Air Fryer Cooking: Frozen Food, Fast And Tasty

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen food. From crispy chicken wings to flaky chicken pot pies, you can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer without any thawing or defrosting. Depending on what you're cooking, it can take as little as 10 minutes to cook frozen food in an air fryer.

Preheat for optimal crispiness

Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding your frozen food. This helps achieve even cooking and a crispy texture. The optimal crispiness is achieved when the air fryer is preheated, so the food cooks evenly and quickly. This is because the air fryer needs to reach the right temperature to cook the food properly. If the air fryer is not preheated, the food may cook unevenly and become soggy. By preheating the air fryer, you ensure that the food cooks through and gets crispy on the outside.

Don't overcrowd the basket

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Give your frozen items some space to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture. Depending on what you're cooking, you might need to give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time for uniform browning.

For example, when making curly fries or waffle fries in the air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. These dishes are typically ready in under 15 minutes, so you don't want to risk uneven cooking by overcrowding the basket. Similarly, when cooking frozen bagel bites, which are also ready in under 15 minutes, it's crucial to give them space in the basket to ensure even cooking.

If you're preparing a larger item, such as a frozen chicken pot pie, it's especially important not to overcrowd the basket. The air fryer will create a flaky, golden crust, but only if the air can circulate properly. The same principle applies when cooking frozen bacon, which takes about 30 minutes in the air fryer. By giving the bacon enough space in the basket, you'll achieve the desired crispy texture.

So, whether you're cooking curly fries, bagel bites, chicken pot pie, or bacon, remember to give your frozen food some breathing room in the air fryer basket. This simple step will ensure even cooking and the perfect crispy texture every time.

Shake it up

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen food, whether you're preparing crispy fries, golden chicken nuggets, or roasted veggies. To get the most out of your air fryer, it's important to shake things up a bit. Literally!

Depending on what you're cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure uniform browning and help you achieve that perfect, crispy texture. It's a simple step, but it makes a big difference in the final result.

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it's also important not to overcrowd the basket. Give your frozen items some space to breathe. Overcrowding can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. So, make sure to leave some room in the basket and give your food a little wiggle room.

By following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to air-fried perfection. So, go ahead and shake things up! Your taste buds will thank you.

Cooking times for frozen foods

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen food. Whether you're preparing crispy fries, golden chicken nuggets, roasted veggies, or even frozen steak, an air fryer is up to the task.

Before you start cooking, it's important to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve even cooking and a crispy texture. You should also make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.

• Frozen bagel bites are ready in just under 15 minutes.
• Marie Callender frozen chicken pot pie will be ready in around 30 minutes, with a flaky, golden crust.
• Frozen bacon is ready in 30 minutes without any thawing or defrosting.
• Aldi's crab cakes can be cooked in the air fryer.
• Auntie Anne's frozen pretzels come out perfectly hot and cooked to perfection.
• Frozen waffle fries are ready in 10 minutes.
• Frozen chicken wings are hot, crispy, and perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces.
• Frozen dumplings can be cooked in an air fryer, with a 2-minute dipping sauce.

Frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer

There are many frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer, and it's a great way to get crispy, golden food without the prep. It's important to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding your frozen food to achieve even cooking and a crispy texture. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Depending on what you're cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time for uniform browning.

• Bagel bites
• Chicken pot pie
• Bacon
• Crab cakes
• Dumplings
• Chicken wings
• Steak
• Auntie Anne's pretzels
• Waffle fries
• Curly fries
• Frozen vegetables
• Chicken nuggets

Frequently asked questions