When it comes to convenience, frozen chips are a hugely popular go-to option for a quick and satisfying snack or side dish. And they’re vegan! To achieve that perfect crispy texture without the need for excessive oil – and without all those extra calories added to what is essentially a fairly low calorie snack – an air fryer can be your best friend.
If you have never tried to cook frozen chips in an air fryer before chances are that you are skeptical about the idea. You can’t use oil in an air fryer, so how are you going to get that wonderful fried taste? Oven chips are fine, but they never have quite the same appeal as deep fried chips.
The key to great chips in the air fryer is knowing the right way to use this handy kitchen gadget to cook them. To get you off to a great start, here’s a basic, step by step guide on how to cook frozen chips in an air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps create the optimal cooking environment for your frozen chips.
Open the bag of frozen chips and pour the desired amount into the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking.
For best results, arrange the chips in a single layer, ensuring they have some space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate and promote even cooking.
Cooking times may vary based on the brand and thickness of the frozen chips, as well as your desired level of crispness.
As a general guideline, start with the recommended cooking time on the packaging. Typically, this ranges from 15 to 20 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking process, pause the air fryer and shake the basket to ensure the chips cook evenly.
Towards the end of the recommended cooking time, keep a close eye on the chips to prevent them from over-browning.
Test the chips for crispiness by carefully removing one and giving it a taste. If they’re not as crispy as you’d like, continue cooking for an additional few minutes, checking frequently.
Once the frozen chips are cooked to your desired level of crispness, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
Immediately season the chips with salt or any other preferred seasonings while they are still hot.
Serve the deliciously crispy air-fried chips alongside your favorite condiments or enjoy them as is.
Preheating: It’s crucial to preheat the air fryer to ensure the chips cook evenly. However, if you’re short on time, you can still achieve good results by adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooking Time Adjustments: Depending on the thickness and quantity of frozen chips, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker chips may require a few extra minutes, while smaller quantities may cook faster.
Seasoning Ideas: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices. Experiment with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of grated vegan cheese for added flavor.
Shake for Even Cooking: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process helps ensure that the chips cook uniformly. This step helps redistribute heat and prevents any chips from sticking together.
If you head to your local chippy, it’s not frozen chips you’ll find being served up there, it’s “fresh chips, as in your favourite potato side dish made from scratch using freshly cut potatoes. So can you use your air fryer to do the same? It might surprise you to find out that the answer is yes.
Want to know how to cook “fresh” or homemade chips in an air fryer? Here’s the process we’ve found works best:
800 grams of potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward varieties work well)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly-sized chips, approximately 1 cm in thickness.
Rinse the chips under cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure the chips cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
In a large mixing bowl, add the potato chips and drizzle them with vegetable oil.
Toss the chips gently, ensuring each one is evenly coated with oil. This thin layer of oil will help achieve a crispy texture. Don’t overdo it though, too much oil in an air fryer is not a good thing!
Carefully transfer the coated chips into the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation.
Cook the chips at 200°C (392°F) for approximately 20-25 minutes, shaking or tossing them halfway through the cooking process.
Keep a close eye on the chips during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from over-browning. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your desired level of crispness.
Double frying chips is a technique that has long been used in traditional deep-frying methods to achieve exceptionally crispy and flavorful chips. While the concept of double frying may seem challenging to replicate in an air fryer, it is possible to achieve similar results by modifying the process. In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of double fried chips and how you can adapt the technique to your air fryer cooking.
Double frying involves cooking the chips twice, with a break in between. The initial frying cooks the inside of the potato, while the second frying ensures a crispy and golden exterior. This two-step process results in chips with a delightful contrast—fluffy and tender on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside.
When it comes to air frying, replicating the double frying technique can be slightly different. While an air fryer doesn’t have the same depth of oil as a traditional deep fryer, you can still achieve a similar effect by following these steps:
First Fry: Begin by cooking the chips in the air fryer at a lower temperature, typically around 160°C (320°F). This initial fry helps cook the potatoes through without browning them significantly. It allows the chips to become tender and develop a soft interior.
Cooling: After the first fry, remove the partially cooked chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up, making them less likely to break apart during the second fry.
Second Fry: Preheat the air fryer to a higher temperature, around 200°C (392°F). Return the partially cooked chips to the air fryer and cook them for the second time. This fry is shorter and at a higher temperature to achieve a crispy and golden exterior. The second fry creates the desired texture and flavor that sets double fried chips apart.
The key benefit of double frying chips, whether in a traditional deep fryer or an air fryer, is the textural contrast it produces. The first fry ensures that the chips are fully cooked on the inside, while the second fry delivers the crispy exterior that we all love. This technique allows the chips to have a satisfying crunch while maintaining a soft and fluffy center.
Moreover, double frying enhances the overall flavor of the chips. The extended cooking process allows the potatoes to develop a deeper, more complex taste. The exterior becomes caramelized and golden, adding a delightful sweetness, while the interior retains its natural potato flavor.
By adapting the double frying technique to your air fryer, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—crispy and fluffy chips without the need for excessive oil.
Yes, you can use a variety of potatoes for air frying chips. Popular choices include Maris Piper, King Edward, or Russet potatoes. Experiment with different varieties to find the one that suits your taste and desired level of crispness.
Yes, preheating the air fryer is recommended for achieving optimal results. Preheating for 3-5 minutes at around 200°C (392°F) helps create the right cooking environment and promotes even crisping of the chips.
Absolutely! Air fryers are great for cooking frozen chips. Simply follow the instructions provided in the article, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness and quantity of the frozen chips.
To prevent the chips from sticking to the basket, make sure to arrange them in a single layer, allowing some space between each chip. Additionally, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before adding the chips.
Yes, you can get creative with your seasoning choices. Feel free to experiment with a variety of spices and herbs such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or mixed herbs. These seasonings can add delicious flavor and elevate your chip experience.
Absolutely! Air fryers are great for cooking homemade chips as well. Simply follow the instructions provided in this article for preparing the potatoes, coating them lightly with oil, and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired level of crispness.
Remember, cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly based on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it’s always best to refer to the specific instructions provided with your appliance for the most accurate guidance.
We’re Plant Sumo, a London-based UK vegan meal prep service, delivering innovative, exciting, and flavoursome plant-based meals. If you’re on the hunt for healthy and delicious vegan food in London, look no further.
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