If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and easy way to prepare your favorite frozen chips, the air fryer is your best friend.
To be honest, I bake/roast/air fry everything in my air fryer now. I hardly every use an oven.
One of the best things is that you don’t have to use loads of oil to end up with crispy, delicious chips.
In this blog post, I will show you simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked frozen chips in an air fryer.
What is Frozen Chips?
Frozen chips, also called frozen fries, are pre-cut potatoes that manufacturers partially cook, usually by blanching or frying, before freezing them to preserve freshness. These chips come in various shapes and sizes, like straight-cut, crinkle-cut, waffle, or shoestring. You’ll find frozen chips in the freezer section of grocery stores, ready for quick preparation at home by baking, frying, or using an air fryer.
These chips are popular because they offer a convenient and time-saving way to enjoy fries without the hassle of peeling, cutting, and cooking raw potatoes. You simply take them out of the freezer and cook them according to the package instructions or your preferred method.
How to Cook Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer
Cooking frozen chips in an air fryer is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the best results every time.
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that the frozen chips start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, leading to a crispier finish. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Frozen Chips
While your air fryer is preheating, take your frozen chips out of the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them; in fact, cooking them straight from frozen yields better results. You can give the chips a light spray of oil if you prefer a slightly richer flavor, but this step is optional.
3. Load the Air Fryer Basket
Place the frozen chips in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chips from cooking evenly. If you’re cooking a large batch, it might be best to cook in batches to ensure each chip gets crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chips, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that all sides of the chips are exposed to the hot air.
4. Cook the Chips
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the frozen chips for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chips and your air fryer model. Thinner chips might cook faster, while thicker ones could take a bit longer.
Check the chips halfway through cooking and give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking. If you like your chips extra crispy, you can extend the cooking time by a few minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once your chips are golden brown and crispy, they’re ready to serve. Carefully remove them from the air fryer basket, and season them with salt or your favorite seasoning. Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic: Serve your air fryer frozen chips with a side of ketchup or mayonnaise.
- Loaded: Top your chips with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for a loaded fries experience.
- Gourmet: Drizzle truffle oil over the chips and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer
To get the best results when cooking frozen chips in an air fryer, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. It’s better to cook in batches for the crispiest results.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Different brands and types of frozen chips may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Keep an eye on the chips and adjust as needed.
- Use a Little Oil (Optional): While not necessary, a light spray of oil can enhance the crispiness and flavor of your chips.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of vinegar can add a new twist to your chips.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Chips?
Air fryers have taken the cooking world by storm, and for good reason. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying by using hot air to cook food. This means you can enjoy crispy, tasty chips without the guilt of excess oil. Plus, air fryers are quick, efficient, and easy to use, making them a go-to for busy weeknight dinners or quick snacks.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Chips in an Air Fryer
- Healthier Option: Air fryers use little to no oil, reducing the fat content of your chips.
- Quick Cooking: Frozen chips cook faster in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven.
- Consistent Results: The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, ensuring every chip is cooked to perfection.
- Easy Clean-Up: Air fryers are easy to clean, especially if you use parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Cooking frozen chips in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about taste and texture. The air fryer locks in the flavor while creating a crispy exterior, making these chips a delicious treat that feels indulgent without the extra calories.
Yummy 🙂
If you would like to learn how to make delicious MASHED POTATOES – I’ve got. Read the recipe HERE.