Air Fryer Crispy Crowns: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and easy snack or side dish, Air Fryer Crispy Crowns are the perfect recipe for you. Crispy Crowns are similar to tater tots or hash browns, but with a crispier texture. They are made from seasoned, shredded potatoes formed into a circle or patty shape and deep-fried. The air fryer method makes them crispy and golden brown without the need for extra oil, making them healthier than the fried version.

What are Crispy Crowns?

Crispy Crowns are a delicious, crunchy snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are similar to tater tots, hash browns, or potato puffs, but with a unique shape and texture. Crispy Crowns are made from seasoned, shredded potatoes formed into small circles or patties and then deep-fried. They are typically served as a snack or side dish, offering a crispy and golden exterior with a fluffy and tender interior.

When cooked in an air fryer, Crispy Crowns become a healthier alternative to deep-fried options. The air fryer method eliminates the need for extra oil, resulting in a crispy texture without the added calories. This cooking technique is also quick and convenient, requiring minimal preparation and only about 10 minutes of cooking time.

To make Crispy Crowns in an air fryer, simply preheat the appliance to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the frozen crowns in a single layer within the basket. There is no need to add oil or cooking spray as the crowns already contain oil for optimal crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crowns in batches to ensure even cooking.

Cook the crowns for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. After cooking, season the crowns with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favourite seasonings. You can also spritz them with olive oil for extra crispness. Serve the Crispy Crowns immediately for the best texture, and enjoy them as a snack or alongside your favourite dipping sauces.

How to cook Crispy Crowns in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Crispy Crowns (frozen)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket or tray
• Tongs

Method

• Open the bag of crispy crowns and pour them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can add a quick blast of cooking spray or line the basket with parchment sheets first if you like.
• If you want to add salt and pepper or other seasonings, do so now.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7-11 minutes. Halfway through the cooking cycle, open the basket and shake the crowns, then turn them over.
• After the cooking cycle has finished, check the crowns to ensure they are crispy and golden. If they need a little longer, add another minute or two.
• Serve immediately with ketchup or your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• There is no need to preheat your air fryer before cooking crispy crowns.
• If you want your crowns to be extra crispy, spray them lightly with olive oil halfway through cooking.
• If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the crowns in batches.
• For spicy crowns, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, along with a little olive oil.
• Crispy crowns are great as a side dish, or as a base for nachos or "cheese fries".

Dipping Sauce Recommendations

Crispy Crowns are a delicious snack and even better when paired with a tasty dipping sauce. Here are some recommendations for sauces to take your Crispy Crowns to the next level:

Classic Condiments

A simple yet effective option is to dip your Crispy Crowns in ketchup or ranch dressing. These classic condiments are easily accessible and pair well with the potato flavour of the crowns.

Spicy Sauces

If you like a bit of spice, sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, or a spicy honey mustard could be the perfect dipping sauce for you. For an extra kick, try Freddy's Fry Sauce or Buffalo Ranch Dressing.

Creamy Options

For a creamy, indulgent dip, try a cheese sauce or sour cream. You could even make a loaded crown by adding jalapenos, shredded cheese, and bacon on top.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, honey or maple syrup are great options to dip your Crispy Crowns in. You could also sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top for a sweet breakfast or dessert option.

Unique Creations

Get creative and make your own dipping sauce from scratch. A garlic aioli or dill pickle ranch dressing are sure to impress. You could also try a unique blend of herbs and spices, such as an Italian seasoning mix with oregano, basil, and thyme.

With so many dipping sauce options to choose from, you can enjoy a different flavour experience each time you make Crispy Crowns in your air fryer.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Crowns

Leftover crispy crowns can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer or oven, spread out in a single layer, and heat for a few minutes until they return to their crispy perfection. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 200°C or 390°F for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Crispy Crowns vs. Tater Tots

Crispy Crowns are a product by Ore-Ida, similar to tater tots. They are made from seasoned, grated potatoes formed into a circle shape and deep-fried. They are light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Crispy Crowns can be cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a delicious and crispy texture without the need for extra oil, making them healthier than deep-fried versions.

Tater tots, also known as baby taters or potato gems, are grated potatoes formed into small cylinders and deep-fried. They are often served as a side dish. The name "Tater Tot" is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida but is often used as a generic term. Tater tots were invented by Ore-Ida in 1953 as a way to use leftover slivers of cut potatoes that would otherwise be thrown away.

How to Make Crispy Crowns in an Air Fryer

To make Crispy Crowns in an air fryer, first open a bag of Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns and pour them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can add a light spray of cooking oil or cooking spray if desired, but it is not necessary. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for another 5-7 minutes at the same temperature. If you want them crispier, you can add a few extra minutes of cooking time. Serve immediately for the crispiest crowns.

How to Make Tater Tots in an Air Fryer

Tater tots can also be cooked in an air fryer. Open a bag of Ore-Ida Tater Tots and pour them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can add a light spray of cooking oil or cooking spray if desired. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Remove from the air fryer and serve.

Differences Between Crispy Crowns and Tater Tots

The main difference between Crispy Crowns and Tater Tots is their shape. Crispy Crowns are coin-shaped or flat tater tots, while Tater Tots are small cylinders. Additionally, Crispy Crowns are made from shredded potatoes, while Tater Tots are usually made from mashed potatoes mixed with other ingredients. Crispy Crowns are also a specific product by Ore-Ida, while Tater Tots is a more generic term that can refer to similar products from other brands.

Frequently asked questions