Are you tired of soggy oven-baked fries or microwave meals that lack that satisfying crunch? If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re in luck! This kitchen powerhouse is a game-changer for transforming your favorite frozen foods into golden, crispy, and incredibly delicious meals in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to excessive oil and hello to healthier, more convenient cooking.
From weeknight dinners to quick snacks and party appetizers, the air fryer makes preparing best frozen foods for air fryer incredibly simple and foolproof. We’ve scoured the market to bring you a list of top-notch frozen items that truly shine when cooked with hot circulating air. Get ready to elevate your frozen food game and discover new favorites that are perfect for busy schedules, picky eaters, or just when you crave something easy and tasty.
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best frozen foods for air fryer that will have you saying “Yum!” in no time.
Product Reviews: The Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
Tyson Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets, 25 Oz.
Tyson really nailed it with these “Air Fried Perfectly Crispy” chicken nuggets. Designed specifically to achieve that ideal crunch in an air fryer, these nuggets are a lifesaver for quick meals and snacks. They cook up golden brown and deliciously tender inside, making them a go-to for kids and adults alike. Made with all-natural white meat chicken, they offer a convenient and protein-packed option for any meal.
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Key Features:
- One 25 oz bag of Tyson Frozen Baked Chicken Breast Nuggets
- Made with white meat chicken
- 15g of protein per serving
- Prepare in an air fryer, oven or microwave
- No added hormones or steroids**
- Made with 100% all natural* chicken
- Perfect for parties, watching the game or as part of a meal
- Fully cooked breaded nugget shaped patties with rib meat
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Pros:
- Specifically designed for air frying, ensuring superior crispiness.
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Made with natural ingredients and a good source of protein.
- Versatile for meals or snacks.
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Cons:
- Like most frozen nuggets, they are breaded, which might not suit all dietary preferences.
- Best crispiness is achieved with air fryer, might be less appealing from microwave.
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User Impressions: Customers consistently praise the incredible crispiness these nuggets achieve in the air fryer, often noting they taste much better than oven-baked versions. They’re a hit with families looking for a fast, delicious, and reliable meal solution.
Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Cups, Easily Cook Individual Portions
While not a food item itself, these Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Cups are an absolute game-changer for expanding the variety of frozen foods for air fryer you can make! These durable aluminum cups let you cook everything from individual mac and cheese portions to egg bites and dips without the mess. They’re safe for air fryers, ovens, and grills, offering unmatched versatility and making cleanup a breeze. If you love experimenting with air fryer recipes but hate the scrubbing, these are a must-have.
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Key Features:
- Ten (10) 8 fl oz. Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Cups (3.85 inches x 2.45 inches each)
- Expand your air fryer food choices (mac and cheese, egg bites, dips, muffins)
- Durable, multi-use design for air fryers, ovens, and grills
- Customized cooking for individual portions, meal prep, picky eaters
- Easy cleanup with disposable aluminum foil cups
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Pros:
- Allows cooking of “wet” or small items that would typically fall through the air fryer basket.
- Simplifies portion control for healthier eating or meal prep.
- Eliminates messy cleanup, saving time and effort.
- Versatile for various cooking methods beyond the air fryer.
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Cons:
- An additional purchase beyond the food itself.
- Disposable, so not the most environmentally friendly option if used frequently.
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User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the convenience and versatility of these cups, especially for things like frozen lasagna, casseroles, or baked desserts that wouldn’t normally work in an air fryer. They highlight the easy cleanup as a major selling point.
Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart Magnet – Extra Large Easy to Read
This isn’t a frozen food, but it’s an indispensable accessory for anyone who frequently cooks frozen foods for air fryer. This extra-large magnetic cheat sheet sticks right to your fridge, providing instant access to cooking times, temperatures, and food sizes for over 90 different items, including a dedicated section for frozen foods. No more guessing or scrambling for instructions! It’s designed to be compatible with all air fryer models, making perfectly cooked, crispy results consistently achievable.
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Key Features:
- 11×8.5 inches extra large, easy-to-read magnet
- Covers over 90 foods in categories like Beef, Pork & Lamb, Chicken, Vegetables, Seafood, Frozen Foods and Sweets
- Provides cooking time, temperature, and size of food
- Wide compatibility with all air fryer models (Ninja, Instant Vortex, Cosori, etc.)
- Waterproof and easy to clean, superior quality
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Pros:
- Eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent cooking results.
- Very comprehensive, covering a vast range of foods including many frozen items.
- Extra-large and bold text makes it easy to read at a glance.
- Durable, waterproof, and conveniently sticks to the fridge.
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Cons:
- Still requires minor adjustments based on specific air fryer models or desired crispiness.
- An accessory, not a food product itself.
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User Impressions: Users love the convenience and accuracy of this chart, calling it a “must-have” for air fryer owners. Many highlight how it takes the stress out of cooking, especially for new air fryer users or those looking to expand their repertoire beyond just fries.
The Idea Of Air Fryer Frozen Recipes: The Ultimate Guide
For those looking to truly master the art of cooking best frozen foods for air fryer, this guide is your culinary compass. While we don’t have specific features listed, a book titled “The Ultimate Guide” to air fryer frozen recipes promises to unlock a world of possibilities beyond just the basics. Expect detailed instructions, tips for achieving perfect crispiness, and creative ideas for transforming everyday frozen items into gourmet-like meals. This resource is perfect for expanding your air fryer repertoire and ensuring every frozen dish turns out perfectly.
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Key Features: (Based on typical recipe book content)
- Comprehensive collection of air fryer recipes for various frozen foods.
- Tips and tricks for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
- Potentially includes sections on batch cooking and meal prep with frozen ingredients.
- Step-by-step instructions for easy understanding.
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Pros:
- Provides structured guidance for making the most of frozen foods in an air fryer.
- Can inspire new recipe ideas and cooking techniques.
- Helps achieve consistently excellent results.
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Cons:
- An additional purchase; not a food item itself.
- Requires time to read and implement the recipes.
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User Impressions: (General for such guides) Readers often appreciate how such guides take the guesswork out of air frying, providing reliable timings and temperatures for a wide array of frozen items. They find them invaluable for expanding their cooking skills and preventing soggy results.
Feel Good Foods Crispy Jalapeno Popper Bites | Gluten-Free
These Crispy Jalapeno Popper Bites from Feel Good Foods are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a gluten-free appetizer that gets perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Filled with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeño peppers, all encased in a delightful rice flour breading, these bites are incredibly addictive. They go from freezer to plate in minutes, making them an ideal gluten-free snack or party food that everyone can enjoy, whether or not they follow a gluten-free diet.
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Key Features:
- Gluten-Free Jalapeño Bites (8 oz pack)
- Made with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeno peppers
- Encased in a crispy rice flour breading
- Quick and easy oven and air fryer preparation (7-8 mins in air fryer)
- Ideal for gluten-free frozen appetizers and snacks
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Pros:
- Excellent gluten-free option for a popular appetizer.
- Achieves superior crispiness in the air fryer.
- Convenient and quick to prepare for unexpected guests or cravings.
- Delicious combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures.
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Cons:
- The spice level might be too much for some palates.
- Small package size might not be enough for larger gatherings.
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User Impressions: Gluten-free consumers are especially thrilled with these, praising their authentic taste and fantastic crispy texture when air-fried. Many mention they are indistinguishable from traditional poppers and make for a great party snack.
365 by Whole Foods Market, Macaroni and Cheese Bites (Frozen)
If you’re searching for comforting frozen foods for air fryer that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than 365 by Whole Foods Market’s Macaroni and Cheese Bites. These delightful little morsels are packed with cheesy goodness and get wonderfully crispy on the outside, while staying gooey and warm on the inside, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. They’re a perfect appetizer for parties, a fun side dish, or a satisfying snack for any time of day.
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Key Features: (Based on typical 365 WF products and this item)
- Premium ingredients from Whole Foods Market’s own brand.
- Bite-sized portions of classic macaroni and cheese.
- Designed for convenient preparation, including air frying.
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Pros:
- Classic comfort food in a convenient, bite-sized format.
- Achieves a fantastic crispy exterior and gooey interior in the air fryer.
- Great for appetizers, snacks, or a fun side dish.
- Made with quality ingredients typical of Whole Foods Market products.
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Cons:
- Can be a bit rich if consumed in large quantities.
- Might be a bit pricier than generic brands.
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and nostalgic taste of these mac and cheese bites. They frequently mention how the air fryer makes them incredibly crispy without drying out the cheesy center, making them a popular choice for families.
Del Real Foods Carnitas & Cheese Pupusas, 25.4 Oz (Frozen)
Bring the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine right to your table with Del Real Foods Carnitas & Cheese Pupusas. These fully cooked pupusas are a unique and delicious addition to your frozen foods for air fryer collection. Each pupusa is a thick corn tortilla filled with savory carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and gooey cheese, offering a delightful blend of textures and authentic taste. The air fryer crisps up the exterior beautifully, making them a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
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Key Features:
- Fully cooked Carnitas and Cheese Pupusas.
- Authentic Latin flavor profile.
- Convenient frozen format for quick preparation.
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Pros:
- Offers a unique and authentic cultural food experience.
- Fully cooked, saving preparation time.
- Air fryer preparation yields a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- A hearty and satisfying snack or light meal.
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Cons:
- May be less familiar to some palates than more common frozen foods.
- Requires a bit of space in the air fryer basket due to their thickness.
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User Impressions: Fans of authentic Latin American flavors adore these pupusas for their convenience and taste. They often note how well they crisp up in the air fryer, making them a fast way to enjoy a delicious, homemade-tasting meal without the effort.
Whole Foods Market, Potato & Pea Samosas, 7.5 oz (Frozen)
For a delicious journey into Indian cuisine, try Whole Foods Market’s Potato & Pea Samosas. These petite wheat flour pastries are filled with a fragrant mixture of slow-roasted potatoes and green peas, seasoned with a savory blend of Southeast Asian herbs and spices. When cooked in the air fryer, they become wonderfully crisp and golden on the outside, while the aromatic filling stays warm and flavorful. They’re ready in just 12-14 minutes, making them an excellent choice for a quick appetizer or a flavorful snack.
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Key Features:
- Petite wheat flour pastries filled with savory potatoes and green peas.
- Seasoned with a fragrant blend of Southeast Asian herbs and spices.
- Ready in 12-14 minutes (bake time, easily adaptable for air fryer).
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.
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Pros:
- Authentic and aromatic Indian flavors.
- Quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
- Vegetarian-friendly option.
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.
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Cons:
- Small package size, so you might need multiple for a crowd.
- May require a dipping sauce (like chutney) for the full experience.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the delicious, well-spiced filling and the perfect crispiness achieved in the air fryer. They are praised for being a convenient and tasty way to enjoy international flavors at home.
State Fair 100% Beef Corn Dogs, 12 Count (Frozen)
Bring the fun of the fairground into your kitchen with State Fair 100% Beef Corn Dogs. These classic comfort foods feature an all-beef hot dog on a stick, dipped in a honey-sweetened batter. The air fryer transforms them, giving the batter a perfectly golden and slightly crispy exterior while keeping the hot dog juicy and warm. With 6 grams of protein per serving and no by-products, they’re a fun and easy way to serve up a satisfying meal or snack that kids (and adults!) will love.
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Key Features:
- One package of 12 corn dogs.
- All-beef hot dog on a stick.
- Dipped in honey-sweetened batter.
- Made with 100% beef and no by-products.
- 6 grams of protein per serving.
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Pros:
- Classic, beloved comfort food.
- Extremely easy and quick to prepare in the air fryer.
- Achieves a desirable crispy batter.
- Good source of protein for a snack.
- Kid-friendly and great for a fast meal.
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Cons:
- Can be high in sodium and calories depending on serving size.
- Requires flipping halfway through for even crisping.
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User Impressions: Parents particularly love these for their convenience and how well they cook in the air fryer. They often comment on the crispness of the batter and how much kids enjoy them, making them a regular freezer staple.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact but Large 6 Qt (Appliance)
While not a frozen food itself, the COSORI Air Fryer is the ultimate kitchen companion for preparing the best frozen foods for air fryer! This 6-quart powerhouse features 9-in-1 versatility, including a dedicated “Frozen” preset, making it incredibly easy to achieve perfect, crispy results. Its Turbo Blaze Technology ensures lightning-fast cooking, meaning your favorite frozen snacks and meals are ready in minutes with up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying. If you’re looking to consistently achieve golden, crispy, and juicy results from your frozen items, this air fryer is designed to deliver.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast cooking with Turbo Blaze Technology.
- 9-in-1 Versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm.
- 5 Fan speed airflow system for golden, crispy results.
- 6-Qt Capacity & Compact Design.
- 100+ App Recipes with Nutrition Facts.
- Up to 95% Less Oil.
- Customizable Preheat Program.
- Dishwasher-Safe non-stick cooking basket and detachable components.
- Wide Temperature Range: 90°F–450°F.
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Pros:
- Specifically includes a “Frozen” preset, optimizing cooking for frozen items.
- Achieves exceptional crispiness and even cooking for all frozen foods.
- Fast cooking times are perfect for quick frozen meals.
- Large capacity handles family-sized portions of frozen items.
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Reduces oil usage for healthier “fried” foods.
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Cons:
- An appliance, so it’s a significant investment compared to food items.
- Requires counter space.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the COSORI Air Fryer for its efficiency, cooking power, and the superior crispy texture it imparts to everything, especially frozen foods. The large capacity and ease of cleaning are frequently highlighted as major advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why are air fryers so great for cooking frozen foods?
A1: Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation (convection) to cook food from all sides, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the need for excessive oil. This method mimics the texture of deep-frying, making frozen items like fries, nuggets, and spring rolls incredibly delicious and much healthier than traditional frying methods.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking frozen foods?
A2: While some air fryer models and recipes recommend preheating, many frozen foods can go directly into a cold air fryer. Preheating can help ensure more even cooking and crispier results, so it’s often a good practice. Check your air fryer’s manual or the food packaging for specific recommendations.
Q3: Can I put aluminum foil or parchment paper in my air fryer when cooking frozen items?
A3: Yes, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. However, it’s crucial to ensure they are weighted down by the food to prevent them from flying up and potentially hitting the heating element, which can be a fire hazard. Using products like the Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Cups (reviewed above) is a safer and more convenient option for certain foods.
Q4: How do I make my air-fried frozen foods extra crispy?
A4: To achieve maximum crispiness:
* Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in a single layer if possible, or in batches, to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
* Shake or flip: Mid-way through cooking, shake the basket or flip the food to ensure even browning.
* Light oil spray: For some items (like fries), a very light spray of oil before cooking can enhance crispiness.
* Higher temperature, shorter time: Sometimes a slightly higher temperature for a shorter duration can help.
Q5: Are air-fried frozen foods healthier than deep-fried options?
A5: Generally, yes. Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional deep frying, which means fewer calories and less fat. While frozen foods themselves may still contain certain ingredients, air frying is a healthier cooking method for preparing them.
Q6: What are some general temperature and time guidelines for common frozen foods in an air fryer?
A6: While specific times and temperatures vary by food and air fryer model (refer to your product packaging or a guide like the Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart Magnet), here are some general ranges:
* Fries/Tater Tots: 375-400°F (190-205°C) for 12-20 minutes.
* Chicken Nuggets/Strips: 375-400°F (190-205°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* Fish Sticks: 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes.
* Mozzarella Sticks/Jalapeno Poppers: 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 6-10 minutes.
Always check for doneness and adjust as needed!
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking greasy frozen foods?
A7: Most modern air fryers, like the COSORI model, come with non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates, making cleanup a breeze. For parts that aren’t dishwasher safe, allow them to cool completely, then wash with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth if needed. Regular cleaning helps maintain performance and food taste.
Conclusion
The air fryer has truly revolutionized how we approach best frozen foods for air fryer, turning them from quick compromises into genuinely delightful and crispy culinary experiences. Whether you’re craving classic corn dogs, unique pupusas, spicy jalapeño poppers, or perfectly crispy chicken nuggets, there’s a frozen food out there that’s just begging to be air-fried.
Don’t let your air fryer gather dust! Grab some of these top picks, experiment with new recipes, and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness that this amazing appliance brings to your kitchen. Happy air frying!