The Food Blog
How to Cook Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer
Busy days often call for fast, simple meals. That is where the air fryer shines — especially for frozen foods.
Cooking frozen food in an air fryer saves time. It also uses less oil and gives you crispy results. The right air fryer cook time for frozen foods can boost your quick meals. You’ll avoid the soggy textures often found in microwaves or ovens.
This guide will help you use frozen meals in the air fryer. You’ll find clear timing tips, best practices, and easy tricks.
Pro Tip: No need to thaw — straight from the freezer to the air fryer saves both time and taste.
Quick Guide: How to Cook Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer for crispier results.
- Arrange food in a single layer, not stacked.
- Shake or flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Adjust times based on food size and thickness.
- Use light oil spray for extra crispness (optional).
Important: Always check internal temperatures for food safety — especially for meats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Foods
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
While some models claim you do not need to preheat, doing so helps frozen food cook more evenly and crispier.
Preheating basics:
- Preheat at the cooking temperature for 3–5 minutes.
- Preheating especially helps with frozen chips, nuggets, and pastries.
| Food Type | Preheat? |
|---|---|
| Chips/Fries | Yes |
| Breaded Chicken | Yes |
| Pizza Rolls | Optional |
Quick Tip: If you are cooking multiple batches, preheating is even more important.
Step 2: Arrange Food Properly
Crowding the basket leads to uneven cooking.
Placement tips:
- Lay food out in a single layer.
- Leave small gaps between pieces if possible.
- Cook in batches if needed for best results.
Important: Crowded food steams instead of crisps.
Step 3: Adjust Cook Times and Temperatures
Frozen foods need slightly longer than fresh foods — but still faster than oven baking.
General adjustments:
| Frozen Food | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chips/Fries | 200°C | 14–18 mins |
| Breaded Chicken | 190°C | 12–16 mins |
| Fish Fingers | 200°C | 10–12 mins |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 180°C | 7–9 mins |
Pro Tip: Check a few minutes earlier than suggested. This helps prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Shake, Flip, or Stir Halfway
Turning the food during cooking ensures even browning and crispiness.
Simple methods:
- Shake the basket for chips or small foods.
- Flip larger items like chicken strips or fish fillets.
- Stir loose items like popcorn chicken.
| Food | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Chips/Fries | Shake halfway |
| Chicken Fillets | Flip halfway |
| Pastry Bites | Turn gently |
Quick Tip: Set a timer halfway through the cook time to remind you to shake or flip.
New to air frying? Start with our Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer guide!
Step 5: Lightly Oil for Extra Crispness
Many frozen foods already contain some oil. But a light extra spray can help even more.
When to add oil spray:
- Foods that look very dry.
- Non-breaded frozen vegetables.
- Homemade frozen items without added oils.
Important: Use a high-smoke point oil, like avocado or canola spray. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays with additives.
Step 6: Check Doneness Safely
Looks can be deceiving. Always check the internal temperature of meat and seafood.
Safe cooking temperatures:
| Food | Safe Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 75°C |
| Fish | 63°C |
| Beef Burgers | 71°C |
Pro Tip: A simple food thermometer saves you from undercooked surprises.
Step 7: Adjust for Different Frozen Foods
Not all frozen foods behave the same.
Special notes:
- Frozen pizza slices: Preheat, and cover edges with foil if browning too fast.
- Frozen pastries: Start at a lower temperature (around 160–170°C) to avoid burning outside.
- Frozen veggies: Toss with a little oil and seasoning before air frying for extra flavour.
Sustainability Tip: Air frying frozen food saves energy compared to oven baking. This is better for your wallet and the planet.
Recommended Frozen Foods to Air Fry
Here are popular frozen foods that cook beautifully in the air fryer:
| Frozen Food | Air Fryer Cooking Tip |
|---|---|
| Chips/Fries | Shake often for even crisping. |
| Breaded Chicken | Preheat for best crunch. |
| Fish Fillets | Do not overcrowd for even cooking. |
| Spring Rolls | Use a lower temp to avoid over-browning. |
| Pizza Rolls | Shake once halfway for even heat. |
| Onion Rings | Light oil spray helps extra crisping. |
Quick Tip: Don’t flip delicate foods that might break apart, like some homemade dumplings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen meals directly in the air fryer?
Yes — most frozen ready meals (chips, nuggets, small pies) work well. Always check the packaging instructions if you can. Air fryer cooking often takes less time.
Should I defrost frozen food before air frying?
No. Air fryers are designed to cook food directly from frozen. Defrosting can make food soggy or unevenly cooked.
What if my air fryer basket is too small?
Cook in batches. It’s better to cook two smaller batches instead of one overcrowded batch. This way, you get better crispness and even cooking.
Can I cook frozen vegetables in the air fryer?
Yes. Toss with a little oil and seasoning first. Lower temperatures (around 180°C) prevent them from drying out too much.
Why does my frozen food burn on the outside but stay raw inside?
Likely the temperature is too high. Lower the temperature by 10–20°C and increase cooking time slightly for better results.
Fast, Easy, Crispy Meals Await
Air frying frozen foods is an easy way to enjoy quick, crispy meals. You avoid the mess and long wait of traditional ovens.
Master frozen food air fryer techniques. Adjust cook time for frozen foods and experiment a bit. You can turn everyday frozen meals into tasty, satisfying treats.
Cook faster. Crisp smarter. Love your air fryer more.
Want to become even more efficient? Learn How to Convert Oven Recipes for an Air Fryer to adapt any meal effortlessly.
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