Air Fryer Golden Crowns: Crispy, Quick, Delicious

Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns are a tasty snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potato crowns.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is a great way to speed up cooking time and make your food extra crispy. It's especially useful if you're cooking something that needs a good sear, like steaks or burgers, or if you're preparing fried or breaded foods.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by turning on the appliance and ensuring it's clean, plugged in, and ready to use. If there's a preheat button, hit that button and set the temperature to 400°F. If there's no preheat button, simply set the temperature to 400°F and let the air fryer run for 3 to 5 minutes.

Most air fryers will preheat to 400°F in 3 to 5 minutes. However, the preheating time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, with smaller ones preheating faster than larger ones.

While preheating your air fryer to 400°F, keep in mind that not all foods benefit from being cooked in a preheated appliance. For example, if you're cooking something delicate like shrimp, or if your food will be cooking for a long period of time, it's better to skip the preheating step.

Additionally, always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. Some models may advise against preheating, so it's important to read the instructions carefully.

Add frozen crowns to the air fryer basket

Adding frozen crowns to your air fryer basket is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the perfect result. Firstly, you'll want to arrange the crowns in a single layer in the basket. This allows for even cooking and that sought-after crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crowns in batches to avoid overcrowding.

You don't need to preheat your air fryer before adding the crowns, which is a definite plus when you're short on time. Simply set the temperature to 400°F and let the air fryer work its magic. The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness, but generally, 10 minutes should do the trick. Remember to give the basket a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. If you're after super crispy crowns, you can lightly spray them with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer or halfway through the cooking process.

While some recipes suggest a cooking time of 10 minutes, others recommend a slightly shorter or longer duration. You may need to experiment a little to find the ideal cooking time for your air fryer and personal preference. For example, one source suggests cooking the crowns at 400°F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes at the same temperature. Another source recommends cooking for 7-8 minutes, shaking halfway through, and then giving them a couple of minutes to cool before serving.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different seasonings to elevate the flavour of your crowns. A simple sprinkle of salt can enhance their taste, but you can also try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even taco seasoning if you're feeling bold. Add a dipping sauce on the side, and you've got yourself a delicious treat!

Cook for 7-10 minutes

Now it's time to cook your crowns! Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7-10 minutes. If you're cooking a larger batch, you may need to do this in two goes so that the crowns cook evenly.

Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and shake the basket to toss the crowns. This will ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You can also flip the crowns over for the same reason.

If you like your crowns extra crispy, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through is a crucial step in ensuring your crispy crowns cook evenly. This is important because it helps to prevent the crowns from sticking together and promotes even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the crowns in batches.

When you open the air fryer to shake the basket, you can also take this opportunity to flip the crowns over. This will help them to cook evenly and ensure that they are crispy on both sides. If you are cooking a large batch of crowns, you may need to cook them in two batches to ensure even cooking.

Shaking the basket also allows you to check on the progress of your crowns and determine if they need to cook for a little longer. If they are not as crispy as you would like, simply close the air fryer and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

It is important to note that when shaking the basket, you should be careful not to burn yourself on the hot air or the air fryer basket. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands, and always be cautious when handling hot appliances.

Additionally, if you want to add extra flavour to your crowns, you can lightly spray them with olive oil before shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. This will help to make the crowns even crispier and more golden. You can also add your favourite seasonings, such as salt, French fry seasoning, or seasoning salt, right after they are cooked.

Serve with your favourite sauce

Once your crowns are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them with your favourite sauce. You can go with a classic like ketchup, or get creative with something like a spicy cashew dressing or a garlic parmesan aioli. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try a cheese sauce or a zesty ranch dressing. For a real kick, opt for a buffalo sauce or honey mustard.

• Ketchup
• Freddy's Fry Sauce
• Flourless Cheese Sauce
• Raising Cane's Cane Sauce
• Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing
• Buffalo Ranch Dressing
• Garlic Parmesan Aioli
• Sweet Thai Chilli Sauce
• Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
• Spicy Cashew Dressing
• Honey Mustard
• Buffalo Sauce
• Barbecue Sauce
• Sour Cream
• Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Dressings

There are so many sauces to choose from, and you can get as creative as you like. Why not try a few and see which ones you like best?

Remember, these crowns are versatile and can be served as a side dish or a snack, so choose your sauces accordingly. For example, if you're serving them with a burger, you might want to go with a more classic sauce like ketchup or mustard. But if you're eating them as a snack, you might want to experiment with something more unusual.

Enjoy experimenting with different sauces, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions