Air Fryer Frozen Food: What You Need To Know

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience, speed, and ability to produce crispy food without the need for excessive oil. They are a great option for cooking frozen foods, which are often chosen for their convenience, long shelf life, and nutritional value. Frozen foods can be cooked in an air fryer without the need for thawing, and the high heat of the air fryer helps to quickly evaporate any water released during cooking, resulting in a crispy texture.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your frozen food cooks evenly and efficiently. While not all air fryers have a preheat setting, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding your frozen food. This is because frozen food releases water as it thaws, and starting with a high heat will help to quickly evaporate this water, preventing your food from becoming mushy.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by turning it on at your desired cooking temperature for 3 to 5 minutes. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature, and wait for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature. It is important to always check your air fryer's instruction manual, as some models may advise against preheating.

The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Preheating at this temperature range will help to speed up the cooking process and give your food a crispy texture. For example, if you are cooking frozen french fries, preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F.

Preheating your air fryer is especially important if you are aiming for crispy food, such as fried chicken, french fries, or potato chips. It is also beneficial for reheating precooked or frozen foods, as it helps the food cook evenly and quickly, preventing sogginess. Additionally, preheating is recommended when baking goods such as cakes, donuts, and cookies, as it ensures an even temperature from the start of the baking process, leading to perfectly baked treats.

Don't overcrowd the basket

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. This is because overcrowding can affect the cooking results, leading to soggy and unappetizing food. The hot air circulation that an air fryer relies on to cook food evenly and quickly can be hindered if the basket is too full.

To get the best results, it's recommended to cook in batches and arrange food in a single layer in the basket. This is especially important for foods like steaks, chicken, spring rolls, dumplings, and similar items. For breaded or wrapped foods, filling the basket halfway and shaking it halfway through cooking is a good practice. For open-faced or uncoated foods, a single layer is crucial.

By avoiding overcrowding, you ensure that hot air can circulate effectively, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked food. This is one of the key advantages of using an air fryer over other cooking methods.

Additionally, when cooking frozen foods, it's generally best to cook from frozen rather than defrosting first. Preheating the air fryer is also recommended, but not always necessary. Adjusting the temperature and cook time is crucial, as air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens.

Use oil spray

Using an oil spray is a great way to ensure your food doesn't dry out when using an air fryer. While some foods, such as frozen foods, already contain oil, a light coating of oil spray can help to keep your food moist and give it a golden colour.

It is important to note that you should not use non-stick cooking spray in an air fryer, as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are all good choices due to their high smoke points. You can also use a basting brush to coat your food in oil, or toss your food in a bowl with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

When using an oil spray, only a light coat is necessary. If your food already contains some fat, you might not need to add any additional oil. For frozen foods, spray with about 1 teaspoon of oil on all sides, and add more if the food looks too dry while cooking.

In addition to preventing your food from drying out, using an oil spray can also help your seasoning stick to your food. For example, when making frozen French fries, a light coating of olive oil spray can help the salt stick to the fries.

Adjust temperature and cook time

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's important to adjust both the temperature and cook time for optimal results. Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, cooking it more quickly and evenly than a traditional oven. Therefore, the recommended cook time on the package will be too long for air frying.

If the package recommends a heat setting that your air fryer can reach, it's generally a good idea to reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit and halve the cooking time. This allows you to check on your food and make adjustments as needed without risking overcooking. For example, if a package suggests an oven temperature of 350°F, set your air fryer to between 325°F and 330°F.

Additionally, consider the type of food you're cooking. For thicker meats, it's best to cook at a lower temperature to ensure they cook thoroughly from the inside out. On the other hand, if you're cooking packaged frozen foods, a higher temperature will help achieve that coveted crispy texture.

It's also worth noting that different air fryer models have varying maximum heat settings, typically ranging from 350°F to 400°F. So, be sure to consult your air fryer's instructions to determine the appropriate temperature and cook time for your specific model.

By making these adjustments, you can ensure your frozen food is cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer with your air fryer is a great way to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection. It can help you avoid serving undercooked meat, which can cause foodborne illnesses, and overcooked meat, which can be dry and unappetizing.

There are two basic categories of meat thermometers: those that you stick into the meat to read the temperature after removing it from the oven or air fryer, and those that you leave in the meat while it cooks. The latter type often has a probe that remains in the meat and may feature customizable alarms to prevent overcooking.

• Read the manufacturer's instructions for your thermometer and air fryer before use.
• For accurate temperature readings, insert the probe into the center of the meat, ensuring it is in the thickest part, and close to the bone if the cut has one.
• If using a wireless thermometer, input all the necessary information into the accompanying app or digital receiver, such as the type of meat and the desired final temperature.
• Preheat your air fryer and season your meat before inserting the probe.
• Place the meat in the air fryer and start the cooking process.
• Monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process via the app or receiver. Most wireless thermometers will provide a current internal temperature and an estimated completion time.
• Remove the meat from the air fryer once it reaches the desired temperature and let it rest.

Using a meat thermometer is a precise way to ensure your meat is cooked to your desired doneness while also maintaining food safety. By following the above steps, you can confidently cook your meat to perfection and enjoy a delicious, safely cooked meal.

Frequently asked questions