Cooking Guide: How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Fries in Air Fryer
Frozen chicken fries have a unique taste to look forward to. Under the high temperature of the air fryer, how long does it take to present an ideal state? This has become an important content that food lovers want to understand.
How long do frozen chicken fries take in air fryer?
Frozen chicken fries need to be baked in an air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes. Setting the temperature at around 200 degrees is the most appropriate. It is best to turn them over once in the middle to ensure more even heating.
The specific time needs to be adjusted according to the thickness and quantity of fries. If you put too many and they are likely to stack up, it is recommended to bake them in two batches. Thin fries are enough for 12 minutes, and thick-cut ones may need to be extended to 15 minutes.
The criterion for judging whether they are fully cooked is that the outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inside is soft and glutinous. If you think it is not crispy enough, you can appropriately extend it for 1 to 2 minutes, but pay attention to observation to avoid burning. It is best to eat them while they are hot for the best taste.
Do I need to thaw frozen chicken fries before frying them in the air fryer?
No thawing is needed. You can directly put frozen chicken fries into the air fryer and start baking.
Doing this can not only maintain the taste and shape of the fries, but also save preparation time. Most importantly, it can avoid the risk of bacterial growth during the thawing process.
How to make frozen chicken fries crispy?
To make frozen chicken fries crispy, first preheat the oil to 180 degrees. Put the fries in and fry for 3 to 4 minutes. After taking them out and draining the oil, re-fry them for 1 to 2 minutes.
Double frying is crucial. The first frying makes the inside of the fries fully cooked. The second frying makes the outside golden and crispy and forms a dense protective layer. With moisture unable to enter, the crispiness is maintained.
Selecting the appropriate oil temperature is also important. If the oil temperature is too low, the fries will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it is too high, the surface will be charred while the inside is not fully cooked. An oil thermometer can be used to control the temperature. Or insert chopsticks into the oil. If there are fine bubbles surrounding it, the oil temperature is appropriate.
It is best to eat the fried fries immediately. If they need to be stored, spread them out on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil and do not stack them. This can maintain the crispiness. If they have become soft, heating them in the oven at 180 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes can restore the crispiness.
What other cooking methods are available for frozen chicken fries?
Oven baking:
It needs to be preheated in advance. Bake at 210 degrees for about 20 minutes and turn over once in the middle. Although it takes longer, a large amount can be baked at one time, and the heating is more uniform and the taste is also good.
Frying:
It is the most traditional method. Fried at 170 degrees for 3-4 minutes can be golden and crispy. The taste is closest to the fries in fast food restaurants. The disadvantage is that a large amount of oil is used and it is more troublesome to clean up.
Pan frying:
It is an option, but pay attention to controlling the heat. Fry slowly over low heat for about 10 minutes and turn over from time to time. It can make a crispy outside and soft inside taste. It is just that it is easy to stick to the pan and more oil needs to be added.
If I cook frozen chicken fries in an air fryer, will turning them over change the cooking time?
Turning them over will shorten the total cooking time by about 2 to 3 minutes. Frozen chicken fries that originally take 15 to 18 minutes can be completed in 12 to 15 minutes after turning over, and the taste will be more evenly crispy.
The best time to turn over is after 6 to 7 minutes in the air fryer. At this time, the surface of the fries has begun to harden. Turning over will not cause the epidermis to be damaged and can also allow the bottom to fully contact hot air. When turning over, it is recommended to use chopsticks, which can avoid burns and will not break the fries.
The turned-over fries are indeed better than those without turning over. The epidermis will be more evenly golden. When you take a bite, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. There will be no situation where one side is burnt and the other side is soft. Adjust the temperature to 210 degrees in the last 2 minutes, and the finished product will be even more crispy and delicious.
What to serve with air fryer chicken fries?
Ketchup:
The sweet and sour ketchup goes well with chicken fries. Dipping them in ketchup can neutralize the greasiness of chicken fries and add a sweet and sour taste, making the taste more rich.
Mayonnaise:
Mayonnaise has a rich and mellow taste. Smearing it on chicken fries can give them a different milky flavor. The taste is more layered and has a unique taste.
Spiced salt:
Sprinkling spiced salt can further enhance the flavor of chicken fries and make their salty and fragrant taste more prominent. The more you chew, the more fragrant it is. It is especially suitable for people who like salty flavors.
Vegetable salad:
Paired with a vegetable salad, the refreshing vegetables can relieve the greasiness of chicken fries. Eating with vegetables like lettuce and cucumbers makes the nutrition more balanced. The combination of meat and vegetables has a harmonious taste.
Cheese:
Pouring melted cheese on chicken fries. The rich aroma of cheese blends with chicken fries, creating a rich and delicious taste. It is full of milky fragrance when eaten.
