Tired of soggy oven fries or waiting ages for your frozen snacks to crisp up? Enter the air fryer, a kitchen marvel that’s revolutionized how we cook, especially when it comes to quick and easy meals from the freezer. If you’re looking to transform your dinner routine or simply want that perfect golden-brown crunch, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of the best frozen foods for the air fryer and the must-have appliances and accessories that make the magic happen. From crispy appetizers to satisfying main dishes, an air fryer can turn your freezer favorites into deliciously crispy delights in minutes, often with less oil than traditional methods. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves convenience without sacrificing flavor, mastering the art of air-fried frozen foods is a game-changer. So, let’s get those baskets loaded and explore the top picks!
Our Top Picks: The Best Frozen Foods for the Air Fryer
When it comes to getting that ideal crispy texture and quick cooking time, certain frozen foods truly shine in an air fryer. Here are some of our absolute favorites.
Feel Good Foods Crispy Jalapeno Popper Bites | Gluten-Free
These gluten-free jalapeño popper bites are an absolute game-changer for snack time or appetizers. Packed with creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños, all encased in a perfectly crispy rice flour breading, they go from freezer to fabulous in under 10 minutes in your air fryer. They’re designed for convenience, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute guests or an indulgent treat for yourself. The air fryer brings out their best, giving them an irresistible crunch that’s hard to achieve any other way.
- Key Features:
- Gluten-free, made with wholesome ingredients.
- Creamy cheese and spicy jalapeño filling.
- Crispy rice flour breading.
- Quick cook time: 7-8 minutes in an air fryer.
- Versatile appetizer or snack.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally crispy texture from the air fryer.
- Delicious flavor combination.
- Super quick and easy to prepare.
- Great for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Cons:
- Small package size (8 oz) might not be enough for larger gatherings.
- Can be a bit spicy for some palates.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about the incredible crunch and flavor, often noting they’re even better than restaurant versions. Many appreciate the convenience and the fact that they’re a tasty gluten-free option.
- See it on Amazon here
365 by Whole Foods Market, Macaroni and Cheese Bites
Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? Now imagine that comforting goodness in a bite-sized, perfectly crispy form. These 365 by Whole Foods Market Macaroni and Cheese Bites are designed for ultimate snackability. The air fryer is the ideal tool for these, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and a gooey, cheesy center without any fuss. They make for a delightful appetizer, a fun side dish, or a quick snack for kids and adults alike.
- Key Features:
- Classic macaroni and cheese flavor in a bite-sized format.
- Premium ingredients from Whole Foods Market.
- Easy and quick preparation.
- Designed for optimal crispiness when air-fried.
- Pros:
- Delicious and comforting taste.
- Achieve perfect crispiness in the air fryer.
- Convenient and easy for quick snacks or appetizers.
- Great for kids’ meals or parties.
- Cons:
- Could be high in calories if not portion-controlled.
- May require a dipping sauce for some.
- User Impressions: Users love the nostalgic taste and the convenience of these bites. They consistently praise how well they crisp up in the air fryer, often recommending them for a quick and satisfying treat.
- See it on Amazon here
Whole Foods Market, Vegetable Egg Rolls, 12 oz (Frozen)
For a taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right at home, look no further than Whole Foods Market’s Vegetable Egg Rolls. These frozen delights are incredibly easy to prepare and truly shine in an air fryer. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, giving these egg rolls a delightfully crispy wrapper without the grease of deep frying. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light snack when you’re craving something savory and crunchy.
- Key Features:
- Authentic Chinese cuisine taste.
- Filled with fresh vegetables.
- Ready in just 4 minutes in an air fryer.
- Convenient frozen format.
- Pros:
- Achieves excellent crispiness in the air fryer.
- Quick and easy preparation.
- A healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.
- Good vegetarian option.
- Cons:
- May need to be flipped for even browning.
- Sauce is not included, so prepare your own.
- User Impressions: Customers often highlight the excellent texture and flavor these egg rolls achieve in the air fryer, making them a regular pantry staple for quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Tyson Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets, 25 Oz.
When it comes to quick, kid-friendly, and protein-packed meals, Tyson Air Fried Perfectly Crispy Chicken Nuggets are a top contender for the best frozen foods for the air fryer. Designed specifically with air frying in mind, these nuggets come out remarkably crispy and juicy, tasting much closer to traditional fried chicken than typical baked versions. Made with 100% all-natural white meat chicken and no added hormones, they offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed for air frying.
- Made with 100% all-natural white meat chicken.
- 15g of protein per serving.
- No added hormones or steroids.
- Fully cooked and breaded.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally crispy texture, just like fried nuggets.
- Quick and convenient meal solution.
- High protein content.
- Less fat than deep-fried alternatives.
- Cons:
- Can dry out if overcooked.
- Still a processed food, though a better alternative.
- User Impressions: Families consistently praise how crispy and delicious these nuggets become in the air fryer, making them a go-to for busy weeknights. Many note the significant improvement in texture compared to oven baking.
- See it on Amazon here
Top Air Fryer Appliances & Accessories for Perfect Frozen Meals
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfectly crispy and delicious results when cooking the best frozen foods for the air fryer. Here are some excellent appliances and accessories that enhance your air frying experience.
Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart Magnet – Extra Large Easy…
This air fryer cooking times chart magnet is one of those simple yet incredibly useful air fryer accessories you didn’t know you needed! It’s a comprehensive cheat sheet that sticks right to your fridge, spelling out cooking times, temperatures, and food sizes for over 90 different items, including a dedicated section for frozen foods. No more guessing or scrambling for recipes – this extra-large, easy-to-read guide ensures your meals are perfectly cooked every time.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive chart with over 90 foods (Beef, Chicken, Veggies, Seafood, Frozen, Sweets).
- Extra-large (11×8.5 inches) with bold, easy-to-read text.
- Magnetic for convenient placement on your fridge.
- Waterproof and easy to clean, durable design.
- Wide compatibility with all air fryer models.
- Pros:
- Saves time and guesswork for cooking.
- Very clear and easy to read from a distance.
- Highly practical for everyday use.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Cons:
- May not have every specific food item.
- Requires adjusting times based on your specific air fryer.
- User Impressions: Users absolutely love the convenience and accuracy of this magnet, calling it an “essential” and a “must-have” for any air fryer owner, especially for simplifying frozen food preparation.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil…
The Ninja Air Fryer is a fantastic standalone appliance that makes cooking the best frozen foods for the air fryer a breeze. It boasts a 4-quart capacity, perfect for families, and offers four versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. What truly stands out is its ability to cook with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods while still delivering that coveted crispy texture. It’s incredibly easy to clean, too, with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Key Features:
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F).
- 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket, fits 2 lbs of fries.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Pros:
- Excellent air frying performance for crispy results.
- Good capacity for small to medium families.
- Versatile cooking functions.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Limited counter space if you have a small kitchen.
- Can be noisy during operation.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently praise the Ninja Air Fryer for its reliability, excellent cooking performance, and ease of use, making it a favorite for quick, healthy meals and crispy frozen snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
The Idea Of Air Fryer Frozen Recipes: The Ultimate Guide…
While not a physical food item or appliance, “The Idea Of Air Fryer Frozen Recipes: The Ultimate Guide…” is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to maximize their air fryer’s potential, especially for those frozen delights. This guide promises to unlock a world of possibilities, helping you confidently cook a wider variety of frozen foods with perfect results every time. It’s an essential companion for expanding your air fryer culinary repertoire beyond the basics.
- Key Features:
- Comprehensive guide to air fryer frozen recipes.
- Aims to provide the “ultimate” collection of ideas.
- Focuses on easy and efficient cooking.
- Pros:
- Great for inspiration and expanding cooking skills.
- Can help prevent over/undercooking frozen items.
- Potentially saves time experimenting with different foods.
- Cons:
- Not a physical product (likely digital, or a thin paperback).
- Requires reading and following instructions.
- May contain recipes easily found online.
- User Impressions: Users who seek out specific guides appreciate the organized information and practical tips for transforming their frozen food stash into exciting meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with…
The Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo is an all-in-one powerhouse, combining 10 kitchen tools into one sleek unit. Its standout feature is the dual-zone mastery, allowing you to cook two different dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, or sync them to finish at the same time with QuickSync Technology. This extra-large 25-Qt capacity oven effortlessly turns frozen treats into tantalizing eats in minutes, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing complex meals with multiple components.
- Key Features:
- 10-in-1 versatility (air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, etc.).
- Dual-zone cooking with independent temperature control.
- QuickSync Technology for perfectly timed meals.
- Extra-large 25-Qt capacity, removable dividers.
- Cook frozen foods to fabulous in minutes, no thawing needed.
- Pros:
- Incredible versatility and multiple functions.
- Dual-zone cooking is a huge time-saver.
- Large capacity is great for families or entertaining.
- Reduces cooking time significantly.
- Cons:
- Significant counter space required.
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
- Can have a learning curve due to many features.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are highly impressed with its multi-functionality and the ability to cook entire meals simultaneously. Its capacity and dual-zone feature are frequently praised for making meal prep much more efficient, especially for frozen items.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja, Toaster Oven, Air Fryer, Thermometer, Toaster Oven…
The Ninja Toaster Oven with Air Fryer and Smart Thermometer is a beast of an appliance, offering 13 versatile functions from Air Fry to Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, and even dedicated Frozen Pizza settings. Its Dual Heat Technology allows it to sear and crisp simultaneously, delivering restaurant-worthy results. With an integrated Smart Thermometer, guesswork is eliminated, ensuring perfect doneness every time. What’s more, it’s designed to reclaim your counter space by flipping up when not in use.
- Key Features:
- Dual Heat Technology (up to 500°F SearPlate & cyclonic air).
- 13 cooking functions including Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Frozen Pizza, Roast, Toast.
- Integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Up to 75% less fat with air fry function.
- Up to 65% faster cooking vs. full-size oven.
- XL family-sized capacity, yet flips up for compact storage.
- Pros:
- Exceptional cooking versatility and performance.
- Smart Thermometer ensures precise results.
- Space-saving design when stored.
- Quick preheat and cooking times.
- Cons:
- High price tag.
- Can be bulky even with the flip-up feature.
- Might be overkill for someone only needing basic air frying.
- User Impressions: Users are consistently blown away by its power and versatility, especially how quickly and perfectly it cooks everything, from frozen fries to a full roast. The smart thermometer and space-saving design are particularly lauded.
- See it on Amazon here
MIRASTON 4.5QT Air Fryer, Compact Digital Touch Control…
For those seeking a reliable and compact air fryer, the MIRASTON 4.5QT Air Fryer is an excellent choice. It utilizes 360° Hot Air Circulation Tech to ensure even cooking and crispy results with little to no oil. This air fryer excels at cooking frozen foods quickly, delivering that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. Its 4.5QT capacity is ideal for 1-3 family members, making it a space-saving solution for smaller kitchens without compromising on performance.
- Key Features:
- 360° Hot Air Circulation Technology for even cooking.
- Fast and convenient for meals, especially frozen foods.
- Wide temperature range (0-400°F).
- 4.5QT capacity, ideal for 1-3 people.
- Compact design, fits on any countertop.
- Easy-to-clean, nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Pros:
- Delivers excellent crispy results for frozen foods.
- User-friendly digital touch controls.
- Perfect size for smaller households or limited counter space.
- Very easy to clean.
- Cons:
- May be too small for larger families or meal prepping.
- Fewer advanced features compared to multi-function ovens.
- User Impressions: Users commend the MIRASTON for its simplicity, efficiency, and consistent cooking performance. It’s frequently recommended for first-time air fryer owners or those with limited space who still want perfectly cooked frozen meals.
- See it on Amazon here
Wrapping It Up: Your Air Fryer Journey to Deliciousness
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best frozen foods for the air fryer and the essential gear that’ll help you master air frying. From those craveable crispy chicken nuggets and cheesy bites to the versatile appliances that make it all possible, the air fryer truly elevates convenience foods into gourmet-level quick meals.
Embracing the air fryer for your frozen favorites means enjoying less grease, quicker cooking times, and an unparalleled crispy texture that ovens just can’t match. So, go ahead, stock your freezer with these fantastic options, grab the right air fryer for your needs, and get ready to enjoy perfectly crispy, delicious meals any time you want!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I use an air fryer for frozen foods instead of an oven or microwave?
A1: Air fryers circulate hot air around your food, mimicking the effects of deep frying with little to no oil. This results in a superior crispy texture that microwaves can’t achieve and often surpasses traditional ovens in speed and crispiness. Frozen foods cook faster and come out much crispier and more evenly cooked in an air fryer.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen foods?
A2: While some recipes or air fryers might suggest preheating, it’s generally not strictly necessary for most frozen foods. However, preheating for 3-5 minutes can help ensure more even cooking and a crispier exterior, as the food starts cooking immediately at the desired temperature.
Q3: Can I put all frozen foods in an air fryer?
A3: Most frozen foods that you would typically bake or fry (like fries, nuggets, tater tots, spring rolls, fish sticks) are perfect for the air fryer. Avoid foods with a wet batter (like traditionally battered fish) as the batter might just drip off or not crisp properly. Also, extremely large or dense items might cook unevenly.
Q4: How do I prevent my frozen foods from drying out in the air fryer?
A4: To prevent drying, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can trap steam and lead to uneven cooking. Also, make sure to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through cooking. Most importantly, don’t overcook! Follow recommended times and check for doneness. A light spritz of oil can also help create a crisper, less dry exterior.
Q5: What temperature and time should I use for general frozen foods?
A5: A common starting point for most frozen foods in an air fryer is 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 10-20 minutes, depending on the item’s size and density. Always check the package directions for air fryer specific instructions if available, or use a general air fryer chart magnet as a guide, adjusting as needed.
Q6: Is air frying frozen food healthier than traditional methods?
A6: Yes, generally. Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, which means fewer calories and less fat. While it’s still a convenient food, using an air fryer makes it a healthier alternative compared to its deep-fried counterpart.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking frozen foods?
A7: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. For easy cleanup, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher. For stubborn stuck-on bits, soak the basket for a few minutes before cleaning. Always wipe down the interior of the appliance with a damp cloth after each use.