Air-Fryer Smiley Fries: Quick, Crispy, Golden Goodness!

If you're looking for a fun, easy way to make your kids smile at mealtime, air fryer smiley fries are the way to go! They are a popular choice for kids' meals but can be enjoyed by adults too. These fries are made with McCain Smiles (a type of frozen potato product) and are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The best part? They're quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer. So, why not give them a try tonight?

Smiley fries in the air fryer: the best temperature and time

Smiley fries are a fun, easy way to make your kids happy at mealtime. They are potato fries cut into a smiley face shape and are usually made from mashed potatoes or russet potatoes, resulting in a waffle-like texture. The most popular brand is McCain Smiles, but you can also find other brands such as Alexia and Ore-Ida.

The Best Temperature and Time for Smiley Fries in an Air Fryer

The ideal temperature and time for cooking smiley fries in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your appliance. However, here is a general guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F/180°C and 400°F/200°C. Preheating is not always necessary, but it can help improve the crispiness of your smiley fries.
• Place the frozen smiley fries in the air fryer basket. It is best to arrange them in a single layer, but if they are piled up, make sure to shake the basket or flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry the smiley fries for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the temperature and your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
• For extra crispy smiley fries, spray them with a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.
• Serve the smiley fries with your favourite dipping sauce, or load them up with toppings such as chilli, ground beef, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Tips for Cooking Smiley Fries in an Air Fryer

• It is best to cook smiley fries from frozen, as they tend to get watery if thawed before cooking.
• No oil is needed for cooking smiley fries in an air fryer, as they usually come pre-cooked and frozen.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the hot air circulates evenly and your smiley fries get crispy and fully cooked.
• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to flip the smiley fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.

How to make smiley fries extra crispy

Ingredients

• 1 bag of frozen smiley fries (McCain Smiles or your favourite brand)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt
• Your choice of herbs and spices (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 crispiness of your smiley fries.
• Place the desired amount of smiley fries in 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.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the smiley fries and sprinkle with salt. You can also add your choice of herbs and spices for extra flavour. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Air fry the smiley fries for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the smiley fries from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Cut your smiley fries slightly thinner, around 1/4" thick. Thicker fries may require a longer cooking time and may not achieve the same level of crispiness.
• Soak the smiley fries in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to reduce the starch content and promotes crispiness. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow for adequate space between each fry so that the hot air can circulate effectively. You may need to cook in multiple batches.
• Flip or shake the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.

How to reheat smiley fries in the air fryer

Reheating smiley fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crispy and golden again. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should only reheat the amount of smiley fries you need as they are best eaten fresh. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will also affect the final result. Leftover smiley fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F/180°C. This step may not be necessary, depending on your air fryer model, but it is recommended for better results, especially if your appliance tends to take longer to heat up.

While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover smiley fries out of the refrigerator and let them come up to room temperature. This ensures they reheat evenly.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the smiley fries in the air fryer basket. No oil spray is needed. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to circulate the hot air, cooking them evenly.

Air fry the smiley fries for 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F/200°C, or until they are warmed through and have reached your desired level of crispiness. You may need to shake the basket or flip the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! Your smiley fries are now ready to be enjoyed again! This method is much quicker and will yield better results than reheating in a microwave.

What to serve with 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 are usually crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They can be served as a side dish or a snack and go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with smiley fries:

Dipping Sauces

A variety of dipping sauces can be served with smiley fries, including ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, queso dip, or marinara sauce. You can also get creative and make your own dipping sauce, such as a copycat Chick-fil-A sauce or a Wendy's Frosty dip.

Main Course Options

Smiley fries can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses. They go well with cheeseburgers, bratwursts, or homemade corn dogs. They can also be served with chicken dishes such as chicken fingers or chicken nuggets. For a more indulgent option, you could serve them with air fryer fish sticks or pizza rolls.

Loaded Smiley Fries

You can turn smiley fries into a more substantial dish by topping them with chilli, ground beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits. This can be a fun way to customise your smiley fries and make them even more appealing to kids.

Other Side Dishes

If you're looking for a well-rounded meal, you can pair smiley fries with other side dishes. Air fryer potato wedges, tater tots, or curly fries can be a great complement to smiley fries. You can also add some vegetables to the mix, such as air fryer roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Drinks

While not necessarily a food item, pairing smiley fries with the right drink can enhance the overall dining experience. For example, serving them with a refreshing glass of lemonade or a milkshake can make the meal more enjoyable, especially for kids.

Where to buy smiley fries

Smiley fries are a fun, easy way to make your kids smile at mealtimes. They are potato fries cut into a smiley face shape and are often served as a side dish or snack. You can buy McCain Smiles, a popular brand of smiley fries, from various retailers, including:

• Amazon: Sold in cases of six 4-pound bags.
• Kroger: Sold in 22-ounce packages.
• Walmart: Sold in-store.
• Costco: Sold in-store.
• Local grocery stores: Use a store locator or perform a quick Google search to find a retailer near you.

Frequently asked questions