The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen superstar, transforming soggy freezer finds into crispy, golden delights with minimal fuss. And when it comes to stocking up on convenient, high-quality ingredients and accessories, Costco is often our go-to spot. But with so many options, what are the best Costco frozen food for air fryer cooking, and what other essentials can you grab to make your air fryer experience even better?
We’ve scoured the aisles (virtually, of course!) to bring you a curated list of top-notch items that will elevate your air fryer game. From the perfect quick meal to innovative tools that simplify cleanup and expand your cooking possibilities, these Costco picks are absolute game-changers. Let’s dive into the best Costco frozen food for air fryer fanatics and more!
1. Tyson Fully Cooked Fun Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets, 29 oz
Who says mealtime can’t be fun and easy? Tyson’s Fully Cooked Fun Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets are a nostalgic treat that cooks up perfectly in the air fryer, delivering a crispy exterior and tender inside every single time. Made with all-natural chicken and no antibiotics ever, these nuggets are not just for kids – they’re a quick, satisfying snack or meal for anyone craving a bite of childhood, and they truly shine when air-fried.
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Key Features:
- One 29 oz package of Tyson Fully Cooked Fun Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets
- Made with all-natural, minimally processed chicken raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones or steroids
- Breaded chicken with 8 grams of whole grain per serving
- Fully cooked, ready-to-eat addition for a quick kids’ lunch or snack
- Packed in a resealable bag for easy storage
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Pros:
- Incredibly quick and easy to prepare in an air fryer
- Achieves a perfect crispy texture without deep frying
- Kid-friendly shapes make mealtime fun
- Made with quality chicken and whole grains
- Great for quick snacks or easy weeknight dinners
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Cons:
- May not appeal to those seeking more sophisticated meal options
- Can dry out if overcooked, so watch your timing
- High in sodium, like many frozen processed foods
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User Impressions: Parents consistently rave about how much their kids love these, and how simple they are to air fry. Many adults admit to enjoying them just as much! The convenience and consistent crispiness are frequently highlighted.
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Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
2. GUSTO [8 Inch – 125 Count] Square Air Fryer Liners
![GUSTO [8 Inch - 125 Count] Square Air Fryer Liners...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Po0mVfOPL._SL500_.jpg)
Let’s face it: one of the biggest deterrents to using your air fryer often is the cleanup. Enter GUSTO Square Air Fryer Liners – your new best friend for stress-free air frying, especially when dealing with greasy or sticky best Costco frozen food for air fryer cooking. These ingenious parchment paper liners mean less scrubbing and more enjoying your perfectly crispy meals. Just toss the liner and you’re done!
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Key Features:
- Catches grease and crumbs, keeping your air fryer basket spotless for easy cleanup
- Made from premium unbleached parchment paper, oven-safe and high heat resistant up to 450°F
- 8-inch square size perfectly fits large square air fryer models (e.g., Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex)
- Non-stick, oil-proof surface ensures food lifts off easily with no residue
- Eco-Friendly & Compact Storage: Made from biodegradable kraft paper
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Pros:
- Significantly reduces cleanup time and effort
- Prevents food from sticking to the basket
- Safe for high temperatures and various cooking methods
- Convenient and disposable for ultimate ease
- Eco-friendly option for conscious consumers
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Cons:
- An additional recurring cost for air fryer use
- Can sometimes shift or fly up if not weighted down by food, especially during preheating
- Not suitable for cooking foods with liquids that might seep through cutouts (though generally not an issue for most frozen foods)
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User Impressions: Users absolutely love the convenience these liners provide, often calling them a “game-changer” for frequent air fryer users. The ease of cleanup is the most praised feature, making air frying more enjoyable.
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Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo with Probe
If you’re serious about your air fryer and looking to upgrade, or simply want a multi-functional kitchen workhorse that handles all your best Costco frozen food for air fryer needs and more, the Chefman Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a fantastic choice. This large-capacity unit doesn’t just air fry; it toasts, bakes, broils, dehydrates, and even comes with an integrated probe for perfect results every time. Its generous size means you can cook family-sized portions of frozen fries, wings, or even a whole chicken with ease.
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Key Features:
- 12-IN-1 functionality: Air fry, toast, broil, bake, dehydrate, and more with presets
- Integrated probe meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- 9 One-Touch Presets for various cooking tasks (Air Fry, Toast, Bake, etc.)
- Customizable temperature range from 95˚F to 450˚F
- Family-size 20-quart capacity fits 4 slices of toast, a 10-inch pizza, or a 6-pound chicken
- Includes dishwasher-safe baking rack, air fry basket, dehydrating racks, broil pan, and probe thermometer
- Easy to clean with a pull-out crumb tray and dishwasher-safe parts
- UL certified with advanced safety technology
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile with multiple cooking functions
- Large capacity is ideal for families or batch cooking
- Integrated probe ensures perfectly cooked meats and poultry
- Convenient one-touch presets simplify operation
- Easy to clean and maintain
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Cons:
- Takes up significant counter space
- Higher price point than basic air fryers
- Learning curve for all the different functions
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User Impressions: Owners are consistently impressed by this combo oven’s versatility and how well it performs all its functions. The probe thermometer is a standout feature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked food. Many appreciate its ability to replace multiple appliances.
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Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Nuwave TODD ENGLISH Air Fryer Grill Oven Combo, TRUE Char
For those who love the crispy crunch of air-fried foods but also crave that smoky, charred flavor, the Nuwave TODD ENGLISH Air Fryer Grill Oven Combo delivers the best of both worlds. This innovative appliance combines powerful air frying with a unique “TRUE Char” grilling element, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality sears and grill marks on your favorite foods. Imagine perfectly crisped best Costco frozen food for air fryer classics like seasoned fries or crispy wings, alongside grilled frozen burgers or sausages, all from one machine! Its precise temperature control and smart thermometer make it a powerhouse for any kitchen.
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Key Features:
- AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO COOKING: Combines bottom plug-in grill with top heater and fan for combo cooking
- Adjustable temperature from 50°F to 450°F in 5°F increments for customized dual-zone cooking
- HEATER CUSTOMIZATION: Independently customize top and bottom heaters from 0% to 100% power
- 550°F PREHEAT: Grill preheats to scorching 550°F for maximum sear on grill grate
- INTEGRATED DIGITAL SMART THERMOMETER: Automatically ends cooking when desired internal temperature is reached
- LINEAR THERMAL (LINEAR T) TECHNOLOGY: Maintains precise set temperature throughout cooking for perfect results
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Pros:
- Unique ability to air fry and grill for versatile cooking
- Achieves impressive char and sear marks on food
- Precise temperature control and independent heater customization
- Smart thermometer ensures food is cooked perfectly and safely
- Ideal for elevating frozen items that benefit from grilling (e.g., burgers, sausages)
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Cons:
- Large footprint, requiring ample counter space
- Higher price point reflects its advanced features
- May be overkill for those only needing basic air frying
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User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with the grilling capabilities, noting that it genuinely produces charred results previously only possible on an outdoor grill. The precision cooking and smart thermometer are also frequently praised for making cooking easier and more accurate.
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Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I put any frozen food in an air fryer?
A1: Almost! Most frozen foods that you would typically bake or deep-fry, like French fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and many vegetables, work wonderfully in an air fryer. Foods with a lot of loose breading or very high moisture content might not crisp as well, but generally, if it’s meant for oven baking, it’s a good candidate for the air fryer.
Q2: What are the main benefits of air frying frozen food?
A2: Air frying frozen food offers several benefits:
* Crispiness: It produces a superior crispy texture compared to oven baking.
* Speed: It cooks food much faster than a conventional oven.
* Healthier: It requires little to no added oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
* Convenience: It’s quick, easy, and often results in less mess.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen items?
A3: While not always strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding frozen food can help achieve a more even cook and crispier exterior. It brings the cooking chamber to the desired temperature quickly, ensuring immediate crisping.
Q4: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking frozen food?
A4: For most air fryers, the basket and pan are non-stick and can be washed with warm, soapy water. For stubborn bits, let them soak for a few minutes. Using air fryer liners (like the GUSTO ones mentioned above!) is an excellent way to minimize cleanup, as they catch most drips and crumbs. Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely before cleaning.
Q5: What temperature should I use for different types of frozen foods in an air fryer?
A5: A good starting point for most frozen foods is 375-400°F (190-200°C). However, specific temperatures and cooking times vary by food and air fryer model. Always check the packaging for oven instructions and then reduce the cooking time by 20-30% and monitor closely, shaking the basket halfway through. For example, chicken nuggets might take 10-12 minutes at 400°F, while thicker items like frozen chicken breasts might take longer at a slightly lower temp.
Q6: Are air fryer liners safe to use?
A6: Yes, air fryer liners made from parchment paper are generally safe to use as long as they are designed for high temperatures (usually up to 450°F / 230°C) and you ensure they are weighted down by food during cooking. Never let them touch the heating element and avoid running your air fryer empty with a liner, as they could fly up and potentially catch fire.
Q7: Can I cook large batches of frozen food in my air fryer?
A7: It depends on your air fryer’s capacity. For optimal crispiness and even cooking, it’s best to cook frozen food in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook in multiple batches. Larger air fryer oven combos (like the Chefman or Nuwave models) are designed to handle bigger quantities, making them ideal for family-sized portions of your favorite best Costco frozen food for air fryer recipes.