Stouffer's Meals: Air Fryer Friendly?

Stouffer's frozen meals are a convenient option for a quick and tasty meal. But can you cook them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can cook Stouffer's meals in an air fryer, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, always remove the meal from the packaging before placing it in the air fryer, as the plastic can melt and ruin your appliance. Second, if the meal comes in a paper or cardboard box, transfer it to an air fryer-safe dish or metal pan. Third, adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed – air fryers are more efficient than ovens, so you'll likely need to reduce the time and temperature to avoid overcooking your food. Finally, if you're cooking something with cheese, like lasagna, consider covering it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Stouffer's lasagna in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook Stouffer's lasagna in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal without heating up your kitchen.

To cook Stouffer's lasagna in your air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of minutes. Then, remove the lasagna from its packaging and film. Place the frozen lasagna in the tray in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Increase the temperature to 340 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 30 minutes.

You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to protect your appliance from any bubbling over cheese or moisture. Check the lasagna occasionally to ensure it doesn't get too crispy or burn.

If you are cooking a single-serve portion, this method will work well. However, for a full family-size dish, it is recommended to use the oven, as an air fryer may not be large enough.

Some general tips for cooking frozen meals in an air fryer include reducing the temperature and increasing the cooking time compared to oven instructions. It is also important to remove any cardboard or plastic packaging and use oven-safe containers or the metal pans that come with your air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

Stouffer's frozen meals can be cooked in an air fryer, but you must remove the food from its packaging and place it in an air fryer-safe container before cooking. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of Stouffer's meal you are preparing.

For Stouffer's lasagna, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the lasagna in an air fryer-safe dish, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

If you are cooking Stouffer's Frozen Meatloaf in the Air Fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the meatloaf in an air fryer-safe dish, and cook for 18 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

For other Stouffer's frozen meals, such as their frozen burritos, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the burritos in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the food you are cooking. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

Removing food from original packaging

When removing food from its original packaging to cook in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, check the type of packaging your food is in. If it is in an oven-proof plastic container with a removable film, you may need to remove the food and place it in a different container suitable for the air fryer, such as foil or an oven-safe dish. If the food is in a paper container, it is recommended to take it out and use foil or an alternative container.

Some foods, such as mashed potatoes and vegetables, can be placed in a small oven-safe dish if removed from the original packaging. It is also important to note that you should not put cardboard in the air fryer, so food in cardboard packaging will need to be transferred to a different container.

If you are unsure about whether the packaging is suitable for the air fryer, you can check the Stouffer's website or contact their customer service for more information. Additionally, if your food fits in the air fryer without removing it from its original packaging, you can cook it directly in the air fryer if the package is oven-safe.

When cooking food in an air fryer, it is essential to monitor it closely to avoid overcooking or burning. The cooking time and temperature may need to be reduced compared to the instructions for a regular oven.

Air fryer vs oven

Yes, you can cook Stouffer's frozen meals in an air fryer. However, it is not recommended to cook them in their packaging. Instead, transfer the contents to a metal or oven-safe container, or directly onto the air fryer rack.

Now, here's a comparison between air fryers and ovens:

Air fryers and ovens are both used for cooking, but there are some key differences between the two. An air fryer is a small, countertop appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It has a basket or rack for holding food, which allows for more air circulation and helps create a crispy texture. Air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently, with little to no oil required. They are ideal for preparing single dishes or small batches and are relatively easy to clean, though they can be noisy.

On the other hand, a conventional oven uses still air and heating elements to cook food. It is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions at once. Ovens usually offer various functions like broiling, baking, and roasting, and some newer models even have an air fry setting. While ovens take longer to preheat and cook food, they are better suited for delicate items and recipes that require liquid batters.

In terms of cooking methods, air frying is similar to convection baking in that they both use fans to circulate hot air. However, air fryers are designed to be more powerful, with larger and faster fans located on top of the appliance. Convection ovens have built-in heating mechanisms and fans located at the back or side. They are ideal for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously and offer the convenience of a full-sized appliance.

Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and an oven depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a quick, convenient way to cook small batches of food with a crispy texture, an air fryer might be a good option. On the other hand, if you need to cook larger quantities or prefer a more versatile appliance, a conventional oven would be a better choice.

Stouffer's customer service

We've found some feedback from your customers online, and it seems that your frozen meals can be cooked in an air fryer with some adjustments. The general consensus is that the plastic or paper packaging should be removed, and the contents transferred to an air fryer-safe dish. One customer mentions that they keep the meal in its original tray, but this may depend on the type of air fryer being used.

Some customers also recommend covering the meal with aluminium foil to prevent the cheese from burning. They also suggest spraying the air fryer-safe dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Cooking times and temperatures vary, but most customers recommend a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and a cooking time of around 15-20 minutes. However, one customer mentions that they cook their Stouffer's meal for 18-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then an additional 5 minutes without foil.

We hope this information helps you provide useful guidance to your customers who are curious about cooking your delicious meals in an air fryer!

Frequently asked questions