Air Fryer Smiley Fries: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Smiley fries are a fun, easy way to make your kids smile at mealtime. They are made from mashed potatoes cut into a smiley face shape and can be cooked in various ways, such as baked, fried, or air-fried. Air frying is a quick and convenient way to get perfectly crisp and golden smiley fries in mere minutes. The cooking time will depend on the power of your appliance, but generally, it takes around 8-12 minutes in an air fryer set to 360ºF (180ºC) to 400ºF (200ºC). So, if you're looking for a healthier way to fry your food or want to try something new in the kitchen, give air-fried smiley fries a go!

Smiley fries in the air fryer: the recipe

Ingredients

• Smiley fries (frozen)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F/180°C. This step is not required for all air fryers, but preheating can improve the results when cooking at high temperatures for short periods.
• Place the desired amount of frozen smiley fries into the air fryer basket. No need to arrange them in a single layer, but if they are piled up, shake the basket during cooking to redistribute them and ensure even cooking.
• Air fry the smiley fries for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• For an optional cheesy twist, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the air-fried smiley fries before serving.

Tips

• While not necessary, spraying the smiley fries with olive oil or cooking spray can help achieve a crispier texture.
• If you want to add some spice, toss the smiley fries with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper before cooking.
• Smiley fries are typically made from mashed potatoes and are a fun, kid-friendly option. However, you can also make your own from scratch using grated potatoes.
• Leftover smiley fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer or microwave.

How to get smiley fries crispy

Smiley fries are potato fries cut into a smiley face shape. They are a popular choice for kids' meals, but adults can enjoy them too. Smiley fries can be cooked in various ways, such as baked, fried, or air-fried.

How to Cook Smiley Fries in an Air Fryer

Air frying is a great way to cook smiley fries, getting them perfectly crisp and golden in just a few minutes. Here are some detailed instructions on how to get the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F/180°C. Some air fryers may not require preheating, but it is recommended to get better results, especially when cooking at high temperatures.
• Place the frozen smiley fries in the air fryer basket. There is no need to arrange them in a single layer, but if they are piled up, shake the basket during cooking to redistribute them and ensure even cooking.
• Air fry the smiley fries for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.
• For extra crispness, spray the smiley fries with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before air frying.
• If you want to add some spice, toss the smiley fries with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper before cooking.

Tips for the Best Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• For consistent results, use an air fryer with sufficient power. If you have a less powerful air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
• For the best texture and taste, cook the smiley fries from frozen. Cooking them without thawing helps avoid sogginess.
• Smiley fries are typically served as a side dish or snack, and they go well with various dipping sauces. You can also load them up with toppings like chili, ground beef, shredded cheese, or sour cream for a heartier meal.

Storing and Reheating Smiley Fries

It is best to eat smiley fries fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but they may not retain their crispness.

How to serve smiley fries

Smiley fries are a fun, nostalgic, and tasty treat that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. They are potato fries cut into a smiley face shape and can be cooked in various ways, such as baking, frying, or air frying. Here are some tips on how to serve them:

Choose Your Potatoes

Select the right type of potatoes for your smiley fries. It is recommended to use yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, as they hold their shape better than russet potatoes, which are starchier and more prone to falling apart.

Prepare the Dough

The secret to soft and fluffy smiley fries is to use mashed potatoes without added butter or cream. Mix the mashed potatoes with dry bread crumbs, cornstarch, and seasonings until a smooth dough forms. The bread crumbs absorb excess moisture, making the dough easier to work with and helping it hold its shape.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll out the potato dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting until you've used up all the dough.

Create the Smiley Faces

Use a drinking straw to poke two circles into each dough circle for the eyes. Position them about 1/3 of the way down from the top, with a small gap between them. Then, use a spoon or a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create a smile below the eyes. You can also use a wet chopstick to scrape through the indented smile to create an open-mouthed grin.

Frying or Air Frying

If you're frying the smiley fries, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the smiley faces in batches, flipping them once, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer the fried smiley fries to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt to taste.

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 360°F/180°C. Place the smiley fries in the air fryer basket, shaking the basket every few minutes to redistribute them and ensure even cooking. No oil spray is needed. Air fry for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Ideas

Smiley fries can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, honey mustard, queso dip, or marinara sauce. You can also make loaded smiles by topping them with chili, ground beef, shredded cheese, or sour cream. For a spicy kick, toss the fries with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper before cooking. Smiley fries make a great side dish or appetizer and pair well with sandwiches, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, or breakfast dishes.

How to store and reheat smiley fries

Smiley fries are a fun, easy way to make your kids smile at mealtime. They are potato fries cut into a smiley face shape and can be cooked in an air fryer, baked, fried, or oven-baked.

How to Store Smiley Fries:

If you have any leftover smiley fries, it is best to let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2 to 3 days.

How to Reheat Smiley Fries:

You can reheat smiley fries in an air fryer or oven.

• To reheat in an air fryer, place the fries back into the air fryer basket and cook for about 3-5 minutes at 400°F until warmed through.
• To reheat in the oven, place the fries on a baking sheet and warm them in a 400°F oven until heated through and crisp on the outside.

It is not recommended to reheat smiley fries in the microwave, as this can make them soggy and destroy their crispy texture.

Smiley fries are best eaten fresh, but if stored and reheated properly, they can still be enjoyed as a tasty treat.

What to serve with smiley fries

Smiley fries are a fun and tasty treat, but what can you serve with them? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dipping Sauces

The most classic pairing for smiley fries is a tasty dipping sauce. Ketchup is a popular choice, but you can also try honey mustard, ranch dressing, queso dip, marinara, or even a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce. Get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite!

Sandwiches and Chicken Fingers

Smiley fries make a great side dish for sandwiches and chicken fingers. The crispy, golden potatoes pair perfectly with a juicy sandwich or crispy chicken. You can also serve them with chicken nuggets, another kid-friendly favourite.

Breakfast Dishes

Believe it or not, smiley fries can be a great breakfast side too! They add a fun and tasty element to your morning meal. Try them with eggs, bacon, or even pancakes for a unique and indulgent breakfast.

Appetizers and Snacks

These cute and crispy potatoes are perfect for serving at parties or get-togethers as an appetizer or snack. They're sure to impress your guests and are a great conversation starter. You can also serve them as a fun after-school snack for kids.

Cheeseburgers, Bratwursts, and Corn Dogs

For a hearty meal, serve smiley fries with cheeseburgers, bratwursts, or corn dogs. The fries add a playful element to these classic dishes and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Air Fryer Companions

If you're cooking your smiley fries in an air fryer, why not cook a main dish at the same time? Air fryer fish sticks, pizza rolls, potato wedges, tater tots, or curly fries are all great options that can be cooked alongside your smiley fries.

So, there you have it! Smiley fries are a versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Get creative and enjoy the smiles they bring to your face and those around you.

Frequently asked questions