Air-Frying Frozen Food: What You Need To Know

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience, speed, and ability to make food crispy and tasty. They are essentially a smaller version of a convection oven, which circulates hot air around the food to cook it evenly and efficiently. One of the best uses for an air fryer is cooking frozen food, from frozen meat to snacks and appetizers. You can put frozen food straight into an air fryer without defrosting it first, and it will turn out crispy and cooked evenly. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and it's always good to use a food thermometer to ensure your food is cooked safely.

Can you put frozen food in an air fryer?

Frozen foods that cook well in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook frozen food. The circulation of hot air in the air fryer helps food cook evenly and quickly.

• Frozen potato recipes: French fries, potato skins, tater tots, steak fries, sweet potato fries, and crinkle-cut fries.
• Frozen chicken recipes: Chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, chicken fries, chicken tenders, chicken breast, chicken patties, chicken wings, and chicken burgers.
• Frozen kid-friendly snacks: Pizza rolls, taquitos, Totino's party pizza, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, and onion rings.
• Frozen breakfast: Texas toast, biscuits, and hash browns.
• Frozen global snacks: Egg rolls, samosas, falafel, empanadas, potstickers, gyoza, dumplings, wontons, shrimp, fish sticks, and fish fillets.

How to adjust temperature and cooking time

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers are essentially convection ovens, so the recommended cook time on the package will be too long. Therefore, if the package recommends a heat setting that your air fryer can reach, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cooking time suggested by half. This way, you can check on your food and decide if it needs more time.

As a general rule of thumb, set the air fryer at 400°F and start checking smaller items at around eight minutes, and larger items at around 10 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking time to redistribute the food and allow it to cook evenly.

If you are cooking prepackaged frozen foods, like french fries, hit pause and shake the basket once or twice during the cooking process so that all surfaces are exposed to the hot air.

If you are converting an oven-cooked recipe to an air-fryer recipe, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and then cut the cook time by about 20%. Use the pause button to occasionally check on your food and flip it for balanced crispness on all sides.

Finally, it is important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and some may be hotter than others. Always use a food thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe temperature.

When and how to grease the air fryer

Greasing your air fryer is an important step in maintaining its performance and longevity. Here are some detailed instructions on when and how to grease it:

When to Grease Your Air Fryer:

• It is recommended to grease your air fryer basket or tray before each use, especially when cooking sticky or starchy foods like chicken wings, sweet potato fries, or mozzarella sticks. Greasing helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• If you notice that food starts to stick to the surface, it's a good indication that you need to reapply grease.

How to Grease Your Air Fryer:

• Choose a suitable grease or oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. Avoid using non-stick cooking spray, as it can damage the coating of your air fryer basket or tray.
• Remove the basket or tray from the air fryer. Apply a thin, even layer of grease to the surface using a brush or a paper towel. Ensure that you coat all areas that will come into contact with food.
• Return the greased basket or tray to the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions before adding your food.
• After cooking, allow the air fryer to cool down. Clean the basket or tray with a soft sponge or cloth, hot water, and a mild dish soap. Ensure all residue is removed before the next use.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your air fryer in optimal condition and prevent food from sticking. Remember to refer to your air fryer's user manual for any specific instructions or recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

How to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a common mistake that can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked food. To avoid this, it's recommended to cook your food in single layers rather than all at once. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking.

If you have a large quantity of food to cook, it's best to divide it into smaller batches. By cooking smaller portions at a time, you allow the hot air to circulate freely, preventing overcrowding and ensuring even cooking.

Some recipes, such as those for roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be an exception to this rule. These types of vegetables can be stacked and loaded into the air fryer without affecting the cooking results. However, it's important to stir or shake them about halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, using accessories like air fryer liners, parchment paper, or silicone mats can help maximize the surface area of your air fryer basket and prevent overcrowding. If you frequently find yourself needing to fill the basket to its brim, consider investing in a dual-zone model or one with a larger basket.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating an air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your food turns out crispy and cooked evenly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to consult your air fryer's product manual to determine if preheating is recommended for your specific model. Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others have to be preheated manually. By checking the manual, you can also find out the recommended preheating time and temperature for your model.

If your air fryer requires manual preheating, follow these steps:

• Ensure that all removable parts, such as the basket, are clean and completely dry. This is important for food safety and to prevent any issues during preheating.
• Insert the clean, dry basket into the unit. The basket needs to be in place so that it can get hot and sear your food effectively.
• Set the desired cooking temperature on your air fryer. If you are following a recipe, set the temperature according to the instructions.
• Press the start or preheat button, if your air fryer has one. Otherwise, simply set a timer for the recommended preheating time.
• Allow the air fryer to warm up to the set temperature for the specified amount of time. Smaller air fryers may only need two to three minutes, while larger ones might require four to five minutes. Most air fryers reach a temperature of 400° F in three to five minutes.
• Once the preheating time has elapsed, carefully add your food to the hot basket. Be cautious, as the basket will be hot.
• Cook your food according to your recipe or the instructions in the manual.

It is worth noting that preheating is particularly beneficial for foods that require a good sear or a crispy texture. For example, preheating is ideal for steaks, burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and tater tots. However, for delicate foods like shrimp or dishes that require longer cooking times, such as roasted chicken or baked potatoes, you may choose to skip the preheating step.

Frequently asked questions