Frozen Crispy Crowns In The Air Fryer

Last updated on November 11th, 2023 at 11:09 pm

Air frying crispy crowns is the BEST cooking method to get golden and crispy results fast! Crispy potato crowns are the perfect combination of extra crispy tater tots and hash browns. They make a super quick snack, a perfect side dish, or an easy substitute for deep-fried breakfast potatoes.

{This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full Disclosure Page for details}

This was inspired by my other easy Air Fryer Recipes: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, and, Air fried fish sticks, or turn them into an easy weeknight recipe with shredded Instant Pot BBQ Chicken loaded up on tater tot nachos or "totchos" as we like to call them.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Vortex Air Fryer Instructions
• Air Fry Range Instructions
• Easy Homemade Fry Sauce
• What To Serve With Crispy Crowns
• Brands
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tip
• More Air Fryer Potatoe Recipes
• Air Fryer Crispy Crowns
• Food safety

Ingredients

• Frozen Crispy Crowns
• Seasoned Salt or Sea Salt (or your favorite seasonings)
• Favorite Dipping Sauce

See the recipe card for quantities.

Vortex Air Fryer Instructions

Select the air fry function on the air fryer if needed and set the temperature to 400°. Allow the air fryer to preheat for 2-3 minutes or until it indicates that is it preheated.

If indicated by your air fryer spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the basket. The Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer does not require any non-stick cooking spray.

Place the frozen potato rounds in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry crispy crowns for 10-11 minutes shaking or turning halfway through the cooking cycle.

After 10 minutes check the crispy crowns to ensure they are crispy and golden and cooked fully.

If needed add 1-2 more minutes for crunchier results.

Air fryer cooking times may vary by size and brand so test your specific appliance and cook to an internal temperature of 165° and your preference of crispness.

Season with a sprinkle of salt or seasoned salt and serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fry Range Instructions

In a full-size oven or larger air fryers, the cooking time and temperature may differ from the smaller countertop appliance due to the size of the appliance. The quickest way to air fry the whole bag of tater tots without the hassle of air frying multiple batches is by using the full-size air fry range.

Select the air fry function and set the temperature to 400° allow the range to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Place the crispy crowns in the basket of your air fryer, on the air fry tray, or on a baking sheet in a single layer.

On the oven rack directly below place a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent any crumbs or oil from dripping onto the bottom of the oven if using an air fry basket.

Air fry for 18-20 minutes turning or flipping halfway through the cooking time.

At about 18 minutes check the potatoes and continue to air fry for 1-2 more minutes if needed to achieve the perfect crispy golden color and texture.

Season with sea salt and serve immediately with ketchup, fry sauce, or barbecue sauce on the side.

Easy Homemade Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is a popular dipping sauce for french fries and tater tots in the Pacific Northwest. The ingredients may vary at restaurants but the basic fry sauce recipe is just a few simple condiments.

• ¼ Cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 tsp. yellow mustard
• ¼ Cup Ketchup

What To Serve With Crispy Crowns

• Air Fried Fish Sticks
• Banza Pasta Salad
• Just Bare Chicken Nuggets (baked or air fried)
• Sticky Fingers
• Nashville Hot Chicken
• Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
• Chicken Strips
• Hot Dogs
• Breakfast Burritos

Brands

My family's favorite brand of frozen crispy crowns is Ore Ida, but there are also different brands of store-brand crispy crowns that are just as delicious. You can find them at the grocery store near the frozen tater tots and frozen french fries.

Equipment

I'm using the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt Air Fryer on the air fryer setting, but any countertop air fryer appliance can be used to make crispy air fryer tots however, please refer to your owner's manual for specific cooking times and directions if you are unsure. The Samsung full-size air fry range can also be used to air fry larger batches of food when you need to air fry large amounts of food.

Storage

Crispy Crowns are best enjoyed immediately after air frying, however, if you have leftover tater tots store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. For best results reheat them in the air fryer simply place them back in the air fryer and repeat the cooking process until they are crispy and warmed through (5-8 minutes).

Top tip

For best results don't overcrowd the crispy crown potatoes in the air fryer. In order for them to cook evenly leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around the food properly and crisp up all sides of the potatoes evenly.

Some air fryers claim when air frying you won't need to flip your food, however, when using the smaller air fryers or full-size range air fryers I have always needed to give the food a good shake about halfway through to evenly achieve the crispy texture.

More Air Fryer Potatoe Recipes

• Homemade Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Frozen Fries
• Baked Potatoes
• Baby Red Potatoes
• Potato Chips

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking points to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.