How long do potato cakes need to cook from a frozen state?

Potato cakes typically require about 4 minutes to cook from a frozen state. Cooking them for this duration ensures that they reach a safe internal temperature while also allowing for a crispy exterior. This time frame is generally optimal for most cooking methods—whether frying, baking, or air frying—ensuring that the cakes are thoroughly heated without becoming overly dry or burnt.

The other options do not provide sufficient cooking time. Cooking for 2 minutes may not allow the centers to heat through fully, while 6 minutes could lead to overcooking, causing the cakes to lose their desirable texture. Cooking for 8 minutes is generally unnecessary, as it exceeds the optimal time needed and could result in drying out the product. Thus, 4 minutes strikes the perfect balance between thorough cooking and texture preservation.