If you’ve ever stared at a bag of frozen fries or chicken nuggets and wondered, Can I just throw these in the air fryer?, the answer is a resounding YES!
Air fryers have completely changed the way we cook, making it easier than ever to whip up crispy, delicious meals in minutes. The best part? You don’t even need to thaw most frozen foods—just toss them in, set the timer, and enjoy.
Whether you’re craving crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, or even a frozen pizza, your air fryer can handle it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best frozen foods to cook in an air fryer, how to get perfect results every time, and a few mistakes to avoid. Let’s get started!
Why Air Fryers Are Great for Cooking Frozen Food
If you’ve ever baked frozen food in the oven, you know the struggle—waiting for it to preheat, uneven cooking, and food that turns out soggy instead of crispy. That’s where an air fryer comes in. It’s faster, crispier, and way more convenient. Here’s why air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen food.
Faster Cooking Times
Unlike an oven, an air fryer doesn’t take forever to preheat. In many cases, you can skip preheating entirely. Plus, the hot air circulates rapidly, cutting down overall cook time. Foods that take 20-30 minutes in the oven can be done in 10-15 minutes in an air fryer.
Crispy Texture Without Excess Oil
Deep-frying gives you that satisfying crunch, but it also adds a ton of unnecessary oil and calories. Air fryers use hot air circulation to create that same crispy texture—without all the grease. A quick spray of oil can enhance crispiness, but for most foods, it’s completely optional.
Convenience & Ease of Use
Cooking frozen food in an air fryer is as simple as it gets. No thawing, no extra steps—just set the temperature and time, shake halfway through, and you’re done. It’s perfect for busy nights, quick snacks, or whenever you need food fast.
Air fryers are also easy to clean compared to ovens or deep fryers. Most models have removable, dishwasher-safe baskets, so cleanup is a breeze.
If you’re looking for a quicker, healthier, and more convenient way to cook frozen food, your air fryer is the best tool for the job!
What Types of Frozen Foods Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
The short answer? Almost anything! Air fryers are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a wide range of frozen foods. Whether you’re craving crispy snacks, hearty meals, or even desserts, your air fryer has you covered. Here are some of the best frozen foods to cook in an air fryer.
1. Frozen Appetizers & Snacks
Air fryers excel at making frozen appetizers crispy and golden brown, just like deep-fried versions—without the extra oil. Some great options include:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Chicken nuggets
- Egg rolls & spring rolls
- Jalapeño poppers
- Potato skins
- Breaded mushrooms
2. Frozen French Fries & Potato Products
Say goodbye to soggy oven fries! Air fryers make frozen fries and other potato-based snacks extra crispy:
- French fries (shoestring, crinkle-cut, waffle fries)
- Tater tots
- Hash browns
- Potato wedges
3. Frozen Chicken & Meat
From breaded chicken to frozen burger patties, air fryers cook frozen meats evenly and quickly without drying them out:
- Chicken tenders & popcorn chicken
- Chicken wings (breaded or unbreaded)
- Frozen chicken breasts
- Meatballs
- Burger patties (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
4. Frozen Seafood
Air fryers are great for getting crispy seafood without the need for deep frying:
- Fish sticks
- Breaded shrimp
- Frozen salmon or tilapia fillets
- Calamari rings
5. Frozen Pizzas & Flatbreads
Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer! The crust gets nice and crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly. Try these:
- Mini frozen pizzas
- French bread pizza
- Pizza rolls
- Frozen flatbreads
6. Frozen Vegetables
Roasted veggies in a fraction of the time? Yes, please! Air fryers make frozen vegetables crispy and delicious:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Zucchini fries
7. Frozen Breakfast Foods
Air fryers are great for quick and crispy breakfasts:
- Frozen waffles
- Pancakes
- Breakfast burritos
- Hash brown patties
8. Frozen Desserts & Baked Goods
Surprisingly, you can even bake frozen treats in an air fryer:
- Frozen cookie dough
- Churros
- Donuts
- Pastries
What NOT to Cook in an Air Fryer
While air fryers are great for many frozen foods, some items don’t turn out well. Avoid:
- Foods with heavy batter (like tempura)—they can get soggy instead of crispy.
- Large roasts or whole frozen meats—air fryers cook best in smaller portions.
- Cheese-filled items without breading—the cheese may melt and leak out.
With so many options, your air fryer can become your go-to for quick, crispy, and delicious frozen meals. Now, let’s talk about how to cook them perfectly!
How to Cook Frozen Food in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)
Cooking frozen food in an air fryer is incredibly simple, but to get the crispiest, most delicious results, there are a few key steps to follow. Let’s break it down so you can master air frying frozen foods like a pro.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (If Necessary)
Many air fryer recipes suggest preheating, but it’s not always required. Some models automatically preheat, while others need a manual setting. If your air fryer doesn’t preheat on its own, turning it on for 2-3 minutes at the desired cooking temperature helps ensure even cooking. This step is especially useful for foods that need a crispy exterior, like fries or chicken tenders.
Check out our detailed guide on how to preheat an air fryer to get the best results every time!
Step 2: Arrange the Food Properly
The way you place frozen food in the air fryer basket affects how well it cooks. Spread the pieces out in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding blocks air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. If you need to cook a large batch, do it in multiple rounds rather than cramming everything in at once.
For smaller foods like fries, nuggets, or tater tots, shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures they crisp up evenly. For larger foods like frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets, flipping them midway helps both sides cook properly.
Step 3: Adjust Cooking Time & Temperature
Most frozen foods cook best at 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). However, each food type requires slight adjustments:
- Thin foods like fries, tater tots, or mozzarella sticks cook quickly at 380-400°F in 8-12 minutes.
- Larger items like frozen chicken breasts, burgers, or breaded fish need 15-25 minutes at around 375°F.
- Delicate foods like pastries or frozen vegetables cook better at 350°F to prevent burning.
Always check the package instructions for oven cooking times, then reduce that by about 20-25% for air frying. If a frozen food package says 25 minutes at 425°F in the oven, it will likely take 18-20 minutes at 380°F in an air fryer.
Step 4: Use a Light Spritz of Oil (If Needed)
One of the biggest advantages of air frying is that most frozen foods don’t need extra oil. However, for foods like fries, breaded chicken, or battered seafood, a light spray of oil helps enhance crispiness. Use an oil mister or non-aerosol cooking spray to coat the food lightly before cooking.
Avoid using sprays that contain propellants (like PAM), as they can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating over time. Instead, opt for oils like avocado, olive, or canola oil in a pump-style sprayer.
Step 5: Shake or Flip for Even Cooking
Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip larger items using tongs. This step is especially important for fries, nuggets, and smaller foods that need even browning on all sides. If you’re cooking something like frozen steak fries or thick chicken strips, shaking them twice during cooking can help achieve better results.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Because air fryers cook faster than ovens, it’s easy to overcook food if you’re not careful. A few minutes before the recommended cooking time ends, check for doneness. For meats, use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached a safe internal temperature:
- Chicken: 165°F (75°C)
- Pork: 145°F (63°C)
- Fish: 145°F (63°C)
- Beef: 160°F (71°C) for ground meat, 135-145°F for steaks
For foods like fries, pizza rolls, or mozzarella sticks, checking by sight and touch is usually enough. They should be crispy on the outside and hot on the inside.
Step 7: Let the Food Rest & Enjoy
For the best texture and flavor, let meats and fried foods rest for 2-3 minutes before eating. This allows juices to settle and helps retain moisture. Once your food is ready, serve it immediately for the crispiest results!
Bonus Tip: Cleaning Up After Cooking
Cleaning your air fryer is much easier than dealing with a deep fryer. After cooking, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm soapy water or place it in the dishwasher (if it’s dishwasher-safe). If food residue sticks to the basket, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Frozen Food in an Air Fryer
Air frying frozen food is incredibly easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to soggy fries, unevenly cooked chicken, or food that’s just not as crispy as it should be. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.
Overcrowding the Basket
It’s tempting to dump a full bag of frozen fries or nuggets into the air fryer to save time, but overcrowding blocks airflow. This results in uneven cooking, leaving some pieces crispy while others remain soft or undercooked.
Fix: Always arrange food in a single layer for the best results. If you need to cook a large batch, do it in multiple rounds instead of overfilling the basket.
Skipping the Preheat Step
Some air fryer models require preheating, while others don’t. But skipping preheating in models that need it can cause food to cook unevenly, especially for items that need a crispy exterior.
Fix: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to the desired temperature and let it run for 2-3 minutes before adding food. This ensures even heat distribution.
Using Too Much or Too Little Oil
One of the best parts of air frying is that you don’t need much oil. However, some frozen foods (like fries or breaded items) benefit from a light spritz to enhance crispiness. On the other hand, using too much oil can make food greasy instead of crispy.
Fix: Lightly spray the food with a high-smoke-point oil (like avocado, canola, or olive oil) if needed. Use an oil mister or pump spray instead of aerosol cooking sprays, which can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating.
Not Adjusting the Cooking Time & Temperature
Most frozen food packaging includes oven instructions, but air fryers cook faster. Using the same oven temperature and time will likely result in overcooked or dry food.
Fix: As a general rule, reduce the cooking time by 20-25% compared to oven instructions. If the package says 25 minutes at 425°F in an oven, try 18-20 minutes at 380°F in the air fryer.
Forgetting to Shake or Flip the Food
Frozen foods need to be turned or shaken halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. Neglecting this step can leave one side overcooked while the other remains soft.
Fix: For smaller foods like fries, nuggets, and tots, shake the basket halfway through cooking. For larger items like frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets, flip them with tongs for even browning.
Cooking at Too High a Temperature
It’s tempting to crank up the heat for faster cooking, but higher temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside frozen. This is especially common with thick foods like frozen chicken breasts or burgers.
Fix: Stick to 350°F–400°F for most frozen foods. If cooking something thick, go for a lower temp and longer time rather than blasting it with high heat.
Ignoring the Food’s Internal Temperature
For frozen meats, simply checking for crispiness isn’t enough. The inside could still be undercooked, leading to unsafe food.
Fix: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures:
- Chicken: 165°F (75°C)
- Beef & Pork: 145°F–160°F (63°C–71°C)
- Fish: 145°F (63°C)
Best Air Fryers for Cooking Frozen Foods
Not all air fryers are created equal, and when it comes to cooking frozen foods, some models outperform others. The best air fryers for frozen foods offer even heat distribution, adjustable temperature settings, and a spacious basket to prevent overcrowding. Below, we’ll break down the top air fryers for frozen food lovers and what makes them stand out.
1. Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer – Best for Cooking Multiple Frozen Foods at Once
If you love variety and often cook multiple frozen foods at the same time, the Ninja Foodi DualZone is a game-changer. This air fryer features two independent baskets, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
For example, if you want to air fry frozen chicken nuggets and fries together, you don’t have to worry about them needing different cook times. The Smart Finish feature ensures both baskets complete cooking at the same time, so everything is ready together.
It also has a 6-in-1 functionality, offering air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate options. The ceramic-coated non-stick baskets make cleanup a breeze, and its wide temperature range (105°F–450°F) allows for optimal crisping of frozen foods.
2. COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer – Best Budget-Friendly Option for Frozen Foods
If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-performing air fryer for frozen foods, the COSORI Pro LE is a solid pick. Despite its lower price point, it features rapid 360° air circulation for even cooking, meaning no more half-crispy, half-soggy fries.
With a 5-quart capacity, it’s big enough to cook for two to four people but compact enough for small kitchens. The 9 preset cooking functions include one specifically for frozen foods, making it easy for beginners.
Another perk? It has a quiet operation compared to many other air fryers, meaning you won’t have to deal with a loud buzzing sound while cooking.
3. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL – Best for Large Families and Big Batches
If you have a big household or just love cooking in batches, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is one of the best choices. With a 7-quart capacity, it can handle a full bag of frozen fries or up to a whole chicken, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Unlike some other models, the Twin TurboStar technology removes excess fat while crisping up frozen foods, making your meals healthier. It also has a Keep Warm mode, which is great if you’re cooking in batches and want to keep everything hot and crispy.
Though it’s on the pricier side, its consistent performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you frequently cook frozen foods.
4. Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer – Best for Crispy Frozen Foods
For those who want extra crispy frozen foods, the Instant Vortex Plus stands out. Its EvenCrisp technology ensures food gets crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
The 6-quart capacity is great for medium-sized families, and the simple touchscreen controls make adjusting time and temperature easy. It preheats quickly, reducing overall cook time, and has a reheat function, perfect for reviving leftover frozen fries, chicken tenders, or pizza.
It also comes with a rotating basket attachment, which is excellent for evenly cooking frozen foods like fries and nuggets without needing to shake the basket manually.
5. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer – Best for Versatility
If you want an air fryer that can do more than just frozen foods, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is worth considering. Unlike traditional air fryers, this model is a full-size countertop convection oven with an air fryer function, making it perfect for baking, roasting, and toasting as well.
Its super convection fan allows for maximum airflow, which ensures frozen foods cook evenly and quickly. The larger cooking space means you can cook multiple items at once without overcrowding, making it ideal for frozen pizzas, fries, and breaded snacks.
Because of its versatility, it’s a great choice if you want an all-in-one appliance that can replace multiple kitchen gadgets. However, it does take up more counter space than a typical basket-style air fryer.
Which Air Fryer is Best for You?
Choosing the right air fryer depends on your needs. If you want to cook multiple frozen foods at once, the Ninja Foodi DualZone is unbeatable. For those on a budget, the COSORI Pro LE delivers excellent results at an affordable price. If you cook for a large family, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is your best bet. Those who prioritize extra crispiness should go for the Instant Vortex Plus, while the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is perfect for those who need an all-in-one appliance.
No matter which air fryer you choose, each of these models will help you cook frozen foods faster, crispier, and with less oil than traditional frying or baking methods.
FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Questions
How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Food in an Air Fryer?
The cooking time for frozen food in an air fryer depends on the type of food and the air fryer’s model. On average, most frozen foods take between 10 to 25 minutes. Smaller items like fries or chicken nuggets usually take around 15 minutes, while larger items like frozen chicken breasts or fish fillets may take closer to 20-25 minutes.
Do I Need to Thaw Frozen Food Before Using the Air Fryer?
No, you don’t need to thaw frozen food before cooking it in an air fryer. In fact, it’s better to cook frozen food directly, as it helps retain its texture and flavor. The air fryer will cook it from frozen, creating a crispy exterior and a tender interior without the need for thawing.
How Do I Keep Frozen Food From Getting Soggy in the Air Fryer?
To prevent frozen food from getting soggy, make sure to spread the food out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can trap moisture and prevent proper air circulation. You should also flip or shake the food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crisping.
Can You Cook Frozen Vegetables in an Air Fryer?
Yes, frozen vegetables cook beautifully in an air fryer. They become crispy on the outside while retaining their flavor and nutrients. For best results, lightly spray with oil and season to your liking. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Temperature to Cook Frozen Food in an Air Fryer?
The best temperature for cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is typically 360°F to 400°F. Most frozen foods, like fries and chicken tenders, cook well at 375°F, but it can vary depending on the size and thickness of the food. Always refer to the air fryer’s manual or recipes for specific cooking temperatures.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen food in an air fryer is a game-changer. Whether you’re looking to make a quick snack or prepare a full meal, the air fryer makes it easy to enjoy crispy, delicious frozen foods in no time. Not only does it cook faster than traditional methods, but it also requires little to no oil, making it a healthier choice.
With the right air fryer, you can tackle everything from crispy fries and chicken nuggets to frozen veggies and even frozen meals. Plus, the convenience and speed make it an essential kitchen appliance for busy individuals or families.
Just remember to follow the basic tips—like not overcrowding the basket and adjusting cooking times for different frozen foods—and you’ll get perfect results every time.So, next time you’re wondering, can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?—the answer is a resounding yes! With the right technique, your frozen foods will be just as tasty as fresh ones. Happy air frying!
