Frozen food. We all lean on it sometimes, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner, a last-minute snack attack, or simply for convenience. But let’s be honest, microwaving often leaves things soggy, and conventional ovens can take ages. Enter the air fryer – a game-changer for transforming frozen items into deliciously crispy, golden-brown perfection. If you’re wondering what the best air fryer for frozen food is, you’ve come to the right place!
Air fryers use superheated air to circulate around your food, giving it that deep-fried crispness with significantly less oil. This means your frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and even veggies come out tasting like they were just made fresh. We’ve rounded up 10 top contenders and essential accessories that will elevate your frozen food game.
Why an Air Fryer is a Must-Have for Frozen Food
Forget soggy results! An air fryer breathes new life into frozen meals. It’s all about convenience, speed, and achieving that irresistible crunch without the guilt of excess oil. Plus, many models offer versatile functions beyond just “air frying,” making them multi-talented kitchen companions. Choosing the right appliance, the best air fryer for frozen food, depends on your family size, counter space, and desired features.
Here are our top picks and some incredibly useful accessories:
1. Ninja Air Fryer (4-Quart)
This Ninja Air Fryer is a fantastic entry-level model that doesn’t skimp on performance, especially when it comes to delivering that signature Ninja crisp. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller households or kitchens with limited counter space, while still providing ample room for a good batch of fries or chicken tenders. What makes it stand out is its ability to achieve up to 75% less fat compared to traditional frying, letting you enjoy your favorite frozen treats guilt-free.
- Key Features:
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods (tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries).
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F for versatile cooking.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- DEHYDRATE: Create chip-like dehydrated foods.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher safe parts.
- Pros:
- Excellent at crisping with minimal oil.
- Compact footprint ideal for small kitchens.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile functions beyond just air frying.
- Cons:
- 4-quart might be too small for larger families.
- No smart features or advanced pre-sets.
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise its reliable performance for crispy results and its ease of cleaning. Many highlight it as a perfect starter air fryer that truly delivers on its promises, especially for quick frozen meals.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
Stepping up slightly in capacity from its sibling, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-QT is designed for those who need a bit more room without sacrificing counter space. Its “Frozen to Crispy” feature is a direct testament to its prowess with frozen foods, ensuring your snacks and meals go from icy to perfectly golden in minutes. This model truly embodies Ninja’s dedication to efficient, crispy cooking.
- Key Features:
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Latest Ninja design saves countertop space.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- Pros:
- Specifically designed to handle frozen foods efficiently.
- Generous 5-quart capacity for families.
- Maintains Ninja’s excellent crisping ability.
- Compact design despite larger capacity.
- Cons:
- Limited functions compared to oven-style air fryers.
- Can be noisy during operation.
- User Impressions: Customers love its larger capacity and the speed at which it cooks frozen items. The “Frozen to Crispy” feature is a definite hit, making it a go-to for convenience and quality results.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo
If you’re looking for an appliance that goes beyond just air frying, the Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo is a powerhouse. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged toaster oven with dual cooking zones, making it incredibly versatile for preparing entire meals. Its “Frozen to Fabulous” capability truly shines, allowing you to cook different items at different temperatures simultaneously, ensuring everything finishes perfectly.
- Key Features:
- ALL-IN-ONE COOKING: Blends 10 kitchen tools into one (french door air fryer toaster oven combo).
- DUAL-ZONE MASTERY: Two independent temperature zones for simultaneous cooking.
- PERFECTLY SYNCED MEALS: QuickSync Technology ensures dishes finish at the same time.
- GENEROUS COOKING SPACE: XL 25-Qt. capacity, remove dividers for extensive cooking.
- FROZEN TO FABULOUS: Converts frozen treats to cooked meals in minutes without thawing.
- Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with dual cooking zones.
- Large capacity is great for families or entertaining.
- QuickSync technology is a fantastic time-saver for meal prep.
- Excellent for cooking frozen foods directly from the freezer.
- Cons:
- Larger footprint requires more counter space.
- Higher price point than basket-style air fryers.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are amazed by its versatility and the ability to cook multiple dishes at once. The “dual zone” feature is a particular favorite, making complex meals much simpler, especially for those who frequently cook frozen sides.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Another stellar offering from Emeril Lagasse, this Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is built for serious cooking. With a vast 26-quart capacity and 25 cooking presets, it’s ready to handle anything from a quick frozen pizza to a rotisserie chicken. Its dual-speed fan ensures optimal air circulation, guaranteeing perfectly golden-fried crisping, which is exactly what you want when tackling larger batches of frozen appetizers or meals.
- Key Features:
- VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates various meals.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Auto-off toast countdown timer.
- 25 COOKING PRE-SETS: Wide variety of cooking methods (Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, etc.).
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping with 360º superheated air circulation.
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: Suitable for 4–6 people, rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: Beautiful aesthetic and elegant French doors.
- Pros:
- Massive capacity for large families or gatherings.
- Numerous presets simplify cooking a wide range of foods.
- Excellent air circulation for even, crispy results.
- Stylish design with convenient French doors.
- Cons:
- Very large footprint, may not fit all kitchens.
- Learning curve due to extensive features.
- User Impressions: Users praise its large capacity and ability to replace multiple appliances. It’s a fantastic choice for those who cook large quantities of frozen items, like family-sized bags of fries or multiple boxes of frozen pizzas.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart Magnet
While not an air fryer itself, this Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart Magnet is an absolute game-changer for anyone regularly cooking frozen food in their air fryer. It’s a “cheat sheet” that provides quick, easy-to-read cooking times and temperatures for over 90 different foods, including a dedicated section for frozen items. This accessory truly helps you get the most out of your best air fryer for frozen food by eliminating guesswork and ensuring consistently perfect results.
- Key Features:
- Air fryer magnetic cheat sheet: Spells out cooking time, temperature, and food size.
- Extra large & easy to read: 11×8.5 inches with large, bold type.
- Comprehensive: Covers over 90 foods, including Beef, Pork & Lamb, Chicken, Vegetables, Seafood, Frozen Foods, and Sweets.
- Wide compatibility: Designed for all air fryer models (Ninja, Instant Vortex, Cosori, etc.).
- Superior quality: Waterproof and easy to clean.
- Pros:
- Eliminates guesswork for cooking times and temperatures.
- Extremely convenient and easy to read at a glance.
- Comprehensive list covers most common frozen foods.
- Durable and easy to clean, sticks right on your fridge.
- Cons:
- It’s an accessory, not the appliance itself.
- General times may need slight adjustments for specific models or desired crispness.
- User Impressions: Customers absolutely love the convenience and utility of this magnet. It’s frequently described as an “essential” or “must-have” accessory that makes air frying frozen food much simpler and more consistent.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Ninja Foodi Smart XL 13-in-1 Digital Countertop Oven
The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is a behemoth of versatility, combining the power of an air fryer with the functionality of a smart oven. Its Dual Heat Technology – a searing plate and rapid cyclonic air – is perfect for giving frozen proteins a beautiful sear while crisping them to perfection. The integrated Smart Cook System means no more undercooked or overcooked food, even when dealing with varied frozen items. This is truly one of the best air fryer for frozen food options for those who want maximum control and cooking options.
- Key Features:
- DUAL HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Up to 500°F SearPlate and 500°F rapid cyclonic air for simultaneous searing and crisping.
- MAXIMUM VERSATILITY: 13 Functions including Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat.
- SMART COOK SYSTEM: Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
- AIR FRYER HEALTHY MEALS: Up to 75% less fat using air fry function.
- FASTER COOKING: Up to 65% faster cooking vs. a full-size electric oven.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Fit up to 6 chicken breasts, cook a 2-lb roast, or air fry up to 4 lbs.
- RECLAIM YOUR COUNTER SPACE: Flips up and away for storage.
- Pros:
- Incredibly versatile with 13 functions.
- Smart thermometer ensures perfect results, even for tricky frozen meats.
- Dual Heat Technology excels at crisping and searing.
- Space-saving design when flipped up.
- Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Can be a bit bulky when in use.
- User Impressions: Users rave about its ability to cook a wide variety of foods, especially frozen pizzas and meats, to perfection. The smart thermometer is a highlight, making cooking more precise and less stressful. The space-saving flip-up design is also highly appreciated.
- See it on Amazon here
7. The Idea Of Air Fryer Frozen Recipes: The Ultimate Guide
Just like the magnetic chart, this recipe book isn’t an air fryer itself, but it’s an invaluable companion to any air fryer owner, especially for those looking to master frozen foods. Having a dedicated guide to air fryer frozen recipes can unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities, ensuring you get the most out of your appliance. It’s perfect for discovering new ways to transform everyday frozen items into exciting meals and snacks.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive guide to air fryer frozen recipes.
- Aims to provide diverse meal ideas for common frozen ingredients.
- Likely includes tips for cooking times, temperatures, and techniques.
- Designed to enhance your air frying experience with frozen foods.
- Pros:
- Provides specific recipes and instructions, taking the guesswork out of cooking frozen items.
- Inspires creativity beyond basic frozen fries.
- Helps maximize the utility of your air fryer.
- A great resource for beginners and experienced users alike.
- Cons:
- Not a physical cooking appliance.
- Requires purchasing the book separately.
- User Impressions: While no specific features were provided for this item, similar recipe books are typically praised for their clear instructions, variety of recipes, and practical tips that help users consistently achieve great results with their air fryers.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven, 6-Qt Basket Stainless Steel Air Fryer
Cuisinart brings its reputation for quality kitchen appliances to the air fryer market with this versatile 6-quart basket model. What sets it apart for frozen foods are its dedicated “Frozen Snacks” preset and the handy “toss reminder.” These features ensure your frozen appetizers, fries, and other goodies are evenly cooked and perfectly crispy, taking the guesswork out of achieving that ideal texture. It’s a solid contender for the best air fryer for frozen food if you value precision and convenience.
- Key Features:
- Versatile Kitchen Appliance: 5 air fry presets (French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, Vegetables, & Leftovers).
- Healthier Home Cooking: Less oil with even hot-air-powered cooking.
- Precise Controls: Digital display, large viewing window, and toss reminder.
- Perfectly Warm Every Time: Adjustable temperature settings up to 450°F and automatic warming mode.
- Limited 3-year Warranty.
- Pros:
- Dedicated “Frozen Snacks” preset is highly convenient.
- Toss reminder ensures even crisping.
- Large viewing window to monitor progress.
- Automatic warming mode keeps food hot.
- Cons:
- Basket style may require shaking for even cooking.
- Digital display can be less intuitive for some users.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the specific presets, especially the one for frozen snacks, which makes cooking incredibly easy. The toss reminder is a frequently mentioned positive, ensuring consistent crispiness for items like fries and wings.
- See it on Amazon here
9. MIRASTON 4.5QT Air Fryer, Compact Digital Touch Control
The MIRASTON 4.5QT Air Fryer is a fantastic choice for individuals or small families looking for a compact, efficient, and user-friendly air fryer. Its 360° Hot Air Circulation Tech ensures food is cooked evenly and quickly, delivering crispy results even from frozen. It boasts a rapid cooking time and a wide temperature range, making it incredibly versatile for all your frozen food needs, all while taking up minimal counter space.
- Key Features:
- 360° Hot Air Circulation Tech: Cooks food evenly, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside with little to no oil.
- Fast & Convenient for Meals: Delivers crispy, perfectly cooked results in minutes, even with frozen food.
- Perfect Capacity for Every Meal: 4.5QT for 1-3 family members.
- Space-saving compact design.
- Effortless cleaning due to food grade nonstick materials, dishwasher safety.
- Access to colorful recipes.
- Pros:
- Rapid cooking for frozen foods.
- Compact size fits easily into any kitchen.
- Excellent 360° hot air circulation for even crisping.
- Easy to clean nonstick components.
- Cons:
- Capacity might be too small for larger families.
- Fewer advanced features compared to oven-style models.
- User Impressions: Customers love its quick performance and compact size, making it a favorite for dorms, apartments, or small kitchens. It’s highly rated for its ability to produce consistently crispy frozen fries and nuggets.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack XL 2-Basket
For those who need serious capacity and the ability to cook multiple items at once, the Ninja Air Fryer 10QT DoubleStack XL is a dream come true. Its unique stacked design not only saves counter space but also features two independently controlled baskets, allowing you to cook four different foods simultaneously! This is an absolute game-changer for large families or anyone hosting, ensuring all your frozen appetizers and sides are ready at the same time.
- Key Features:
- SPACE SAVING DESIGN: Stacked design cooks double the food in nearly half the space.
- DOUBLESTACK AIR FRYING TECHNOLOGY: 2 independently controlled baskets to cook 4 foods at once.
- COOK 4 FOODS WITH STACKED MEAL RACKS: Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks for 2 levels per basket.
- SMART FINISH & MATCH COOK: Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time, or copy settings for full capacity.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 10 QT capacity cooks two, 5-lb chickens or feeds up to 8 people.
- Pros:
- Unmatched capacity and ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Space-saving stacked design is innovative.
- Smart Finish feature is incredibly convenient for meal timing.
- Ideal for large families or entertaining.
- Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Still a relatively large appliance, even with its space-saving design.
- User Impressions: This model receives rave reviews for its dual-zone cooking and massive capacity. Users with large families or those who entertain frequently find it indispensable for preparing large quantities of crispy frozen items efficiently.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I air fry frozen food instead of using a conventional oven or microwave?
A1: Air frying offers superior results for frozen foods! Unlike microwaves that can leave food soggy, or conventional ovens that take longer to preheat and cook, an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to give your frozen items a perfectly crispy exterior and a tender interior, mimicking the texture of deep-frying with significantly less oil. It’s faster and healthier for most frozen snacks and meals.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen food?
A2: While some smaller items or less dense foods might be fine without it, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes is generally recommended. This ensures the air inside is at the optimal temperature from the start, leading to more even cooking and crispier results, especially for frozen foods that need a quick blast of heat.
Q3: What types of frozen foods cook best in an air fryer?
A3: Air fryers are fantastic for most breaded or pre-fried frozen foods! Think French fries (both regular and sweet potato), chicken nuggets, fish sticks, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, tater tots, frozen spring rolls, and even certain types of frozen vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Just remember to toss them halfway through for even cooking.
Q4: Can I put raw, unbreaded frozen meat or vegetables directly into an air fryer?
A4: Yes, many raw frozen meats and vegetables can be cooked directly from frozen in an air fryer. For meats like chicken breasts or fish fillets, ensure they are separated and ideally in a single layer. For vegetables, a light spray of oil and seasonings can enhance flavor and crispness. Cooking times will be longer than for thawed items, so always use a meat thermometer for proteins.
Q5: How do I prevent my frozen food from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A5: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick, but a light spray of oil (avoiding aerosol cooking sprays that can damage the coating) or a silicone air fryer liner can help. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and potentially sticking.
Q6: Is air frying frozen food truly healthier?
A6: Yes, it generally is! Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional deep frying. While the food itself is still processed (as it’s frozen), using an air fryer allows you to achieve that satisfying crispiness with far less added fat, making it a healthier alternative.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking frozen food?
A7: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. For everyday cleaning, let the parts cool, then wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stickier messes, a quick soak in warm, soapy water usually does the trick. Always consult your specific model’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions.