Air Fryer Frozen Food: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're a great way to cook food quickly and conveniently, without compromising on taste or texture. One of the best things about air fryers is that you can cook frozen food in them – from frozen meat and vegetables to snacks and appetizers. So, if you're wondering whether you can put frozen food into an air fryer, the answer is a resounding yes!

Can you put frozen food into an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in achieving the best texture and taste for your food. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you preheat your air fryer effectively:

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your food cooks evenly throughout the entire cooking process. It helps you achieve that desired crunch and crispiness that air fryers are known for. Without preheating, your food may not cook as efficiently, and you may not get the same level of crispness.

How to Preheat Your Air Fryer:

The process of preheating your air fryer will vary slightly depending on the make and model. However, most air fryers require you to plug them in, turn them on, and set the desired temperature before cooking. Some models have a dedicated preheat button, while others may require you to manually set the temperature and time.

Temperature and Timing:

When preheating your air fryer, it's recommended to set the temperature to around 400°F. The preheating time can range from 5 to 7 minutes, or until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature. For example, if you're cooking frozen chicken tenders, you'd preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes before adding the food.

Oiling the Basket:

It is generally not recommended to add oil to the air fryer basket during the preheating process. Adding oil beforehand can cause it to bake into the basket, making it sticky and potentially affecting the taste of your food. Instead, wait until after preheating to spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding your food.

Preheating for Different Foods:

It is suggested to preheat your air fryer regardless of the type of food you are cooking. Whether you're cooking chicken, vegetables, or frozen foods, preheating ensures even cooking and the best results. Frozen foods, in particular, benefit from preheating as it helps evaporate the water released during thawing, reducing the chances of sogginess.

Preheating without a Preheat Setting:

If your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat setting, don't worry. You can still preheat it by setting the desired temperature and letting it run for a few minutes. You can estimate the temperature by opening the basket or use an oven-safe thermometer for a more accurate reading.

Don't overcrowd the basket

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to not overcrowd the basket. This is because air fryers rely on convection to get food crisp and even cooking. If the air fryer is overcrowded, the hot air won't be able to circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking.

The basket on most air fryers is small, with room to comfortably cook two servings of meat or fish, or four servings of a vegetable side. It may be tempting to stack or squish food closer together to cook more at once, but the results will likely be disappointing. Instead, cook in batches to get better and faster results. Air fryer cooking is generally faster than roasting or frying, so don't worry about cooking everything at once.

The only exception to overcrowding the basket is when steaming certain vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and similar items. In this case, it's okay to fill the fryer as the vegetables will steam instead of crisp. However, it's important to stir or shake the vegetables halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

To get the best results when using an air fryer, always cook food in a single layer in the basket and give it enough space to circulate air properly.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket of your air fryer halfway through the cooking process is an important step to ensure your food cooks evenly and gets that desired crispiness. By shaking the basket, you're redistributing the food, allowing it to cook uniformly and ensuring that hot air hits all surfaces. This is especially important when cooking smaller food items like French fries or crispy vegetables, but it's a good habit to get into with all foods.

Shaking the basket also lets you check on the colour of your food and make sure it's getting that golden brown crisp. If your food is breaded and bite-sized, like mozzarella sticks or egg rolls, you can fill the basket about halfway and give it a good shake halfway through cooking. This will help you avoid the mistake of overcrowding your air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking and less tasty results.

So, don't be afraid to give that basket a jostle! It's a simple step that can elevate your air-fried meals and ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.

Use oil or cooking spray

While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, a light spritz of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil can enhance the texture and flavor of your frozen food. However, it's important to note that not all oils or cooking sprays are suitable for air fryers. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get the best results when using oil or cooking spray with your air fryer:

Choose the Right Oil or Spray

Avoid using grocery store cooking sprays in a can, as they can contain propellants or other additives that may damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time. Instead, opt for a cooking spray designed specifically for air fryers, or simply use a brush to coat your food and the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil.

Prepare Your Food Properly

Before placing your frozen food in the air fryer, ensure it is properly prepared. If your food already has some fat content, you may not need to add any additional oil. For foods that tend to stick, such as breaded items, a light coat of oil or cooking spray can help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Control the Amount of Oil

When using oil, it's important to use it sparingly. A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer. Excess oil can drip off your food and create smoke, so be sure to lightly coat your food and the air fryer basket with just a small amount.

Consider the Type of Food

Different types of food may require different amounts and types of oil. For example, frozen vegetables or dumplings may benefit from a light coating of oil to enhance their flavor and texture. On the other hand, breaded or battered foods may not need any additional oil at all.

Maintain Your Air Fryer

To ensure the longevity of your air fryer, proper maintenance is key. After each use, clean your air fryer basket and any accessories thoroughly to remove any excess oil or food residue. This will help prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance for your next cooking adventure.

Adjust the temperature and time

Adjusting the temperature and time is crucial when cooking with an air fryer. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

• Temperature Settings: Most air fryers have a maximum heat setting of 400°F. If the package instructions recommend a higher temperature, reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, if cooking frozen chicken leg quarters, set the air fryer to 370°F initially and then increase it to 400°F.
• Cook Time: The cook time will depend on the type of food and its size. As a general rule of thumb, start checking smaller items after around eight minutes and larger items after about ten minutes. For instance, smaller items like mozzarella sticks or potato skins will take around eight minutes, while larger items like chicken leg quarters can take up to 20 minutes or more.
• Adjustments: When cooking frozen food, you will likely need to increase the cook time. For frozen meats, fish, and poultry, a good rule of thumb is to cook the items for 1.5 times longer than you would if they were not frozen. For example, if a recipe recommends cooking fresh chicken for 20 minutes, you would cook frozen chicken for 30 minutes.
• Checking Doneness: It is important to check on your food periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly and to prevent overcooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of meats, ensuring they have reached the recommended safe temperature. For example, chicken is typically safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Preheating: Preheat your air fryer before adding frozen food. This helps ensure the food starts cooking immediately and develops a crispy exterior.
• Oil Usage: While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, a light spritz of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil can enhance the texture and flavor of your frozen food. However, avoid using grocery store cooking spray in a can, as it can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time.

Frequently asked questions