Can I Cook Frozen Foods in My Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can cook frozen foods in your air fryer—safely and efficiently—without thawing, thanks to rapid hot air circulation that crisps and cooks evenly. From fries to chicken nuggets, most frozen items cook 20–30% faster than in ovens, with superior texture and less oil. Just follow package guidelines and avoid overcrowding for best results.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen foods in your air fryer—no thawing needed.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature to prevent uneven or overcooked results.
• Shake or flip halfway for even browning and crispiness.
• Use minimal oil—frozen foods often crisp up without added fat.
• Check internal temperatures to ensure food is safely cooked through.
• Preheat the air fryer for consistent, restaurant-quality results.

Why the Air Fryer and Frozen Food Combo Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. It’s 6 PM, you’re starving, and the fridge is looking… well, not great. But there’s that bag of frozen chicken nuggets in the back, a lonely box of tater tots, and maybe some veggie bites you forgot about. You could wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat and another 30 for the food to cook. Or—hear me out—you could toss those frozen goodies into your air fryer and have a crispy, satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.

That’s the magic of the air fryer. It’s not just for reheating leftovers or making homemade fries. It’s a frozen food savior, especially on days when cooking feels like a chore. But is it really safe? Does it work for everything? And how do you avoid ending up with soggy, undercooked disappointment? I’ve spent months testing frozen foods in my air fryer (yes, I ate way too many chicken tenders), and I’m here to share what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the best results every time.

How Air Fryers Work With Frozen Foods

Before we dive into specific foods, let’s talk about why air fryers are so great for frozen items. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. This means frozen foods don’t need to thaw first—and in fact, shouldn’t thaw first. Why? Because the cold center of the food helps prevent the outside from burning while the inside catches up.

The Science of Crispy Frozen Foods

Air fryers work by blowing superheated air (usually between 350°F and 400°F) around the food. This creates a convection effect that crisps up the outside while cooking the inside. For frozen foods, this is perfect because:

• The outer layer of ice on frozen items melts quickly, creating steam that helps cook the food evenly.
• The high heat evaporates excess moisture, giving you that golden, crispy finish you’d get from deep-frying—without the oil.
• No need to preheat (though I’ll cover when you should in a bit), so cooking starts immediately.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each piece to get that crispiness. Think of it like a busy subway—everyone needs space to move.

What Types of Frozen Foods Work Best?

Not all frozen foods are created equal when it comes to air frying. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Pre-breaded foods (nuggets, tenders, fish sticks): These are ideal. The breading crisps up beautifully.
• Frozen vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans): Yes, but toss them in a little oil first for crispiness.
• Frozen snacks (tater tots, mozzarella sticks, spring rolls): Absolutely—just follow the package instructions and adjust time.
• Frozen meats (burgers, meatballs, sausages): Yes, but check internal temps. Some need longer.
• Frozen meals (TV dinners, lasagna): Usually not recommended. The air fryer can dry them out or cook unevenly.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t air fry frozen foods with a high water content (like frozen fruits or veggies in sauce). They steam instead of crisp. Save those for the microwave or oven.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Frozen Foods in an Air Fryer

Ready to get cooking? Here’s my tried-and-true method for getting perfect results with any frozen food. I’ve tested this with everything from chicken wings to frozen pizza (yes, really).

1. Check the Package (But Don’t Follow It Exactly)

Most frozen foods come with cooking instructions for ovens or microwaves. These are a starting point, but air fryers cook faster, so you’ll need to adjust. Here’s how:

• Reduce time by 20–30%. If the package says 15 minutes in the oven, try 10–12 minutes in the air fryer.
• Lower the temp by 25°F. Oven instructions are usually 375–425°F. Try 350–400°F in the air fryer.
• Always flip halfway (unless it’s a single-layer item like nuggets). This ensures even cooking.

Example: My favorite frozen chicken nuggets say “14 minutes at 400°F” on the package. In the air fryer, I cook them at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook 5 more minutes. Perfect every time.

2. Preheat (Sometimes)

Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps with certain foods. I preheat for:

• Breaded items (nuggets, tenders): 3–5 minutes at 375°F. This ensures the breading crisps up fast.
• Frozen meats (burgers, sausages): 3 minutes at 350°F. Helps prevent a cold center.

For lighter items like tater tots or veggies, I skip preheating to avoid overcooking the outside.

3. Arrange Food in a Single Layer

This is non-negotiable. If you pile frozen foods on top of each other, the air can’t circulate, and you’ll end up with soggy, unevenly cooked food. Use a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you have a small air fryer, cook in batches. Trust me, it’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

4. Shake or Flip Midway

About halfway through cooking, pause the air fryer, shake the basket (or flip with tongs), and resume. This prevents hot spots and ensures all sides get crispy. For foods like mozzarella sticks or spring rolls, this is especially important—otherwise, one side will be golden and the other pale.

5. Check for Doneness

Air fryers vary in power, so don’t rely solely on the timer. Check your food:

• For meats: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F, burgers 160°F.
• For breaded items: They should be golden brown and crispy. Cut one open to check if the center is hot.
• For veggies: They should be tender but still crisp. If they’re too soft, reduce time next time.

Pro tip: If your food isn’t crispy enough, add 2–3 more minutes and keep an eye on it. Air fryers can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Best Frozen Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer (With Examples)

Now for the fun part—what to cook! I’ve tested dozens of frozen foods in my air fryer, and here are my top picks. These are crowd-pleasers, easy to cook, and always turn out great.

1. Chicken Nuggets & Tenders

Hands down, the #1 frozen food for air fryers. They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and cook in half the time of the oven. My go-to: 10 minutes at 375°F, flip halfway. For tenders, add 2–3 minutes.

Tip: Spray the basket with oil if the breading looks dry. This helps prevent sticking and boosts crispiness.

2. Frozen French Fries & Tater Tots

Skip the oven—air fryers make the best frozen fries. For shoestring fries, cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking twice. For tater tots, 10–12 minutes at 400°F. They come out golden and crispy, with none of the greasiness of deep-frying.

Bonus: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika halfway through for extra flavor.

3. Frozen Fish Sticks & Shrimp

Fish sticks are a kid-friendly favorite, but they’re also great for adults. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flip once. For frozen shrimp (like popcorn shrimp or breaded shrimp), 8–10 minutes at 380°F. They’ll be tender and slightly crispy.

Warning: Don’t overcook shrimp. They go from perfect to rubbery fast.

4. Frozen Veggies (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans)

Yes, you can air fry frozen veggies! They’re a healthy side dish and cook in 8–10 minutes. Toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper before cooking for extra crispiness. I love frozen broccoli florets—10 minutes at 375°F, shake once. They come out tender with crispy edges.

Pro tip: Add a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice after cooking for a flavor boost.

5. Frozen Pizza (Yes, Really!)

Believe it or not, you can air fry a frozen pizza. It won’t be as good as oven-baked, but it’s perfect for a quick snack. Use a small pizza (5–7 inches) and cook at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. The crust will be crispy, and the cheese will melt perfectly. Just don’t overload it with toppings—they can drip and smoke.

Note: Avoid large pizzas. They won’t cook evenly, and the cheese might burn before the center is hot.

6. Mozzarella Sticks & Spring Rolls

These are party favorites, and the air fryer makes them easy. For mozzarella sticks, cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. For spring rolls, 10 minutes at 380°F. They’ll be crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

Tip: Let mozzarella sticks cool for 1–2 minutes before eating. The cheese is molten and can burn your mouth.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even the best air fryer users make mistakes. Here are the most common ones—and how to fix them.

1. Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When you pack the basket too full, air can’t circulate, and your food steams instead of crisps. Solution: Cook in batches. It might take a few extra minutes, but the results are worth it.

2. Not Flipping or Shaking

Air fryers have hot spots (areas that get hotter than others). If you don’t flip or shake, one side of your food will cook faster than the other. Solution: Flip or shake halfway. It takes 10 seconds and makes a huge difference.

3. Using Too Much Oil

Air fryers are designed to cook with little to no oil. Adding too much can cause smoking and make food greasy. Solution: Use a light spray or brush of oil, or skip it entirely for breaded foods.

4. Cooking at the Wrong Temperature

Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so using the same temperature can lead to burnt food. Solution: Start with 25°F lower than the package instructions and adjust from there.

5. Forgetting to Check Internal Temp

For meats like burgers or chicken, appearance isn’t enough. A thermometer ensures they’re cooked safely. Solution: Use a meat thermometer for any frozen meat. Chicken should be 165°F, burgers 160°F.

6. Cooking Foods That Don’t Belong

Not all frozen foods work in an air fryer. Avoid:

• Frozen meals in trays (they dry out).
• High-moisture foods (like frozen fruits or veggies in sauce).
• Battered foods (the batter can fly off and smoke).

Stick to breaded, low-moisture foods for best results.

Data Table: Cooking Times for Popular Frozen Foods

Here’s a quick reference table for your favorite frozen foods. Remember, these are starting points—adjust based on your air fryer and preferences.

Food	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Chicken Nuggets	375	10–12	Flip halfway
French Fries	380	12–15	Shake twice
Tater Tots	400	10–12	Single layer
Fish Sticks	375	10–12	Flip once
Frozen Shrimp	380	8–10	Don’t overcook
Frozen Broccoli	375	8–10	Toss with oil
Mozzarella Sticks	375	8–10	Cool before eating
Spring Rolls	380	10	Single layer
Frozen Pizza	350	8–10	Small size only

Tip: Save this table on your phone for quick reference!

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, can you cook frozen foods in your air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, healthier, and produces better results than microwaves or ovens for most frozen items. You’ll get crispy, golden food in half the time—and with no preheating.

But it’s not magic. You’ll need to adjust cooking times, avoid overcrowding, and check for doneness. Once you get the hang of it, though, the air fryer becomes your go-to for quick meals, snacks, and even sides. I’ve saved so much time (and money) by relying on my air fryer instead of takeout.

Just remember: not everything works. Stick to the foods I’ve listed, follow the tips, and you’ll be amazed at how much your air fryer can do. Now go ahead—toss those frozen nuggets in the basket. Dinner’s ready in 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen foods in my air fryer without thawing them first?

Yes, most frozen foods can be cooked directly in your air fryer without thawing. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air cooks food evenly, making it ideal for frozen items like nuggets, fries, and even frozen vegetables.

What types of frozen foods work best in an air fryer?

Frozen foods like french fries, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and even frozen meals (in air-fryer-safe containers) work exceptionally well. The air fryer delivers a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with less oil.

Do I need to adjust cooking times for frozen foods in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen foods typically require 2–5 extra minutes compared to fresh or thawed items. Always check the packaging for recommended air fryer cooking times and shake or flip halfway through for even browning.

Can I cook frozen foods in my air fryer if they’re in a plastic tray or cardboard box?

No, never place plastic trays or cardboard in the air fryer—they can melt or catch fire. Transfer the frozen food to an air-fryer-safe dish or basket before cooking.

How do I prevent frozen foods from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure hot air circulates freely and prevents soggy results.

Is it safe to cook frozen foods in an air fryer if they’re labeled “oven-safe” only?

As long as the packaging is metal or oven-safe (like aluminum or ceramic), it’s safe to use in your air fryer. Avoid plastic or non-heat-resistant materials, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.