How to Make Perfect Frozen Roasted Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Making frozen roasted potatoes in an air fryer is one of the quickest, easiest, and most delicious ways to prepare this popular side dish. Whether you’re looking for crispy, golden potatoes to accompany dinner or a tasty snack, the air fryer delivers perfect results every time.

Gone are the days of waiting for your oven to preheat or spending ages flipping potatoes to get that crispy texture. With the air fryer, you can have your roasted potatoes ready in a fraction of the time, and they’ll taste just as good – if not better – than those made in the oven.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Roasted Potatoes?

The air fryer is not just a trend – it’s here to stay, especially when it comes to making crispy food with minimal effort. When you use an air fryer to cook frozen roasted potatoes, you get all the benefits of a deep fryer but with far less oil. The convection technology in the air fryer circulates hot air around the potatoes, cooking them evenly and producing that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior. Here are a few key reasons why you should use an air fryer for frozen roasted potatoes:

1. Time-Saving

Air frying is incredibly efficient. Compared to oven-roasting, which can take upwards of 40 minutes to an hour, the air fryer gets the job done in 15-20 minutes. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious side dish but don’t have the time to preheat your oven.

2. Crispy Texture

One of the main reasons people love roasted potatoes is their crispy skin. Air fryers excel at creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This is exactly what frozen roasted potatoes need for that perfect balance.

3. Healthier Cooking

Unlike traditional frying methods, air fryers require only a small amount of oil, if any at all, to get that crispy finish. This means you can enjoy your favorite comfort food with fewer calories and less fat, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying or oven-roasting with excess oil.

4. Ease of Use

Air fryers are incredibly user-friendly. There’s no need to preheat or adjust temperatures constantly. Simply add your frozen potatoes, set the timer, and let the air fryer work its magic. The best part? No messy cleanup!

5. Versatility

While we’re focusing on frozen roasted potatoes, air fryers can cook a wide range of foods, making them a versatile kitchen tool. From vegetables to meats to even desserts, your air fryer will become your go-to appliance for all sorts of meals.

What Are the Best Frozen Roasted Potatoes?

The key to achieving the best frozen roasted potatoes in an air fryer starts with choosing the right frozen potatoes. Not all frozen roasted potatoes are created equal, and some brands or types work better than others in an air fryer.

Key Factors to Look for:

1. Simple Ingredients
   Choose potatoes that have minimal additives and preservatives. Frozen roasted potatoes with added oils, butter, or sauces might not air fry as evenly or may become too greasy. Stick to simple varieties, with potatoes as the main ingredient.
2. High-Quality Potatoes
   The type of potato used can make a difference in the final result. Russet potatoes are often the best choice for air frying, as they have a fluffy interior and crisp up well on the outside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, providing a slightly creamier texture inside.
3. Uniform Size
   For the most consistent results, choose frozen roasted potatoes that are cut into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone.
4. Brand Recommendations
   Some popular brands known for high-quality frozen roasted potatoes include:
   • McCain
   • Ore-Ida
   • Green Giant These brands often offer varieties that are pre-seasoned or plain, depending on your preference.

Table: Comparison of Popular Frozen Roasted Potato Brands

Brand	Type of Potatoes	Seasoning Options	Cooking Time (in Air Fryer)	Recommended for Air Frying
McCain	Russet, Yukon Gold	Plain, Seasoned	18-20 minutes	Yes
Ore-Ida	Russet	Plain, Garlic & Herb	15-18 minutes	Yes
Green Giant	Russet, Mixed Variety	Plain, Herb Seasoned	20-22 minutes	Yes

How to Cook Frozen Roasted Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen roasted potatoes in an air fryer is quick and straightforward. By following these simple steps, you can achieve crispy, golden potatoes every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but if yours does, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the potatoes start cooking as soon as they hit the basket.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
   Take your frozen roasted potatoes out of the bag and place them in the air fryer basket. Try to spread them out in a single layer to allow for even air circulation. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Set the Temperature and Timer
   Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time (around 10 minutes) to ensure all sides are crispy.
4. Check for Crispiness
   After the timer goes off, check your potatoes. If they aren’t as crispy as you like, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once your frozen roasted potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite dip or as a side to your main dish!

Pro Tips for Perfect Potatoes

• Spray with oil: If you want extra crispiness, lightly spray the potatoes with oil before cooking.
• Seasoning: For more flavor, add seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or paprika before cooking.
• Shaking the basket: Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes to make sure all sides cook evenly.

Can You Keep Leftover Air-Fried Frozen Roasted Potatoes?

Yes, you can! One of the great things about cooking frozen roasted potatoes in an air fryer is that they can be easily stored and reheated without losing their crispy texture.

How to Store Leftovers

• Cool Completely: Let the potatoes cool down to room temperature before storing them.
• Airtight Container: Place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
• Refrigeration: Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Leftovers

To restore the crispy texture:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
• Place the leftover potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy.

How to Get Great Results Every Time

To ensure your frozen roasted potatoes always turn out perfectly crispy, follow these tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to spread the potatoes out in a single layer. Overcrowding will cause uneven cooking.
2. Shake the Basket: Shake the potatoes halfway through to ensure they crisp evenly.
3. Adjust Time-Based on Size: Larger pieces may need more time to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Preheat When Needed: Always preheat the air fryer if your model requires it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes when cooking frozen roasted potatoes in an air fryer and how to avoid them:

1. Overcrowding the Basket – This will cause uneven cooking. Always spread the potatoes out in a single layer.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer – If your air fryer needs preheating, make sure you do it before adding the potatoes.
3. Skipping the Shake – Forgetting to shake the basket halfway through can lead to uneven crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. However, they will require additional steps, such as parboiling, before air frying to achieve the same crispy texture.

How long should I cook frozen roasted potatoes in the air fryer?

Typically, frozen roasted potatoes take about 15-20 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer, but the exact time may vary based on your air fryer and the size of the potatoes.

Do I need to use oil for crispy potatoes?

While it’s not necessary, spraying a small amount of oil can help achieve a crispier finish.

Can I reheat leftover roasted potatoes in the air fryer?

Yes, reheating leftover potatoes in the air fryer is a great way to restore their crispiness. Simply air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.

Can I add seasoning before or after cooking?

You can add seasoning both before and after cooking. Adding seasoning before cooking helps the potatoes absorb the flavors while adding them afterward can enhance the taste.