Here are 15 Best Frozen Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer that may surprise you.
We already know that the air fryer is one of the best ways to cook frozen foods quickly and easily. But, you may be surprised just how easy it is to cook some of your favorite foods straight out of the freezer.
Table of contents
- Why should you use an air fryer?
- Frozen foods that can cook up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Why Do Frozen Foods Cook So Well in the Air Fryer?
- Tips for Cooking Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer
- Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Foods Before Air Frying?
- Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer Beginners
- Frozen Foods That Don’t Cook as Well in the Air Fryer
- FAQ
- Try These Easy Air Fryer Recipes Next
Why should you use an air fryer?
I like that air fryers are a convenient way to cook about anything from snacks to meal to desserts. Maybe even more convenient than you may already think.
Here is what else makes air frying so great.
- Air fryers take up less time to heat up than ovens do.
- You can use an air fryer about anywhere that you can plug it in.
- Air frying food is a healthier way to cook. This is especially true with foods, such as fries, that usually get fried in oil.
- Air frying frozen food makes them crispier than the microwave, faster than the oven, and perfect for busy weeknights, snacks, and easy lunches.
- About anyone can cook with an air fryer.
- Clean up is usually a lot easier when you use an air fryer rather than an oven.
Frozen foods that can cook up beautifully in the air fryer.
1. Frozen French Fries
Air fryer frozen French fries come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them one of the easiest and most popular frozen foods to cook in the air fryer.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 12–18 minutes
- Best Tip: Season the fries with French Fry Seasoning and shake the basket halfway through cooking for the crispiest fries.
You can serve your fries with Easy Homemade Ketchup on the side.
2. Frozen Tater Tots
Tater tots get golden and crispy in the air fryer without needing much effort at all. They are great as a side dish, a snack, or part of an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Best Tip: Cook in a single layer when possible so they crisp evenly.
Try my Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole and my Air Fryer Tater Tots from Scratch Recipe
3. Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Frozen chicken nuggets are one of the best air fryer foods for kids and adults alike. The air fryer gives them a crisp coating without drying them out.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Best Tip: Shake or flip halfway through for even browning.
If you want a homemade option, be sure to try my
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets.
4. Frozen Chicken Tenders
Frozen chicken tenders cook up fast in the air fryer and make an easy lunch or dinner when you need something quick and filling.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
- Best Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket so the coating stays crisp.
You can see my Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders Recipe here.
5. Frozen Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a great frozen food to make in the air fryer because the hot circulating air helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Best Tip: Add a few extra minutes if you like extra crispy wings.
For a homemade version, check out my Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings.
6. Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks turn out crispy and gooey in the air fryer, making them one of the best easy frozen appetizers to keep on hand.
- Temperature: 360–380°F
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Best Tip: Watch them closely near the end so the cheese doesn’t burst out.
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7. Frozen Pizza Rolls
Pizza rolls cook quickly in the air fryer and come out with a crisp outer shell that’s much better than the microwave version.
- Temperature: 380°F
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Best Tip: Let them cool for a minute before serving because the filling gets very hot.
8. Frozen Taquitos
Frozen taquitos are perfect for the air fryer because they get crispy on the outside while heating
through on the inside.
- Temperature: 380–400°F
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Best Tip: Flip halfway through cooking for the most even crisping.
9. Frozen Egg Rolls
Egg rolls crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, making them a simple appetizer or side dish when you
want takeout-style flavor at home.
- Temperature: 380°F
- Cook Time: 10–14 minutes (depending on the size of the egg rolls).
- Best Tip: A light spray of oil can help make them even crispier.
10. Frozen Onion Rings
Frozen onion rings are another air fryer favorite because they turn golden and crisp in much less time than the oven and they are not coated in oil.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Best Tip: Spread them out as much as possible so they cook evenly.
11. Frozen Hash Brown Patties
Hash brown patties are one of the easiest frozen breakfast items to make in the air fryer, and they
get wonderfully crisp on the outside.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Best Tip: They’re great for breakfast sandwiches or an easy breakfast side.
12. Frozen Garlic Bread or Texas Toast
Garlic bread and Texas toast cook quickly in the air fryer and make an easy side dish for pasta, casseroles, soups, and more.
- Temperature: 350–370°F
- Cook Time: 5–8 minutes
- Best Tip: Check early so the edges do not brown too fast.
You can see my Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe here.
13. Frozen Mini Pizzas
Personal-size frozen pizzas work especially well in the air fryer because the crust gets crisp and the cheese melts quickly.
- Temperature: 370–390°F
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Best Tip: This works best for smaller pizzas that fit comfortably in the basket.
See my Easy Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Recipe here.
14. Frozen Fish Sticks
Fish sticks are a quick and easy dinner option, and the air fryer helps them stay crisp without turning soggy.
- Temperature: 400°F
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Best Tip: Flip once during cooking for even crispness.
15. Frozen Burritos
Frozen burritos can be cooked in the air fryer for a crispy outside and hot center, making them a great shortcut meal when you need something fast.
- Temperature: 350–375°F
- Cook Time: 12–18 minutes
- Best Tip: A slightly lower temperature helps heat the middle before the outside gets too dark.
If you love easy freezer shortcuts, you may also enjoy my
Easy Frozen Burrito Casserole.
Why Do Frozen Foods Cook So Well in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is perfect for frozen foods because it circulates hot air around the food, helping it cook quickly and crisp up at the same time. It is one of the easiest ways to make frozen snacks, appetizers, and meals taste better without using the oven.
- Crispier than the microwave
- Faster than the oven
- Great for small portions
- Easy cleanup
- Perfect for busy weeknights and quick snacks
Tips for Cooking Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer
- Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Shake or flip food halfway through cooking.
- Cook in a single layer when possible.
- Check food early since cook times vary by air fryer model.
- Keep in mind that cook
times can vary a little depending on your air fryer model and the brand of frozen food you use. - Larger frozen foods may need a lower temperature and longer cook time.
- In most cases, you do not need to thaw frozen foods first.
Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Foods Before Air Frying?
In most cases, no. One of the best things about cooking frozen foods in the air fryer is that you can take them straight from the freezer and cook them right away. Some extra-thick foods or larger frozen meats may need a little more time, but most frozen convenience foods do not need to be thawed first.
Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer Beginners
If you’re new to air frying, start with easy favorites that cook quickly and consistently.
- Frozen French fries
- Frozen tater tots
- Frozen chicken nuggets
- Frozen mozzarella sticks
- Frozen pizza rolls
Frozen Foods That Don’t Cook as Well in the Air Fryer
While the air fryer works well for many frozen foods, some items are not the best fit.
- Loose battered foods
- Very saucy frozen foods
- Oversized frozen meals in flimsy trays
- Foods that need a lot of moisture to stay tender
FAQ
- What frozen foods cook best in the air fryer?
Some of the best frozen foods to cook in the air fryer include French fries, tater tots, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, pizza rolls, onion rings, and frozen chicken wings. They are easy to make and are usually crowd pleasers. - Can you cook frozen food directly in the air fryer?
Yes, most frozen foods can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer without thawing first. - How do you make frozen foods crispy in the air fryer?
For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the basket, cook food in a single layer when possible, and shake or flip the food halfway through cooking. Also, many foods, such as breaded food or fries, can be sprayed with oil before placing them into the air fryer to help crispin them up. - Is the air fryer better than the oven for frozen foods? In many cases, yes. The air fryer usually cooks frozen foods faster and gives them a crispier texture than the oven. What I like about using an air fryer is that I can make or heat up a single serving just for myself instead of having to heat up the oven. This is far more convenient and less wasteful.
Try These Easy Air Fryer Recipes Next
If you need quick meal ideas, these are some of the best frozen foods to cook in the air fryer. They’re easy, convenient, and perfect for those days when you need something fast without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes? Be sure to check these out:
