If you love crispy potato snacks, you’re in for a treat! Whether you call them tater crowns or crispy crowns, these golden bites are the perfect side dish or snack. The best part? You can make crispy crowns extra crunchy at home using your air fryer—no deep frying required!
This guide provides a complete, in-depth walkthrough of how to make air fryer crispy crowns. It includes pro tips, FAQs, and serving suggestions that maximize flavor, texture, and convenience.
Why Choose Air Fryer for Crispy Crowns?
Using an air fryer isn’t just a healthy alternative to deep frying—it’s also a game-changer for getting that perfect golden crunch. The hot circulating air mimics the effects of oil frying. This makes food crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Key Benefits:
- Healthier: Uses up to 90% less oil than deep frying
- Faster: Crispy crowns cook in under 15 minutes
- Mess-Free: No splattering oil or heavy cleanup
- Consistent Results: Even browning and texture
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients and tools to ensure smooth cooking:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns (or similar frozen tater crowns)
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray (optional but recommended for added crispiness)
- Salt, pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend (e.g. garlic powder, paprika)
Recommended Equipment:
- Air fryer (e.g., Ninja, Cosori, Philips, Instant Vortex)
- Tongs or heat-safe spatula
- Kitchen thermometer (optional, to confirm doneness if unsure)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Crown Perfection
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A preheated air fryer helps create instant crust on the crowns, locking in flavor and moisture.
2. Prep the Crowns
Take your frozen crowns directly from the freezer. Do not thaw them—cooking them frozen helps them stay crisp. Spray lightly with olive oil or avocado oil to enhance browning. Add seasoning if desired.
3. Arrange in the Basket
Spread the crowns in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or crowding, as this prevents even air circulation and results in soggy spots.
4. Air Fry Until Golden Brown
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the crowns halfway through. For extra crunch, extend cook time by 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid over-browning.
5. Serve Immediately
Remove the crowns once they’re golden and crispy. Sprinkle with more seasoning if needed. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
Tips to Make Your Crispy Crowns Even Crunchier
Want to take your snack to the next level? Then use these expert tips to get that irresistible crunch:
- Always preheat your air fryer before adding the food. Learn why it matters here.
- Use a small amount of oil spray—too much can make them greasy. Discover best practices for air fryer oil spray.
- Shake the basket halfway to promote even crisping on all sides. See why shaking matters here.
- Don’t skip the single-layer rule—crowding the basket traps steam. Read about the importance of spacing here.
- Try parchment liners with perforations to minimize sticking and improve airflow. Find top-rated liners here.
Creative Serving Ideas for Crispy Crowns
These bite-sized potato gems are incredibly versatile. So, here’s how to serve them:
As a Side Dish:
- Alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
- With scrambled eggs or omelets for breakfast potatoes.
As a Snack:
- Serve with ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
- Toss in taco seasoning or Cajun spice for bold flavor.
Loaded Style:
- Add shredded cheese, scallions, crumbled bacon, and sour cream.
- Try a nacho-style crown platter with guac, salsa, and jalapeños.
FAQs About Cooking Crispy Crowns in Air Fryer
Q: Can I cook multiple layers of crowns in the basket?
A: It’s best to cook in a single layer for maximum crunch. Cook in batches if needed.
Q: Do I need to thaw the crowns first?
A: No. Cook them straight from frozen for the crispiest texture.
Q: What air fryer temperature works best?
A: 400°F (200°C) gives the best golden-brown result.
Q: How long do I cook them for extra crispy results?
A: 12–14 minutes total, depending on your air fryer’s power.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy crowns in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to enjoy frozen potato snacks. With just a few ingredients and 15 minutes, you can serve a crunchy, crowd-pleasing side dish or snack that feels like a treat—but with way less oil.