Warning: I used to just toss frozen fries straight into the air fryer basket

After a few soggy batches, I tried preheating the basket for 3 minutes first. The fries came out so much crispier because they started cooking immediately. Anyone have other tricks for frozen foods?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben1382mo ago

My grandma always swore by shaking the basket halfway through, but she'd also add a tiny bit of cornstarch to the fries before cooking. It felt weird at first, but it creates this amazing thin crust. I tried it with frozen onion rings last week and they were the best I've ever made. Her old kitchen tricks were always a bit odd but usually worked.

kevin_adams2mo ago

That's a solid trick. It's funny how the small prep steps we skip are usually the ones that make the biggest difference.

patricia_rodriguez1mo agoMost Upvoted

Whoa, hold on there @kevin_adams. I don't think cornstarch's the thing that's making that crust. It's more about shaking off the extra ice crystals and starch that's already on the fries before you cook them. @ben138's grandma might've been onto something with that shake, but the cornstarch just makes 'em a little gummy if you're not careful with the amount. Stick with a good shake and a hot enough oil and you'll get that same crisp without the powder.