Craving a quick, delicious meal without the fuss? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend, especially when paired with the incredible bounty from Costco’s freezer aisles! From crispy snacks to full-on dinner solutions, Costco offers a fantastic selection of frozen items that practically beg for an air fryer. No more soggy microwave meals or greasy deep-fried disasters – just perfectly cooked, golden-brown goodness every time.
We’ve scoured the freezers (and even some essential accessories) to bring you a list of the best frozen foods for air fryer Costco has to offer, plus a couple of game-changing items to elevate your cooking experience. Get ready to make mealtime a breeze!
Our Top Picks for the Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer Costco
When it comes to whipping up a fast and flavorful meal, these frozen gems from Costco truly shine in the air fryer. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute cravings, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Tyson Fully Cooked Fun Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets
These aren’t just any chicken nuggets; they’re dinosaur chicken nuggets! A perennial kid-favorite, Tyson’s fully cooked dino nuggets are a lifesaver for busy parents and a delight for little ones. What makes them stand out for air frying is how incredibly crispy they get on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside, all without any added oil. Plus, knowing they’re made with all-natural chicken raised with no antibiotics ever gives you peace of mind.
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Key Features:
- One 29 oz package of Tyson Fully Cooked Fun Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets
- Frozen 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 chicken is a ready-to-eat addition for a quick kids lunch
- Dinosaur chicken nuggets are packed in a resealable bag for easy storage
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Pros:
- Quick and easy preparation – perfect for busy schedules.
- Achieves excellent crispiness in the air fryer.
- Made with quality chicken and whole grains.
- Kid-friendly shape makes mealtime fun.
- Resealable bag for convenience.
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Cons:
- Primarily geared towards kids, might not satisfy adult palates on their own.
- Can dry out if overcooked, so watch the time!
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User Impressions: Parents consistently rave about the convenience and taste, noting how much better these turn out in an air fryer compared to an oven or microwave. Kids simply love them, making dinner battles a thing of the past. It’s a definite win-win for the whole family!
Whole Foods Market, Chicken Fried Rice, 20 oz, (Frozen)
Who says delicious, authentic-tasting Asian cuisine has to be a takeout order? Whole Foods Market’s Chicken Fried Rice brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen, and it performs beautifully in an air fryer. While it’s typically microwaved or pan-fried, a quick blast in the air fryer can give the rice a slightly crispy, satisfying texture and ensure the chicken and veggies are perfectly heated through. It’s an ideal solution for a quick lunch or a hassle-free dinner when you’re short on time.
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Key Features:
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market
- Chinese cuisine inspired
- Seasoned long grain white rice and chicken breast stir-fried with bits of onion, scrambled eggs, carrots, green peas and red bell pepper
- Ready in 2-3 minutes (though air frying may take a bit longer for desired texture)
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Pros:
- Incredibly convenient for a fast meal.
- Good balance of flavors and textures with chicken and vegetables.
- Can achieve a pleasant, slightly crispy rice texture in an air fryer.
- A healthier alternative to traditional takeout.
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Cons:
- May require stirring during air frying for even crisping.
- The “2-3 minutes” prep time is for microwave; air fryer takes longer.
- Flavor profile might be a bit mild for those who prefer bolder spices.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the convenience and decent quality for a frozen meal. Many find it a reliable option for a quick, comforting meal, especially those looking for an easy way to enjoy Asian flavors without the extra calories from traditional frying. It’s often praised for being a good base that can be easily customized with extra sauces or veggies.
Essential Air Fryer Companions for Your Costco Haul
To truly make the most of your best frozen foods for air fryer Costco finds, having the right accessories and appliances can make all the difference. These items enhance your cooking, simplify cleanup, and even expand your air frying capabilities!
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 be honest, cleaning your air fryer basket can be a drag. That’s where GUSTO’s square air fryer liners come in as a total game-changer! These disposable parchment paper liners are specifically designed to fit 5-8 QT square air fryers, catching all the grease, crumbs, and mess. They’re a simple yet brilliant invention that transforms cleanup from a dreaded chore into a quick wipe. Say goodbye to scrubbing and hello to more time enjoying your perfectly crispy air-fried treats!
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Key Features:
- Less Cleaning, More Cooking: These disposable air fryer liners catch grease and crumbs, keeping your air fryer basket spotless. No scrubbing, just easy cleanup!
- Oven-Safe & High Heat Resistant: Made from premium unbleached parchment paper, these liners can handle up to 450°F, ensuring safe cooking in air fryers, ovens, and microwaves.
- Designed for 5-8 QT Square Air Fryers: The 8-inch square size perfectly fits large square air fryer models from brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex.
- Non-Stick, Oil-Proof Surface: Food lifts off easily with no residue, making these liners perfect for frying, roasting, and baking everything from chicken tenders to veggies.
- Eco-Friendly & Compact Storage: Made from biodegradable kraft paper, these air fryer liners offer a sustainable solution in a space-saving, easy-access packaging.
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Pros:
- Significantly reduces air fryer cleanup time.
- Non-stick properties prevent food from sticking.
- Heat resistant and versatile for multiple cooking methods.
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable.
- Large pack size offers great value.
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Cons:
- Adds a recurring cost to air frying.
- Some users might find them slightly restrictive for airflow if overfilled or too large for their specific basket.
- Not suitable for cooking extremely wet foods without potential leakage.
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User Impressions: Users overwhelmingly praise these liners for their convenience and effectiveness in simplifying cleanup. Many consider them an absolute must-have accessory, especially for sticky or greasy foods. They’re frequently described as a “lifesaver” and a “time-saver.”
Nuwave TODD ENGLISH Air Fryer Grill Oven Combo, TRUE Char…
If you’re serious about your air frying (and grilling!), the Nuwave TODD ENGLISH Air Fryer Grill Oven Combo is more than just an air fryer – it’s a versatile kitchen powerhouse. This isn’t just about cooking best frozen foods for air fryer Costco style; it’s about elevating all your meals. With its dual heating elements, precise temperature control, and integrated thermometer, you can achieve results far beyond what a standard air fryer offers, including true char-grilled perfection on your meats and veggies. It’s perfect for those who want maximum versatility and precision in one appliance.
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Key Features:
- AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO COOKING: Fire up the bottom plug-in grill and the top heater and fan for combo cooking. Set the temp of smart toaster oven from 50°F to 450°F adjustable in precise 5°F increments for customized dual zone surround cooking up to 99 hours.
- HEATER CUSTOMIZATION: Customize the top and bottom heaters of air fryer toaster oven independently from 0% to 100% for true surround cooking. You can set any heater at full 100% power or split the power in any combination. The advanced technology is at your fingertips.
- 550°F PREHEAT: Set the grill temperatures from 50°F to 500°F adjustable in precise 5°F increments. When the grill temp is set at 500°F, it will preheat to scorching 550°F to maximize the sear and minimize the heat loss when the door is opened. 550°F preheat temp is achieved solely on the grill grate.
- INTEGRATED DIGITAL SMART THERMOMETER: Once the desired doneness temperature is set, the grill constantly monitors the internal temperature of your food and automatically ends the cooking process when the desired internal temperature is reached.
- LINEAR THERMAL (LINEAR T) TECHNOLOGY: Linear T executes the set temperature accurately throughout the entire cooking process by continuously monitoring temperature fluctuations and making constant power adjustments every second to maintain the set temperature to ensure perfect results.
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with air frying, grilling, and oven capabilities.
- Precise temperature control for perfect results.
- Integrated smart thermometer prevents over or undercooking.
- High preheat temperature for excellent searing.
- Independent heater customization for true surround cooking.
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Cons:
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
- Larger footprint, requires significant counter space.
- Learning curve for maximizing all its features.
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User Impressions: Owners are generally impressed with the appliance’s versatility and ability to produce restaurant-quality results, especially the grilling function. The integrated thermometer and precise control are frequently highlighted as favorite features, making it a powerful tool for serious home cooks. While an investment, many feel it’s worth it for the performance.
FAQs About Air Frying Frozen Foods from Costco
Got questions about making the most of your air fryer and Costco frozen finds? We’ve got answers!
Q1: What kinds of frozen foods from Costco can I cook in an air fryer?
A1: Almost anything! From chicken nuggets, fries, and onion rings to fish fillets, spring rolls, and even frozen veggies, the air fryer excels at cooking most frozen items that typically go into an oven or deep fryer. Just be sure the item is designed to get crispy.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen foods?
A2: While not strictly necessary for all items, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes usually helps achieve better crispness and more even cooking, especially for items like fries or chicken tenders. It helps the food start cooking immediately upon entering the hot basket.
Q3: How do I get my frozen foods extra crispy in an air fryer?
A3: A few tips for maximum crispiness:
* Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for proper airflow.
* Shake the basket or flip the food halfway through cooking.
* For some items, a light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) can enhance crispness, but it’s often not needed for pre-breaded frozen foods.
* Cook at a slightly higher temperature for the last few minutes if needed, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Q4: Are air-fried frozen foods healthier than deep-fried?
A4: Generally, yes! Air frying uses significantly less oil (often none at all) compared to deep frying, which can drastically reduce the fat and calorie content. It gives you that desirable crispy texture without the added grease, making it a healthier alternative.
Q5: How do I know what temperature and time to use for frozen foods?
A5: A great starting point is to follow the package directions for oven cooking, then reduce the cooking time by about 20-30% and often slightly lower the temperature. For example, if an oven calls for 400°F for 20 minutes, try 375°F for 15-18 minutes in the air fryer, checking for doneness and crispiness. Always adjust based on your specific air fryer model and desired results.
Q6: Can I cook multiple types of frozen food at once in an air fryer?
A6: You can, but it’s tricky. For best results, it’s ideal to cook items that require similar temperatures and cooking times. Avoid mixing foods that have very different requirements (e.g., delicate fish with dense chicken wings). Ensure there’s still good airflow around all items.
Q7: Is Costco a good place to buy frozen foods for air fryers in bulk?
A7: Absolutely! Costco is a fantastic option for bulk buying frozen foods. Their large packages mean you get more for your money, and many of their items are perfectly suited for air frying. It’s a great way to stock up on convenient meal options for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
Unlocking the power of your air fryer with the best frozen foods from Costco can truly revolutionize your meal prep. From fun dinosaur nuggets to quick fried rice and the essential tools to make cooking and cleanup a breeze, Costco and your air fryer are a match made in kitchen heaven. So, next time you’re at Costco, be sure to explore their freezer section with your air fryer in mind – you won’t be disappointed! Happy air frying!