Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen food quickly and easily. They can cook a wide variety of frozen foods, from frozen meats, fish, and vegetables to frozen pizzas, dumplings, and snacks. The air fryer's small size and hot air circulation make it ideal for beginners and those looking for a quick, healthy, and convenient way to cook their favourite frozen foods.
Frozen Foods that can be Cooked in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 300°F to 400°F |
| Time | 8 to 30 minutes |
| Food Type | Frozen meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, and snacks |
| Specific Foods | Chicken breast, chicken wings, tater tots, sweet potato fries, chicken nuggets, egg rolls, meatballs, pork loin, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, shrimp, bacon, crab cakes, dumplings, steak, corn dogs, chicken pot pie, bagel bites, pizza, and more |
| Preparation | No need to thaw, preheat the air fryer, and leave enough room for air circulation |
| Oil | Not required for breaded or battered foods, but may be needed for other foods |
| Clean-up | Use a parchment round or silicone liner for easy clean-up |
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What You'll Learn
Frozen meats
When cooking frozen meats, it is recommended to set the air fryer to the air fryer or air crisp option. It is also important to cook frozen meats in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. For thicker cuts of meat, it is advisable to cook them at a lower temperature to allow them to cook from the inside out.
Some specific examples of frozen meats that can be cooked in an air fryer include chicken tenders, chicken wings, steak, pork chops, and chicken leg quarters. Chicken tenders, for instance, can be cooked in the air fryer until they are hot and crispy. Chicken wings will also come out crispy and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. A frozen steak can be cooked in the air fryer in just 30 minutes, resulting in a delicious meal that tastes just as good as if it were cooked from fresh.
For chicken leg quarters, recipe blogger Christine Pittman suggests placing them skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooking at 370°F for 20 minutes. Then, brush both sides with melted butter or oil, season with salt and pepper, and cook skin-side up at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°. For larger cuts of meat, such as a pork loin roast, Pittman recommends starting at a lower temperature to aid in thawing and then increasing the heat to finish cooking.
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Frozen fish
When cooking frozen fish, there is no need to defrost it first. Simply place the frozen fillets directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space around each fillet for the air to circulate and crisp them up. Breaded fish fillets can be cooked in under 15 minutes, and you can use any type of frozen white fish fillets, such as tilapia, pollock, haddock, halibut, or cod. For non-breaded fish fillets, brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before cooking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the type of fish, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes.
For breaded fish, start by coating the fish with a thin layer of olive oil. Then, dip the fillets in beaten eggs and coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs. Place the fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. Serve with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges, and pair it with french fries, sweet potato chips, or tater tots for a delicious fish and chips meal.
You can also use frozen fish fillets to make fish sandwiches or fish tacos. Add some coleslaw, jalapenos, or sriracha mayo for an extra kick of flavor. With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, perfectly cooked fish without the mess and grease of deep frying.
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Frozen veggies
Frozen vegetables are a convenient and healthy option for a quick and easy side dish. They can be cooked in an air fryer without any need for defrosting, making them a great choice for a last-minute meal.
To cook frozen veggies in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the frozen vegetables in the air fryer basket, preferably in a single layer to ensure even cooking. It is fine to have multiple layers, but make sure there is enough space for hot air to circulate. Drizzle or spray the veggies with olive oil or avocado oil and add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated.
Air fry the vegetables for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and drain any excess water. Air fry for an additional 5-9 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they do not burn. The total cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the size of the pieces. Smaller-sized pieces work best, and green beans, for example, will only need 4 minutes, whereas larger vegetables like whole Brussels sprouts may need up to 20 minutes. The vegetables are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and air fry for an additional minute if desired. Frozen veggies cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish with fiber-filled carbohydrates and lean protein, or with main course dishes such as steak, chicken, or pork tenderloin.
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Frozen chicken
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air fryer meals as they are versatile and can be seasoned and prepared in a variety of ways. Frozen chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer without thawing, making them a convenient option for a quick dinner. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the breasts, but generally, they will take between 15 and 35 minutes to cook at 400°F. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for at least 4 minutes and to cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
To cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the desired number of frozen chicken breasts in the basket and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat once halfway through. At this point, the chicken will have thawed, and you can remove it from the air fryer and rub it with oil and a spice mix. Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders can also be cooked from frozen in an air fryer and will turn out hot and crispy. They can be seasoned after being flipped halfway through the cooking process.
Chicken Wings
Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is another frozen chicken option that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that is ready in just 10 minutes.
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Frozen snacks
Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, mozzarella sticks are a classic snack option. Air-frying them gives them a perfect crispy texture without the cheese bursting out. Serve them with your favourite tomato sauce for dipping.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a beloved snack, and air-frying them makes them crispy and juicy. Whether they're dino-shaped or alphabet-shaped, they're a fun and tasty treat for both kids and adults. Serve them with ketchup or throw them on a salad for a more grown-up twist.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are another crowd-pleasing snack, especially for kids. Air-frying them makes them crispy and crunchy on the outside, while keeping them tender and fluffy on the inside. They're a great alternative to French fries and can be served with your favourite dips or sauces.
Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls are a quick and easy snack option. Air-frying them gives them a crispy crust while keeping the inside cheesy and delicious. They're perfect for when you're short on time and don't want to wait for the oven to preheat.
Curly Fries
Curly fries are a fun and tasty snack that can be made in a snap with an air fryer. They go from freezer to table in less than 15 minutes, making them a convenient and irresistible side dish or snack.
Mini Corn Dogs
Mini corn dogs are a snack that both kids and adults will enjoy. Air-frying them makes them crispy and golden, and they're ready in just 15 minutes! They're perfect for snacking, lunch, or even dinner.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy snack, don't be afraid to reach for your air fryer. It can transform a variety of frozen snacks into delicious treats in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
There are many easy frozen foods to cook in an air fryer, including frozen French fries, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings.
Some frozen foods that can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick and healthy meal include shrimp, salmon, and broccoli.
It is recommended to set the air fryer at 400°F and start checking smaller items after around eight minutes, and larger items after around ten minutes. It is also important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
