoid the issue of Smiles on the bottom layer burning or drying out while the top layer remains undercooked.
Additionally, arranging the Smiles in a single layer helps with even heat distribution within the air fryer. This way, you avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking and affect the performance of your air fryer. So, while it may be tempting to fit as many Smiles as possible into the basket, it is crucial to give them adequate space to cook properly.
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Flip halfway through if needed
When cooking Smiles in an air fryer, it is recommended to flip them halfway through if needed. This is because air fryers use convection heat, which cooks food by circulating hot air around it. By flipping the Smiles, you ensure that both sides are cooked evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness.
The need to flip Smiles halfway through cooking may depend on several factors. These include the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as whether you preheated it or not. Some air fryers, like the Cosori and Instant Vortex Pro, may not require flipping due to their unique heating capabilities. However, it is generally advisable to keep an eye on your Smiles and flip them if you notice uneven cooking.
The cooking time for Smiles in an air fryer is generally around 7 to 9 minutes at a temperature of 300°F (150°C). However, some sources suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. This higher temperature can result in a total cook time of 11 to 12 minutes, including preheating.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your Smiles during the final minutes of cooking to ensure they don't overcook. A light golden color is usually an indication that your Smiles are cooked perfectly.
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Serve immediately with ketchup or BBQ sauce
McCain Smiles are a fun, tasty, and filling family favourite. Made with mashed potato, vegetable oil, and salt and pepper, these Smiles are quick and easy to cook. They are a great fuss-free dinner option, side dish, or snack and can be whipped up in no time!
To cook McCain Smiles in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Then, arrange the Smiles in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Make sure they are not overlapping. Set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 7 to 9 minutes. You can flip them halfway through if you want, but it's not necessary. Keep a close eye on them during the final minutes of preparation. The Smiles are done when they are a light golden colour and crispy.
Once they are cooked, serve them immediately. They are perfect for a kids' meal and can be served on their own or with some other dishes. Don't forget to serve them with ketchup or BBQ sauce! You can also dip them in your favourite dipping sauce.
McCain Smiles are a great option for picky eaters and can be a fun and delicious addition to any meal. They are a quick and easy snack that can be made in the air fryer in less than 10 minutes. So, the next time you are looking for a fun and tasty treat, be sure to give McCain Smiles a try!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes less than 10 minutes to cook Smiles in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 8 minutes.
No, there is no need to preheat the air fryer.
It is not necessary to flip the Smiles halfway through cooking. However, there is no harm in doing so.
Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F / 200°C.
