Freezer-To-Cook: Are All Air Fryers Up For The Task?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen food. You can cook anything from frozen corn on the cob to frozen shrimp in an air fryer, with some recipes taking as little as 10 minutes. But can all air fryers go from freezer to cook?

Frozen foods that cook well in an air fryer

Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods, as they cook food faster than a conventional oven and make it crispier.

• Frozen shrimp, which can go from freezer to table in less than 20 minutes
• Frozen corn on the cob, which can be ready in just 15 minutes
• Frozen pierogies, which can be turned into a delicious main dish by combining them with sauteed or caramelized onions
• Frozen mini corn dogs, which are also ready in just 15 minutes
• Frozen bagel bites, which are said to be best cooked in an air fryer
• Frozen green beans
• Frozen tater tots, which are cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer
• Frozen empanadas, which are easy to make
• Frozen popcorn chicken, which is a great appetizer
• Frozen steak, which can be cooked in 30 minutes
• Frozen onion rings, which can be made crispy without any added oil
• Frozen hash browns, which are a great breakfast side dish
• Frozen waffle fries, which are ready in 10 minutes
• Frozen Brussels sprouts, which are a crispy side dish
• Frozen dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs

Frozen foods that don't cook well in an air fryer

To get the best results when cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder air circulation and result in uneven cooking. It's also a good idea to give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time for uniform browning. If you're using aluminium foil or parchment paper, make sure they have holes in them to allow air to circulate.

Despite some frozen foods not cooking well in an air fryer, there are plenty of options that do. Frozen foods that cook well in an air fryer include anything pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized, such as dumplings, fish sticks, fries, mini meatballs, corn on the cob, brussel sprouts, pierogies, mini corn dogs, pretzels, bagel bites, shrimp, and chicken nuggets.

Air fryer frozen food cook times

Air fryers can be used to cook frozen food, but it's important to note that not all frozen foods are suitable for air frying. Frozen foods that are pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized tend to cook well in an air fryer. This includes dumplings, fish sticks, fries, mini meatballs, and frozen shrimp. Frozen vegetables can be a bit more tricky as they may dry out or become soggy; it's important to consider the properties of the vegetable before air frying. For example, broccoli has tiny, delicate buds that may turn brittle and dry when heated.

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's recommended to cook at a temperature of around 400°F, adjusting the time as needed until the food is browned to your liking. If using a basket-style air fryer, shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid overloading the basket.

• Frozen shrimp: 8 minutes at 380°F
• Frozen corn on the cob: 15 minutes
• Frozen brussels sprouts: under 15 minutes
• Frozen waffle fries: 10 minutes
• Frozen bagel bites: cooking time not specified, but recommended as a quick and easy option
• Frozen fish sticks: cooking time not specified, but recommended as an easy option

It's important to note that air fryer models can vary slightly, so use these cooking times as a starting point and adjust as needed. Check the food a couple of minutes early to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Air fryer frozen food temperatures

It is possible to cook frozen food in an air fryer, but not all frozen foods are suitable. Frozen foods that are pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized are a great choice for the air fryer. These include snacks and foods like dumplings, fish sticks, fries, mini meatballs, and frozen shrimp. Frozen vegetables can be a bit more tricky since they’re prone to either drying out or becoming soggy.

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is recommended to start with a lower temperature of 160°C/320°F and finish at 200°C/400°F. This will ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked in the middle and crispy on the outside. The majority of air-fried frozen foods can be cooked at 400°F, but you will need to keep an eye on your food and cook it until it is browned to your liking. If you have a basket-style air fryer, shake the basket every 5 minutes and be careful not to overload the food to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Some specific examples of air fryer frozen food temperatures and cook times include:

• Frozen shrimp: cook at 380°F for about 8 minutes
• Frozen corn on the cob: cook for 15 minutes
• Frozen brussel sprouts: cook for under 15 minutes
• Frozen waffle fries: cook for 10 minutes

Air fryer frozen food recipes

It is possible to cook frozen food in an air fryer, and there are many options that cook perfectly in the appliance.

Anything pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized is a great choice. These include snacks and foods like dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs. You can also cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer, but they can be a bit more tricky since they’re prone to either drying out or becoming soggy. Before you decide whether or not to put a frozen vegetable in the air fryer, it’s helpful to think of its inherent properties. For example, broccoli has tiny, delicate buds so you might guess that when it’s heated, it turns brittle and dry.

• Frozen corn on the cob: Simply air fry, add a little butter with salt and pepper, and it's ready in just 15 minutes.
• Frozen brussel sprouts: These make an irresistibly crispy side and are ready in under 15 minutes.
• Frozen shrimp: This dish goes from freezer to table in less than 20 minutes.
• Frozen bagel bites: Once you've tried them in the air fryer, you'll never cook them any other way again.
• Frozen chicken wings: They come out hot and crispy and are perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces.
• Frozen steak: This can be made in 30 minutes and tastes just as good as cooking from fresh.
• Frozen cod: This is a healthy and keto-friendly dinner option. Blackening seasoning adds mouthwatering flavour.
• Frozen green beans: These come out crispy and flavourful, and no one will guess they were frozen.
• Frozen waffle fries: These are ready in 10 minutes and make a hot and crispy side.
• Frozen pierogies: These can be turned into a delicious main dish by air frying them and combining them with sauteed or caramelized onions.
• Frozen mini corn dogs: These are ready in just 15 minutes and are crispy, golden, and delicious.
• Auntie Anne’s frozen pretzel: These come out perfectly hot and cooked to perfection.

Frequently asked questions