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?
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.
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.