Air Fryer Frozen Food: Quick And Easy Recipes

Air fryers have become a popular appliance for cooking frozen food. They cook food faster, crispier, and more efficiently than conventional ovens. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food to a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. They are perfect for reviving frozen foods, giving them a crunchy texture. Frozen food is incredibly convenient and offers a variety of options, from fruits and vegetables to proteins and ready-made meals. When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and adjust the temperature and cook time as needed.

How to Make Frozen Food in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your frozen food starts cooking immediately and helps to create that desirable crispy exterior. The preheating time will depend on your air fryer, but it should only take a few minutes. Some air fryers don't have a preheat setting, so you can manually check the temperature by opening the basket or using an oven-safe thermometer.

Preheating is especially important when cooking frozen food, as it helps to evaporate the water that is released as the food thaws. This will prevent your food from becoming mushy. Air fryers are ideal for cooking frozen food because they speed up the cooking process and produce a crispy, even finish. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers are the same; some may be hotter or have a different design, so it's always a good idea to use a food thermometer to ensure your food is cooked safely.

When preheating your air fryer, it's also worth keeping in mind the type of food you'll be cooking. Frozen foods that are pre-cooked, breaded, wrapped, or bite-sized tend to cook well in an air fryer. These include dumplings, fish sticks, fries, and mini meatballs. Frozen vegetables can be a bit more challenging, as they can dry out or become soggy. Broccoli, for example, has tiny buds that can turn brittle and dry when heated, while zucchini holds a lot of water and can result in a water-logged mess.

By preheating your air fryer, you'll be one step closer to enjoying your favourite crispy, golden treats. So, whether you're cooking up a batch of fries, chicken tenders, or mini corn dogs, don't forget to give your air fryer a few minutes to warm up before adding your frozen goodies.

Don't overcrowd the basket

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the basket. This is because the heat may not be able to circulate properly, which can result in uneven cooking and a less tasty meal.

The amount of food that constitutes overcrowding will depend on the type of food being cooked. For foods that are breaded or wrapped, such as mozzarella sticks or egg rolls, it is recommended to fill the basket about halfway. For open-faced or uncoated foods, such as potato skins or chicken wings, it is best to place the food in a single layer in the basket.

By giving your food some space, you ensure that the hot air circulated by the air fryer can reach all parts of the food. This helps to produce that coveted crispy exterior that air fryers are known for. It also prevents the food from becoming soggy, which can happen if the heat is unable to reach all parts of the food effectively.

Additionally, leaving some space in the basket allows you to gently shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure uniform browning and prevent sticking.

Shake the basket halfway through

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is an important step when making frozen food in an air fryer. This simple action ensures that your food cooks evenly on all sides, resulting in a consistent texture and colour. It's especially crucial when cooking breaded or battered foods, such as mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, or chicken nuggets, as these items can stick to the basket and benefit from being loosened halfway through.

To shake the basket effectively, start by removing it from the air fryer. Place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet or a countertop that's a safe distance from the appliance. Hold the basket with oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the hot surfaces. Then, simply shake the basket back and forth a few times to toss the food items inside. You can also use tongs or a spatula to gently mix the food, ensuring that all pieces have an opportunity to cook evenly.

The weight distribution of the food within the basket is important for even cooking. By shaking the basket, you can redistribute the food items, ensuring that no single area of the basket is overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate more effectively, cooking the food more evenly. Additionally, shaking the basket helps prevent your food from sticking or becoming fused together. This is particularly beneficial for items like mozzarella sticks or chicken tenders, which can stick to each other or the basket if left undisturbed.

Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process is a simple yet effective technique to enhance your air-frying results. It ensures even cooking, improves texture and colour, and prevents sticking. By taking a moment to shake the basket, you'll end up with delicious, crispy food that's cooked just right on all sides. So, don't forget to give that basket a good shake!

Use oil or grease

Using oil or grease in your air fryer is an important step in achieving the perfect crispy texture and flavour for your frozen foods. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on when and how to use oil or grease:

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers, despite their name, do not actually fry food in the traditional sense. They are essentially a type of convection oven that circulates hot air around the food to cook it evenly and efficiently. This means that you do not need to use as much oil as you would when frying in a pan. However, a light coating of oil or grease can enhance the texture and taste of your frozen food.

When preparing frozen food in an air fryer, it is recommended to lightly coat the basket and the food with oil or fat. This can be done using a brush to ensure an even and light application. It is important to use only a small amount of oil, as many frozen foods already contain some fat, and excess oil can make your food too greasy. Additionally, if your air fryer has a non-stick coating, be sure to use oil or grease instead of cooking spray, as the propellants and additives in sprays can erode the non-stick surface over time.

When choosing an oil or grease for your air fryer, opt for a product that is suitable for high-heat cooking, such as vegetable oil or olive oil. You can also use melted butter for recipes that call for it, such as dough or sandwiches. Simply brush it onto your food before placing it in the air fryer.

It is also important to note that some frozen foods may not require any additional oil. For example, frozen foods that already contain oil, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie options, may not need any extra grease. Adding more oil to these types of foods can make them overly greasy.

By following these instructions and tips, you can ensure that your frozen foods come out of the air fryer with a delicious, crispy texture and just the right amount of grease.

Adjust temperature and cook time

When cooking frozen food in an air fryer, it is important to adjust the temperature and cook time for optimal results. Air fryers are a form of convection oven, which cooks food faster than a conventional oven. Therefore, the recommended cook time listed on the package will be too long.

Air fryers have a maximum heat setting of 400°F, so this should be considered when preparing your food. A general rule of thumb is to reduce the heat by 10 to 25 degrees and halve the cooking time. This allows you to check on your food and adjust the cooking time as needed. For example, if the package recommends cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, you should set your air fryer to 375°F and start with a cooking time of 10 minutes.

It is also important to note that not all air fryers are the same; some may be hotter than others, and designs can vary. Always use a food thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe temperature. Additionally, when cooking frozen foods, it is best to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to prevent your food from becoming mushy.

Frequently asked questions