Air Fryer Frozen Meat: Safe Or Not?

Cooking frozen meat in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. While some people are hesitant to cook meat straight from frozen, it can be done successfully in an air fryer with juicy and tasty results. There are, however, some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure food safety and the best possible outcome. The type of meat, its thickness, and the size of your air fryer will all impact cooking times and temperatures.

Can you cook frozen meat in an air fryer?

Frozen steak in an air fryer: a quick, delicious dinner

Air fryers are a great way to cook a frozen steak. It's a fast way to a delicious, tender, juicy, and flavorful steak with a perfect crust and no overcooking under it. The best part? No thawing or preheating is required!

Choosing the steak

You can use any steak that is currently frozen in your freezer. A ribeye is a popular choice because it is marbled with thin streaks of fat that keep the meat basted as it cooks, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Other options include sirloin, flank steak, flat iron steak, and filet mignon.

Seasoning

Because the meat is frozen, seasoning can be a problem as it slides off and won't penetrate the meat. To counter this, add a bit of oil or cooking spray to your frozen steak so the seasoning will stick better. Salt and pepper are a great go-to, but you can use whichever seasonings you prefer.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 205°C/400°F for 5 minutes. Remove the steak from the freezer, add oil, and season with salt and pepper or your desired seasonings. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook until an instant-read thermometer stuck into the thickest part reads your desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, rare will take approximately 10 minutes, medium-rare 12-14 minutes, medium 16 minutes, medium-well 20 minutes, and well-done 22 minutes. It is recommended that you do not flip the steak to allow time for it to sear. Once done, turn off the air fryer, open the door, and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Sides

You can cook sides like potatoes and zucchini fries in the air fryer as well. You can even cook steak fries or waffle fries at the same time as your steak!

No need to defrost: cook frozen meat straight from the freezer

There are many benefits to using an air fryer to cook frozen meat. For one, it saves you time on defrosting and means you can have a delicious meal ready in minutes. It's a quick and easy way to cook frozen meat straight from the freezer.

When cooking frozen meat in an air fryer, it's important to consider the type and cut of meat, as well as the size and power of your air fryer. Different types of meat will have different cooking times and temperatures. For example, a frozen steak will take around 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on how well done you like it. On the other hand, chicken wings, tilapia, fish sticks, and tater tots will take longer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

To get the best results, consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat. This is especially important when cooking steak, as it can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes. You can also preheat your air fryer to prevent the grey bands from forming just under the crust of your meat.

Additionally, when cooking frozen meat in an air fryer, it's a good idea to add a bit of oil or cooking spray to help the seasoning stick to the meat. This will ensure that your meat is flavoured evenly. It is also important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

The best cuts of meat for an air fryer

While it is possible to cook frozen meat in an air fryer, it is not recommended. The exterior of the meat may burn before the interior thaws, resulting in unevenly cooked meat. However, some people have reported success with cooking frozen chicken and Italian sausages in an air fryer.

Now, for the best cuts of meat for an air fryer:

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye is a popular choice for air frying due to its rich, buttery flavour and quick cooking time. It is a tender cut of meat that is well-marbled with thin streaks of fat, which keep the meat moist and juicy. When cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15 minutes for a medium-well steak.

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean and tender cut of meat that comes from the loin primal section of the cow. It is best cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. To prepare flank steak in an air fryer, season with a spice rub and place in a lightly oiled air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C).

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a soft and mild cut of meat that lends itself well to various preparations. It can be cooked in an air fryer in 10 to 12 minutes and is best served rare to medium-rare. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and flip the steaks halfway through cooking.

Pork Belly

Pork belly is a soft and flavourful cut of meat that is well-suited to the air fryer. The air fryer ensures even cooking and produces a crispy crackling on top. To prepare pork belly in an air fryer, score the skin with a sharp knife to allow heat to penetrate and promote a crunchy texture.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a classic choice for air frying, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. It is important to note that smaller pieces of chicken are better suited for air frying, as a whole chicken may cook unevenly.

How to season frozen meat for an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen meat in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that the seasoning may not penetrate the meat as effectively as it would with thawed meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season frozen meat for an air fryer:

• Remove the meat from its packaging.
• Slightly thaw the meat: This step is optional but recommended. By thawing the meat slightly, you can prevent the issue of seasoning sliding off. Set your air fryer to a low temperature for 2-4 minutes to partially thaw the meat.
• Apply oil: Brush or spritz the meat with a thin layer of oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and also help the meat retain moisture during cooking.
• Season the meat: Be generous with your seasoning, as frozen meat requires more seasoning than thawed meat. Use salt and pepper as a base, and then add any other herbs, spices, or rubs of your choice. Remember to use about 50% more seasoning than you usually would.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Note that preheating is optional, but it can help prevent the outer part of the meat from overcooking before the inside reaches the desired temperature.
• Place the meat in the air fryer: Ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the meat in batches.
• Cook the meat: Refer to a cooking time and temperature guide for your specific type and thickness of meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.
• Rest the meat: Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.
• Season to taste: After resting, season the meat to taste. If you have already seasoned the meat with salt, this step may only involve sprinkling some additional sea salt flakes on top.
• Serve and enjoy: Your air-fried frozen meat is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Remember to refer to specific recipes and guidelines for the type of meat you are cooking, as cooking times and temperatures can vary.

Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature

While it is possible to cook frozen meat in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked to prevent foodborne illnesses. Using a meat thermometer is a great way to check the internal temperature of your meat to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

There are many different types of meat thermometers available on the market, from instant-read thermometers to wireless smart thermometers. Wireless smart thermometers, such as the MEATER Plus, offer a convenient way to monitor the internal temperature of your meat remotely via an app. These thermometers often have advanced features, such as guided cook systems and algorithms that estimate cooking and resting times, ensuring perfect results every time.

When cooking frozen meat in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For example, if you are cooking a 1-inch thick ribeye steak, the cooking time for a rare steak will be approximately 10 minutes, while a well-done steak will take approximately 22 minutes.

To use a meat thermometer, simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat and wait for the temperature reading. It is important to note that different meats have different safe internal temperatures. For example, the safe internal temperature for steak is 120-130°F for rare and 135-145°F for medium-rare.

By using a meat thermometer and following recommended cooking times and temperatures, you can ensure that your frozen meat is cooked safely and to your desired level of doneness in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions