Frozen Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen food has never been easier than with an air fryer.

If you’re new to air frying, you might be wondering what frozen foods can be cooked in this appliance.

This small kitchen appliance can cook a variety of frozen foods to perfection.

In this article, we will explore the world of frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer.

This guide will provide you with a list of quick and delicious meals that are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why Cook Frozen Foods in an Air Fryer?

Frozen foods are a great option for those who are short on time or simply want an easy meal.

But, cooking frozen foods in a traditional oven can take a long time.

With an air fryer, you can cook frozen foods in a fraction of the time, with a more consistent and crispy result.

Air fryers also require little to no additional oil, making them a healthier option than traditional frying.

What Frozen Foods Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer.

My top choices include:

1. Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a classic frozen food with battered or breaded meat.

They are kid-friendly and can be cooked in an air fryer and eaten as a dish or snack.

Simply place the nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through.

2. Frozen French Fries

Frozen French fries are a popular food to cook in an air fryer.

For best results, preheat your air fryer and add the frozen fries in a single layer.

Spray them lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3.  Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a popular appetizer. They are quick and easy snacks that can be cooked in an air fryer.

To prepare, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the mozzarella sticks for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown.

4.  Frozen Fish Fillets

Fish fillets are a healthy and easy frozen food option.

Prepare the fish fillets by seasoning them with some oil, salt, and spices of choice.

Next, place the fillets in the air fryer basket. Remember to use an air fryer liner for easy cleaning after.

Finally, cook the fillets for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Flip the fish fillets halfway through for even cooking.

5. Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots can be cooked in an air fryer.

They are a great side for your meals.

To prepare frozen vegetables, air fry for 5-10 minutes at 400°F, depending on the vegetables you have.

Remember to add oil and seasoning for an elevated taste.

6. Frozen Chicken Wings

Frozen chicken wings are another popular food to cook in an air fryer.

To cook them, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the frozen wings for about 20-25 minutes.

Air fryer chicken wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

It is recommended to turn them over when cooking for maximum heat and air circulation.

7. Frozen Onion Rings

Onion rings are crispy and delicious snacks.

When preparing frozen onion rings with an air fryer, you eliminate the added fat unlike when deep-frying

To cook frozen onion rings in an air fryer, preheat your appliance to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes.

8. Frozen Tater Tots

Air fryer tater tots are crispy and delicious.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the frozen tater tots for 12-15 minutes.

Ensure to shake the basket to turn over the tater tots for even cooking.

9. Frozen Burgers

Air fryers can cook frozen burgers to perfection. You get a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Preheat your air fryer and cook the frozen burgers for 10-15 minutes at 400°F.

10.  Frozen Pizza

You can make or reheat frozen pizza as a quick and easy meal in the air fryer.

Place the pizza in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

11.  Frozen Chicken Tenders

Frozen chicken tenders are pre-cooked strips of chicken breast that are breaded and frozen.

To cook them in an air fryer, cook for 10-12 minutes. Check to ensure they are crispy and cooked through.

12.  Frozen Meatballs

The balls of ground meat come in different sizes.

Since most are seasoned before freezing, preheat the air fryer to about 400° F.

Place the meatballs in the basket, making sure to spread them out accordingly.

Cook the meatballs for 8-12 minutes. Check for browning and use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

13.  Frozen Salmon

To make salmon in the air fryer, cook for 10-12 minutes at 400° F after preheating.

Make sure to add spices before cooking.

14.  Frozen Corn Dogs

Corn dogs are hot dogs on a stick coated in cornmeal batter.

To cook them in an air fryer, preheat the appliance and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Ensure that they are crispy and heated through before removing them.

15.  Frozen Hot Pockets

These are frozen, pre-cooked sandwiches that are filled with various ingredients (such as cheese, meat, and vegetables).

To cook them in an air fryer, preheat the appliance and cook for 10-12 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Food in an Air Fryer

While cooking frozen food in an air fryer is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure the best results:

· Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, do not overcrowd the basket.

This can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in unevenly cooked food. Instead, cook in batches or stack the food if necessary.

· Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer ensures that your food cooks evenly.

Simply set the air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for a few minutes before adding your food.

For example, the Ninja AF161 Max air fryer requires 3 minutes of preheating before adding food for great results.

· Shake the Basket

Shaking the basket occasionally during cooking can help ensure that your food cooks evenly.

This is especially important for foods such as French fries, which can stick together if left untouched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen food before cooking it in an air fryer?

A: No, you do not need to thaw frozen food before cooking it in an air fryer.

Cooking frozen food as is in an air fryer results in a crispier exterior and juicier interior.

Q: Can I cook raw meat in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer. When cooking raw meat in the air fryer, ensure that you season and check the internal temperature for safe cooking.

Q: Can I cook multiple frozen foods at once in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook multiple frozen foods at once in an air fryer.

However, it is important to ensure that the foods are of similar size and cooking times to avoid uneven cooking.

Conclusion

Cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is a great way to save time and enjoy delicious meals without guilt.

With a variety of options available, from chicken nuggets to vegetables, there’s something for everyone.

Give it a try and see how an air fryer can revolutionize the way you cook frozen foods!

Don’t have an air fryer yet? Check out our selection of top-rated air fryers and start cooking up some quick and delicious meals today!

Check out the articles below for more tips on how to get the most out of your air fryer.

• Air Fryer Basket vs Oven Style: Which One Should You Choose?
• Should You Unplug an Air Fryer When Not in Use?
• How Do I Get Rid of The Smell in My Air Fryer?
• How To Keep Food from Flying Around in Air Fryer?
• What Not to Cook in an Air Fryer?
• Air Fryer vs Food Steamer: Which is Better?