Introduction
Golden Crispy Crowns are a fan-favorite snack perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized delights, also known as tater tots, are the ideal combination of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Making Golden Crispy Crowns in an air fryer takes them to a new level, giving them an irresistibly crunchy exterior while keeping things light and healthy. In this article, you’ll learn how to cook them to perfection, tips for ensuring optimal crispiness, and ways to customize them for any flavor profile.
Whether you’re making a quick snack, a side dish for dinner, or an appetizer for a party, these Golden Crispy Crowns in the air fryer will quickly become a go-to recipe. The best part? They’re easy to make and require minimal effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Golden Crispy Crowns in the air fryer:
- 1 bag Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns (approx. 32 oz)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: grated cheese, green onions, bacon bits, or sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the Crispy Crowns cook evenly and get that perfect golden crisp. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply let it run for 3-5 minutes at the required temperature before cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Golden Crispy Crowns
While the air fryer is preheating, take the Golden Crispy Crowns out of the freezer. Spread them evenly in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. This is important to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Lightly spray the Golden Crispy Crowns with olive oil or your preferred cooking spray. This step will help achieve that perfect golden crisp. If you like a more decadent flavor, you can drizzle melted butter over them as well.
Step 4: Air Fry the Crispy Crowns
Place the basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake to ensure even browning. You can also flip the crowns for maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer and how crispy you like them, the cooking time may vary.
For the best results:
- Small batch: 12-14 minutes.
- Larger batch: 15-17 minutes.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After about 12 minutes, check to see if the Golden Crispy Crowns have reached your desired level of crispiness. If they need a little more time, continue air frying in 2-minute increments until they are golden brown and crispy to your liking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Golden Crispy Crowns are perfectly crisp, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt to taste. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. For extra indulgence, add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.
Tips and Variations
- How to Make Crispy in Air Fryer: For extra crispy crowns, spray them with oil halfway through cooking and shake the basket to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns Discontinued: If you can’t find Ore-Ida Golden Crispy Crowns, you can substitute with other tater tot brands or make your own homemade crispy crowns with grated potatoes and flour.
- How Long to Air Fry Golden Crispers: Golden crispers or tater tots typically take 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Adjust cooking times based on the type of air fryer and personal preference for crispiness.
- Customizing Your Crispy Crowns: Add seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning before air frying for a flavor twist. You can also top them with melted cheese and jalapeños for a nacho-inspired snack.
- How Long to Cook Golden Crispy Crowns in Air Fryer Ninja: If you’re using a Ninja Air Fryer, the cooking time and temperature remain the same. Set it at 400°F and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the brand and any additional toppings used.
Golden Crispy Crowns in the air fryer are a quick and delicious snack that everyone will love. Their irresistibly crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them the perfect addition to any meal. The air fryer allows you to enjoy them with less oil, meaning they are healthier without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture.
Why not give this recipe a try today? It’s simple, easy, and endlessly customizable. Feel free to share your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com, like Crispy Sweet Potato Bake and Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato. Subscribe to our newsletter for more tasty air fryer recipes.