Marianne Martinez
Cooking frozen chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy chips. The air fryer was first invented as a way to make French fries at home without the mess of a deep fryer, and it's now a popular way to cook frozen chips in Australia and beyond. You can use any store-bought brand of frozen chips, and the best part is that you don't need to defrost them first! Simply preheat your air fryer, add your chips, and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180-200°C (365-400°F) |
| Cooking time | 8-20 minutes |
| Preparation | Do not defrost |
| Shake the basket or flip the chips every 5 minutes | |
| Place in a single layer | |
| Spritz with oil (optional) | |
| Season after cooking | |
| Chips | French fries, steak cut, chunky, crinkle cut, curly fries, waffle fries, shoestring fries, straight-cut |
| Brands | Birds Eye, Woolworths, McCain's, Aunt Bessie, Sainsbury, Asda, Tesco |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended cooking times and temperatures
When cooking frozen chips in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them at either 185°C (365°F) or 200°C (400°F) for 8 to 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the cut of the chip, and your desired crispiness. For example, thinner cuts like French fries will typically take around 10 minutes, while thicker cuts like steak fries, wedges, or homestyle fries may need an additional 5 to 10 minutes. It is important to shake the basket or flip the fries every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
To ensure crispy frozen chips, it is crucial to maintain a high temperature. Preheating the air fryer and avoiding defrosting the chips beforehand can help achieve this. Additionally, spacing out the fries in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate effectively. Spritzing the fries with a bit of oil before cooking can also enhance crispiness.
It is worth noting that cooking times may vary across different air fryer models, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on the chips during the first few cooks to determine the optimal timing for your specific air fryer. Adjustments can be made by cooking in batches or extending the cooking time in 3-5 minute intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.
Frozen chips are a convenient option for a quick and easy side dish, and with the air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and golden brown fries without the excess oil of traditional frying methods.
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Best frozen chip brands in Australia
To cook frozen chips in an air fryer, simply add the chips to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 200°C (400°F). Cook for 8 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chips every 5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have and the cut of the chip—thin French fries will take less time than chunky chips, for example. You can also spritz the chips with a bit of oil before placing them in the air fryer for a crispier texture.
Now, for the best frozen chip brands in Australia, here is a list based on various reviews:
Birds Eye
Birds Eye frozen chips are a popular choice and have received multiple accolades. They offer a range of options, including golden ale beer battered chips, deli seasoned chips, and golden crunch thin and crispy chips. Birds Eye chips are known for their flavour and texture, with some describing them as the most natural-tasting and least like "freezer" chips.
McCain
McCain is another well-known brand in Australia, offering a variety of frozen chip options. Their quick cook chips are perfect for those who want a faster cooking time, while their Delish Gourmet Kitchen rosemary and sweet potato chips provide a unique flavour combination.
Woolworths
Woolworths, a major Australian supermarket chain, also has its own brand of frozen chips that have received recognition. Their Australian Beer Batter Steakhouse Chips were named the best in the steakhouse chip category by CHOICE, a consumer advocacy group.
Aldi
Aldi, another popular supermarket in Australia, has its own line of frozen chips that have impressed reviewers. Their sweet potato fries, particularly the Seasons Pride low-cholesterol option, offer a unique flavour and a satisfying crunch.
Coles
Coles, yet another Australian supermarket giant, has its own brand of frozen chips that have been positively reviewed. Their Australian potato beer battered chips are worth trying if you're looking for a local take on this classic side dish.
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How to prevent sogginess
To prevent sogginess when cooking frozen chips in an air fryer, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the chips are not thawed before cooking. If they are defrosted, they will likely become soggy. Always cook frozen chips straight from the freezer.
Secondly, the temperature of the air fryer should be high enough. A temperature of around 180-200°C (356-400°F) is recommended. Preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the desired temperature is reached. If the temperature is too low, the chips may not crisp up.
Thirdly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the chips in a single layer with minimal overlap, as this allows for proper air circulation. The hot air needs to be able to circulate around each chip to achieve that desired crispiness. You may need to cook the chips in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Additionally, shaking the basket or flipping the chips every 5 minutes can help prevent sogginess. This ensures that all sides of the chips are exposed to the hot air and promotes even cooking and browning.
Finally, although not necessary, spraying the chips with a light coating of oil before cooking can enhance crispiness. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or a low-calorie oil spray.
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Different types of frozen chips
Frozen chips are a convenient option for a quick evening meal, especially when cooked in an air fryer. While they are typically made from potatoes, there are several types of frozen chips available, each with its own unique characteristics and cooking requirements. Here is a guide to some of the different types of frozen chips you can cook in your air fryer:
French Fries
French fries are one of the most popular types of frozen chips. They are thin and crispy, making them ideal for air frying. French fries typically cook faster than other types of chips due to their smaller size. You can cook them in your air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F), depending on the desired level of crispness.
Steak Cut Chips
Steak cut chips are thicker and chunkier than French fries, resembling steak fries. They require a longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. It is recommended to cook them in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
Waffle Cut and Curly Cut Chips
Waffle cut and curly cut chips add a unique texture and visual appeal to your meal. Their crinkled surfaces provide extra crispness. These chips usually take around 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F).
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato chips offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. They have a distinct sweet flavour and vibrant orange colour. Sweet potato chips can be cooked in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 180°C (356°F) for a crispy texture and fluffy interior.
Gluten-Free Chips
For those with gluten intolerance or dietary preferences, gluten-free chips are available. These chips are typically made with simple ingredients, such as potatoes, canola oil, and dextrose. They can be cooked in the air fryer following the standard instructions for frozen chips.
Remember to always preheat your air fryer, shake the basket or flip the chips periodically, and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chips and your desired level of doneness. Enjoy experimenting with different types of frozen chips and finding your favourites!
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Seasoning and serving suggestions
When it comes to seasoning and serving your frozen chips, the options are endless. A simple sprinkle of salt is a classic choice, but you can also get creative with seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. For an extra indulgent touch, serve your crispy chips with a side of your favourite sauces for dipping, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, spicy ketchup, tartar sauce, truffle oil, or chilli sauce.
If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of salt, such as sea salt or seasoned salt. You can also try pairing your chips with unexpected sauces, such as a garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip. For a more sophisticated flavour profile, sprinkle your chips with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
Don't be afraid to mix and match seasonings and sauces to find your perfect combination. If you're serving your chips as a side dish, consider pairing them with complementary flavours. For example, serve paprika-sprinkled chips with a garlic sauce to create a delicious tapas-style dish.
In Australia, you can also enjoy the convenience of store-bought frozen chips that are already seasoned and ready to cook in your air fryer. Brands like Birds Eye offer a range of options, including golden ale beer-battered chips, sea salt and rosemary seasoned chips, and their award-winning golden crunch thin and crispy chips. Woolworths also offers a range of options, with their beer batter steakhouse chips and French fries being category winners in taste tests.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook frozen chips in an air fryer is around 180-200°C (365-400°F).
It takes around 8 to 20 minutes to cook frozen chips in an air fryer, depending on the size and type of chip. For example, thinner chips like French fries may take 10 minutes, while thicker chips like steak fries or wedges may take up to 25 minutes.
To get the best results, make sure the air fryer is preheated and the chips are not thawed. Shake the basket or flip the chips every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of crispiness. Cooking in batches is also recommended to ensure proper air circulation.
