Air Fryer Cooking: Frozen Food, How Long?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience, ease of use, and ability to cook food with less grease and oil. They are especially useful for cooking frozen food, which can be cooked more quickly and easily than in a traditional oven. The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks food to a crispy texture, making it a great option for frozen snacks and meals such as French fries, chicken tenders, and mozzarella sticks. When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cook time will be shorter than in a conventional oven. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and use a light coat of oil or cooking spray to enhance the texture and flavour of the food.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your frozen food is cooked to a high standard. It is especially important when cooking frozen food as it helps to evaporate the water that is released when the food thaws, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all air fryers have a preheat setting. If yours does not, you can simply open the basket to estimate the temperature or use an oven-safe thermometer for a more precise reading. If your air fryer does have a preheat function, simply press this button before you begin cooking. If it does not, set the air fryer to the temperature you will be cooking your food at, or the temperature stated in your recipe, and turn it on for 3-5 minutes. Smaller air fryers of less than 3 quarts should be preheated for 2 minutes, while larger air fryers should be preheated for 5 minutes.

It is also important to consider the type of food you are cooking. Preheating is not always necessary and can be detrimental to your meal. For example, when cooking thick, raw foods, such as large chicken breasts, preheating can cause the outside to cook too quickly and become too crisp before the inside is cooked. Similarly, delicate foods, such as small vegetables, may burn on the outside before the inside is tender. In these cases, it is best to start cooking in a cold air fryer so that the food cooks through slowly and evenly.

However, preheating is beneficial when cooking precooked frozen foods, such as french fries, cheese sticks, or fish sticks, as it gives them a crispy texture. It is also useful when reheating leftovers, smaller foods, and thinner frozen foods, as it can make them crispy and cook them quickly.

Don't overcrowd the basket

Overcrowding your air fryer basket can negatively affect the quality of your food. The heat may not cook your food evenly, resulting in a less tasty snack or meal. Therefore, it is important to give your frozen items some space.

For foods that are breaded or wrapped (like mozzarella sticks or egg rolls), fill your basket about halfway and shake your basket about halfway through cooking. For open-faced or uncoated foods (like potato skins or chicken wings), place the food in a single layer in the basket.

If you are cooking fries, potato wedges, or veggies, they can overlap, but you should still not fill your air fryer basket more than halfway. The less overlap, the crispier the result!

Steaks, chicken, spring rolls, dumplings, and similar foods should always be cooked in a single layer. If your food is frozen together, for example, when cooking multiple burgers, you can air fry for a few minutes to thaw, and then separate them.

Shake the basket

Shaking the basket is an important step when cooking frozen food in an air fryer. It ensures even cooking and browning, and helps to achieve that coveted crispy texture. Depending on what you're cooking, it's recommended to give the basket a gentle shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking time.

When cooking frozen foods in an air fryer, it's important to avoid overcrowding the basket. This can hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. For the crispiest results, always cook in a single layer. For foods like fries, potato wedges, and veggies, it's okay to overlap a little, but still, don't fill the basket more than halfway. The less overlap, the crispier the result!

Additionally, it's generally recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding frozen food. This ensures that the food starts cooking immediately and helps to develop a crispy exterior. The temperature you choose can also make a big difference. As a general rule of thumb, go one step below what you would use in a conventional oven. The recommended oven temperature for frozen foods is usually stated on the bag. For example, if the bag suggests cooking at 400°F (200°C), opt for 350°F (180°C) in your air fryer.

It's worth noting that some air fryers don't have a preheat setting. In this case, you can simply pop open the basket and estimate the temperature or use an oven-safe thermometer for a more accurate reading. While preheating is generally recommended, it's not as crucial when cooking frozen foods, so if you're in a hurry, you can skip it. Just keep in mind that it might add a few minutes to your cooking time.

Another tip to keep in mind is to use a light spritz of cooking spray or a drizzle of oil to enhance the texture and flavor of your frozen food. Air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, and the right amount of oil can help achieve that perfect golden color. However, too much oil can make your food soggy instead of crispy.

Use oil or cooking spray

Using Oil or Cooking Spray in Your Air Fryer

When cooking with an air fryer, you may be wondering whether to use oil or cooking spray. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you get the best results:

Should I Add Oil or Cooking Spray?

Using a small amount of oil or cooking spray is recommended for most frozen foods. This helps to crisp up the food and give it a nice golden colour. However, for certain foods like fish sticks, oil can make them soggy, even if only a little is used. In such cases, it is best to avoid using oil altogether.

It is important to use only a light coat of oil or cooking spray. Many air fryers have a non-stick coating, so using too much oil or spray can erode this coating over time. Instead, use a brush to lightly coat both your basket and food with oil or fat. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray, but be mindful that some sprays contain propellants or additives that may not be suitable for non-stick surfaces.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use olive oil or a neutral cooking oil, or any other oil you typically prefer for cooking. The type of oil you use will depend on your personal preference and the type of food you are preparing.

Benefits of Using Oil or Cooking Spray

Using a small amount of oil or cooking spray can enhance the texture and flavour of your frozen food. It helps to crisp up the exterior of your food, giving it that coveted crunchy texture. Additionally, it can add a nice golden colour to your food, making it more visually appealing.

Tips for Using Oil or Cooking Spray

• Always use a light coat of oil or cooking spray to avoid excess oil affecting the taste and texture of your food.
• If your food already contains some fat, you may not need to add any additional oil or spray.
• For frozen vegetables or dumplings, consider adding a small amount of oil to enhance the crispness and flavour.
• If using oil, consider brushing it onto your food and the air fryer basket to ensure an even and light coating.

Adjust the temperature

Adjusting the temperature is a crucial aspect of cooking with an air fryer, and it requires careful consideration to achieve the desired results. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you adjust the temperature when cooking frozen food in your air fryer:

• Oven Temperature Conversion: When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to set the temperature one step below what you would use in a conventional oven. For instance, if the oven temperature suggested on the food packaging is 400°F (200°C), you should set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This adjustment accounts for the efficient heating and circulation of hot air in the air fryer.
• Cheese-Filled Foods: Keep in mind that some frozen foods, such as mozzarella sticks or chili cheese nuggets, are filled with cheese. To prevent the cheese from leaking out, it is advisable to cook these items at a lower temperature, around 350°F (180°C). This allows the food to cook thoroughly without compromising the integrity of the cheese filling.
• Thawing and Preheating: While air fryers excel at cooking frozen food, you may choose to thaw your food slightly before cooking. Additionally, preheating your air fryer is generally recommended, but it is not as crucial when cooking frozen foods. If you are in a hurry, you can skip the preheating step, but keep in mind that it may add a few minutes to your overall cooking time.
• Cooking from Raw: When cooking raw meat, such as steak or chicken, directly from frozen, you will need to ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safe consumption. For example, poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while beef should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Frozen Snacks: Most frozen snacks, such as French fries, chicken tenders, and mozzarella sticks, cook well at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F (175-200°C). This temperature range helps achieve the coveted crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
• Adjustments for Size: Remember that the size of your air fryer will also impact the cooking time and temperature. Smaller air fryers, typically those with a capacity of 2 to 4 quarts, will cook food faster because the heating element is closer to the food. Therefore, you may need to reduce the temperature slightly to prevent overcooking.
• Trial and Error: Don't be afraid to experiment with different temperature settings. Once you have cooked your first batch of frozen food in the air fryer, you will have a better understanding of the ideal temperature for your preferred texture. Each air fryer is unique, so finding the perfect temperature for your specific model may take some trial and error.

Frequently asked questions