Golden Crispy Crowns: Air Fryer Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns, also known as tater tots or potato puffs. They can be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet, and it's important to preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the air fryer and the desired crispness, but generally, they should be cooked for 10-20 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and are a perfect side dish for chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, brats, and hot dogs.

Cooking time and temperature

Once preheated, place the frozen crowns in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cooking time can vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy texture.

For the first cook, set the timer for 5 minutes. After this time, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking. Then, cook for another 5 minutes at the same temperature.

At the 10-minute mark, check the crowns. If they are not crispy enough, return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on them during this final stage to prevent overcooking.

Once they reach the desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. This will ensure the perfect texture and taste for your golden crispy crowns.

How to layer the crowns in the air fryer

To layer the crowns in the air fryer, first, open the bag of Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns and pour the frozen tater tot crowns into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will affect the cooking time and the crowns may not cook evenly. You may need to cook the crowns in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Next, select the air fry function on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F. Allow the air fryer to preheat for 2-3 minutes or until it indicates that it is preheated. If your air fryer manual indicates that you should, spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the crowns from sticking to the bottom of the basket.

Place the air fryer basket with the crowns inside the air fryer, on the air fry tray, or on a baking sheet in the oven. On the oven rack directly below, place a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch any crumbs or oil that may drip.

Air fry the crowns for 10-11 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through the cooking cycle. After 10 minutes, check the crowns to ensure they are crispy, golden, and cooked through. If you prefer them crunchier, add 1-2 more minutes of cooking time.

How to prevent sticking

To prevent sticking, it is recommended to spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the basket. If you are using an air fry basket, place a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil on the oven rack directly below to prevent any crumbs or oil from dripping onto the bottom of the oven.

It is also important to note that some air fryers claim that you do not need to flip your food when air frying. However, when using smaller air fryers or full-size range air fryers, it is often necessary to give the food a good shake about halfway through to evenly achieve a crispy texture. This will help to prevent the crowns from sticking to the basket and ensure even cooking.

Additionally, when cooking crispy crowns, it is best to place them in the basket in a single layer. This will allow for better air circulation and prevent the crowns from sticking together.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that most frozen tater tots and french fries already have some oil on them for optimum crisping. Therefore, there is no need to spritz them with additional oil or cooking spray before air frying.

How to prevent crumbs and oil from dripping

To prevent crumbs and oil from dripping when cooking golden crispy crowns in an air fryer, place a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil on the oven rack directly below the air fryer basket. This will catch any crumbs or oil that might drip during the cooking process.

If you are using an air fryer basket, it is also a good idea to spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the food from sticking to the bottom. This will make it easier to remove the crowns once they are cooked and reduce the risk of crumbs and oil dripping onto the oven.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Dipping sauces

Crispy crowns are a great side dish to serve with ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce. Some sauces to try include Champps sauce, Boom Boom sauce, Campfire sauce, or Zesty sauce. You could also try seasoned salt.

If you're looking for something a little more creative, why not try making your own dipping sauce? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• A spicy mayo dip: Mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• A tangy yoghurt dip: Combine plain yoghurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt.
• A sweet and sour sauce: Whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and a dash of soy sauce.
• A creamy herb dip: Blend together sour cream, chopped parsley, chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

The possibilities for dipping sauces are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. Just remember to serve the crispy crowns while they're still hot and crispy, so your sauce can be enjoyed at its best.

Frequently asked questions