Can You Put Frozen Food in an Air Fryer Discover the Best Tips

Yes, you can safely cook frozen food in an air fryer—often with better results than traditional methods. It delivers crispy, evenly cooked meals in less time, with no need to thaw, making it perfect for quick, convenient weeknight dinners. Just adjust cooking times and shake the basket halfway for optimal texture.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer—no thawing needed for best results.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature slightly higher than fresh food for even cooking.
• Shake or flip halfway to ensure crispy, uniform browning on all sides.
• Use oil sparingly—frozen items often crisp up without added fat.
• Check food packaging for air fryer instructions or recommended settings.
• Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to improve texture and consistency.

The Magic of Air Frying Frozen Food

Let’s be real—life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else, who has time to thaw, prep, and cook a meal from scratch every night? That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s fast, easy, and delivers crispy, delicious results with minimal effort. But what about those frozen meals and snacks sitting in your freezer? Can you put frozen food in an air fryer? The short answer is yes—and it might just be the kitchen hack you didn’t know you needed.

I remember the first time I tossed a bag of frozen chicken nuggets into my air fryer. I was skeptical. Would they burn? Would they be soggy? Would the air fryer even handle them? To my surprise, they came out golden, crispy, and evenly cooked—no flipping, no mess, no waiting for the oven to preheat. That moment sparked a love affair with air frying frozen foods. But it’s not as simple as “dump and go.” There are tricks, tips, and a few things to watch out for. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from the best foods to try to the common mistakes to avoid—so you can get the most out of your air fryer, starting with your freezer.

Why Air Frying Frozen Food Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, creating a crisp exterior while cooking the inside evenly. This method is perfect for frozen foods because most are already partially cooked (like frozen fries or chicken tenders) and just need reheating and crisping. The rapid airflow helps evaporate surface moisture, giving you that satisfying crunch without deep frying. But it’s not magic—there are limits.

How Air Fryers Handle Frozen Foods

The key is surface moisture. Frozen foods often have a thin layer of ice or condensation. Air fryers excel at drying this out, which is why frozen fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks turn out so well. The hot air surrounds the food from all sides, cooking it faster and more evenly than a microwave or toaster oven. Think of it like a mini convection oven with a turbo boost.

For example, I tried cooking frozen tater tots in my air fryer at 400°F for 12 minutes. They came out crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and didn’t need any oil—something that’s hard to achieve in a regular oven. The same goes for frozen chicken wings: 20 minutes at 380°F, and they’re restaurant-quality with half the fat.

When Frozen Foods Don’t Work as Well

Not all frozen foods are created equal. Some are better suited for the air fryer than others. Here’s what to watch for:

• Large, dense items: Frozen meatloaf or thick casseroles may cook unevenly. The outside can overcook while the center stays frozen.
• Foods with high water content: Frozen spinach or watery vegetables can steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy results.
• Breaded foods with thick coatings: Some frozen breaded fish or chicken can burn on the outside before the inside is fully heated.
• Foods in sauce or liquid: Frozen soups or stews will make a mess and won’t crisp up.

I once tried to air fry a frozen lasagna—big mistake. The edges burned, the center was still icy, and the cheese turned into a hardened shell. Lesson learned: stick to items designed for dry-heat cooking.

Best Frozen Foods to Air Fry (and How to Do It Right)

Now that you know the “why,” let’s talk about the “what.” These are the frozen foods that shine in an air fryer—and how to cook them perfectly every time.

Frozen Snacks and Appetizers

These are the MVPs of air frying. They’re small, evenly shaped, and designed for quick cooking:

• Frozen french fries: 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. No oil needed. Pro tip: use the “crisp” setting if your air fryer has one.
• Mozzarella sticks: 390°F for 6–8 minutes. Keep them in a single layer—overcrowding leads to soggy cheese.
• Onion rings: 400°F for 8–10 minutes. They crisp up beautifully with just a light spray of oil (optional).
• Egg rolls or spring rolls: 375°F for 10–12 minutes. They stay crispy without absorbing oil.

My personal favorite? Frozen garlic bread. I used to bake it in the oven, but now I air fry it at 360°F for 5–6 minutes. The outside gets golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and garlicky. No more waiting 20 minutes for the oven to preheat!

Frozen Proteins

Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken, fish, and even shrimp. Here’s how:

• Chicken nuggets or tenders: 380°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking.
• Frozen fish sticks: 400°F for 8–10 minutes. They stay crispy and don’t dry out.
• Shrimp: 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
• Frozen burgers: 370°F for 12–15 minutes. Flip halfway. Add cheese in the last 2 minutes.

One caveat: avoid overcrowding. Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook a whole bag of frozen chicken nuggets at once. Half were burnt, half were undercooked. Now I cook in batches and use a timer.

Frozen Vegetables (Yes, Really!)

Frozen veggies like broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts can go straight into the air fryer. The trick is to avoid steaming:

• Preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes. This helps evaporate surface moisture.
• Lightly spray with oil (optional but recommended for crispiness).
• Cook at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.

I tried frozen broccoli florets last week. 9 minutes at 380°F, and they came out tender-crisp with a nice char—no mushiness. Just don’t overcook them, or they’ll turn to mush.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

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

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping. The fix? Cook in batches. I use a small bowl to portion out my food, then cook 2–3 batches. It takes a few extra minutes, but the results are worth it.

For example, I once tried to cook a whole bag of frozen fries at once. The center ones were soggy, and the edges were burnt. Now I cook 1–2 cups at a time, and they’re perfect every time.

Not Preheating (When It Matters)

Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it helps for foods with high moisture content (like frozen veggies or breaded items). It jumpstarts the crisping process. The fix? Preheat for 3–5 minutes at the cooking temperature. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, or you can set the temperature and wait.

I skip preheating for quick-cooking items like nuggets, but I always preheat for frozen veggies or thicker items like fish sticks.

Using Too Much Oil

Air fryers are designed to use little or no oil. Adding too much can make food greasy or even damage your air fryer. The fix? Use a light spray or brush. I keep a small spray bottle with olive oil for occasional use. For most frozen foods, no oil is needed—the air fryer does the work.

One exception: frozen veggies. A light spray helps them crisp up, but more than a teaspoon is overkill.

Ignoring the “Shake” or “Flip” Step

Many frozen foods cook unevenly if left untouched. The fix? Shake the basket or flip food halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning and crispiness. I set a timer for half the cooking time, then shake or flip. It takes 10 seconds and makes a huge difference.

For example, frozen tater tots need a shake at 6 minutes to prevent clumping. Frozen burgers need a flip to cook evenly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Frozen Food

Now let’s level up with some insider tips. These small changes make a big difference in flavor, texture, and convenience.

Adjust Cooking Times for Your Air Fryer

Not all air fryers are the same. A Ninja Foodi might cook faster than a Cosori. The key is to start with the manufacturer’s recommended time, then adjust based on your results. I keep a small notebook to track cooking times for each food. For example:

• Frozen fries: 12 minutes at 380°F in my model (vs. 15 minutes in the manual).
• Chicken nuggets: 10 minutes at 380°F (vs. 12 minutes).

This saves time and prevents overcooking. If something burns, reduce the time by 1–2 minutes next time.

Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Liner

Frozen foods can stick or leave a mess. A parchment paper liner (with holes) or silicone basket liner makes cleanup easy. I use parchment for messy foods like mozzarella sticks and silicone for everything else. Just don’t cover the entire basket—air needs to circulate.

Don’t Thaw (Usually)

Thawing frozen food before air frying can make it soggy. The air fryer is designed to handle frozen foods as-is. The only exceptions are large items like whole frozen chicken breasts or thick casseroles, which may need partial thawing for even cooking.

I once thawed frozen fish sticks before air frying. They came out mushy. Now I cook them straight from frozen—crisp and flaky every time.

Experiment with Seasonings

Frozen foods are often bland. A quick sprinkle of seasoning before cooking adds flavor without extra effort. Try:

• Frozen fries: garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.
• Chicken nuggets: cayenne or black pepper.
• Frozen veggies: lemon pepper or Italian seasoning.

I keep a small spice rack near my air fryer for quick access. A teaspoon of seasoning takes 2 seconds but makes the meal feel homemade.

Data Table: Air Frying Times for Popular Frozen Foods

Frozen Food	Temperature (°F)	Cooking Time (Minutes)	Tips
French fries	380	12–15	Shake halfway, no oil needed
Chicken nuggets	380	10–12	Flip halfway, cook in batches
Mozzarella sticks	390	6–8	Use parchment liner, don’t overcrowd
Fish sticks	400	8–10	Preheat for crispier coating
Frozen broccoli	380	8–10	Light oil spray, shake halfway
Egg rolls	375	10–12	Flip halfway, serve with sauce
Frozen burgers	370	12–15	Flip halfway, add cheese at end

Final Thoughts: Your Freezer Just Got a Whole Lot More Useful

So, can you put frozen food in an air fryer? Absolutely—and it’s one of the best ways to turn your freezer staples into delicious, crispy meals with minimal effort. From frozen fries to chicken nuggets to veggies, the air fryer handles them all with ease. The key is knowing what works (and what doesn’t), avoiding common mistakes, and using a few pro tips to get restaurant-quality results at home.

But remember: your air fryer is a tool, not a magic wand. It won’t fix a poorly made frozen product, and it can’t handle everything in your freezer. Stick to the foods designed for dry-heat cooking, cook in batches, and don’t skip the shake or flip step. With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at how much you can do with that bag of frozen goodness.

So go ahead—grab that box of frozen mozzarella sticks, toss them in the air fryer, and enjoy. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put frozen food in an air fryer safely?

Yes, most frozen foods can be safely cooked in an air fryer without thawing first. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation evenly cooks frozen items like fries, nuggets, and veggies to crispy perfection.

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

Frozen foods designed for frying—such as French fries, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and fish sticks—are ideal for air frying. Avoid items with thick coatings or large frozen blocks that may cook unevenly.

Do you need to adjust cooking time for frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen food typically requires a few extra minutes compared to fresh or thawed items. Always check the package instructions and add 2–5 minutes to the cooking time, shaking the basket halfway for even results.

Can you put frozen food in an air fryer without oil?

Most frozen foods don’t need extra oil since they’re already pre-cooked and contain some fat. However, a light spray of oil can enhance crispiness, especially for items like frozen vegetables or breaded snacks.

Is it better to thaw frozen food before air frying?

No, thawing is usually unnecessary and can even lead to soggy results. Air fryers are designed to handle frozen foods directly, locking in moisture while creating a crispy exterior.

What are the best tips for cooking frozen food in an air fryer?

For best results, preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake or flip items halfway through cooking. Always use the recommended temperature for your frozen food in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.