The Air Fryer: A Game-Changer for Cooking
Gone are the days when deep frying was the only option to achieve that perfect crispiness in our favorite dishes. With the advent of the air fryer, we can now enjoy guilt-free and healthier versions of our beloved fried foods. One such dish that has become a fan favorite is crispy crowns. Whether you are a fan of tater tots or hash browns, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into how to make crispy crowns in the air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
For the crispy crowns:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Preparing the Crispy Crowns
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that it’s nice and hot for cooking. While the air fryer is heating up, take your grated potatoes and onion and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving the desired crispness.
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The flour helps bind the ingredients together and adds a hint of crispiness to the crowns.
Next, shape the mixture into small patties or cylindrical shapes resembling crowns. You can use your hands or a mold for a more uniform shape. Place the shaped crowns on a parchment-lined tray or plate, ready for air frying.
Air Frying the Crispy Crowns
Now it’s time to air fry those crowns to perfection. Carefully place the shaped crowns in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows for optimal air circulation and ensures an even cooking process.
Cook the crowns at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. It’s important to flip the crowns halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even crispness on all sides.
Preparing the Dipping Sauce
While the crowns are air frying, let’s whip up a delicious dipping sauce to accompany them. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Serving and Enjoying the Crispy Crowns
Once the crowns are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the crispy crowns hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
These crispy crowns are not only incredibly tasty but also much healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. The air fryer ensures that you get that satisfying crunch without the excess oil and calories. So go ahead and indulge in this delightful snack or side dish with your friends and family. They’ll be asking for seconds!