The Best Frozen Foods In The Air Fryer: Quick & Crispy Every Time
Frozen foods in the air fryer are one of the fastest, easiest, and crispiest ways to get dinner on the table especially for beginners. Whether you’re craving golden chicken nuggets, cheesy pizza rolls, or crunchy sweet potato fries, your air fryer can transform frozen favorites into hot and delicious meals in just minutes.
This complete cooking guide for beginners covers everything you need to know about cooking frozen foods in the air fryer: ideal temperatures, best practices, cooking times, common mistakes to avoid, and even creative frozen food meal ideas. We’ll also explore what not to do, how to avoid soggy textures, and which frozen items work best in different types of air fryers.
Discover great ideas like this easy method for frozen salmon in the air fryer that’s packed with protein and ready in minutes: How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer
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Table of Contents
Why Cook Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer?
There’s a reason why so many home cooks are turning to frozen foods in the air fryer it’s fast, efficient, and incredibly satisfying. Unlike traditional ovens that require lengthy preheating, or microwaves that leave food soggy, an air fryer uses powerful hot air circulation to cook frozen meals crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Here’s how cooking frozen foods in the air fryer compares to other methods:
| Feature | Air Fryer | Oven | Microwave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Time | 8–12 mins | 18–25 mins | 4–6 mins |
| Crispiness | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Preheating | Often not needed | Required | No |
| Oil Usage | Minimal | Moderate | None |
| Overall Texture | Crispy and juicy | Often dry | Soggy |
Why people love air frying frozen food:
- Uses up to 90% less oil
- Cuts cooking time significantly
- Makes food crispier than microwaving or baking
- Simplifies cleanup with dishwasher-safe baskets
- Saves energy, especially in small kitchens or apartments
From frozen mozzarella sticks to crispy dumplings, air fryer frozen food delivers a just-fried finish without the grease.
Looking for inspiration? Try Dino Nuggets in the air fryer they’re kid-friendly, crunchy, and done in under 10 minutes.
Cooking Times & Temperatures for Popular Frozen Foods
One of the biggest challenges beginners face when cooking frozen foods in the air fryer is figuring out the right time and temperature settings. Too hot, and you’ll end up with burnt edges and frozen centers. Too low, and your food turns out soggy or undercooked.
This section offers clear temperature guidance and cooking time charts to help you get perfect results with your favorite frozen snacks and meals.
Standard air fryer temperature chart for frozen items
To make things simple, here’s a quick-reference air fryer frozen food chart that shows the ideal cooking temperatures and times for common freezer staples. Always check halfway through cooking and shake or flip for even browning.
Air Fryer Frozen Foods Chart:
| Frozen Food | Temp (°F) | Time (Minutes) | Shake/Flip? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Nuggets | 400°F | 10–12 min | Yes |
| French Fries | 400°F | 12–15 min | Yes |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 390°F | 6–8 min | No |
| Frozen Pizza | 370°F | 6–9 min | Optional |
| Taquitos | 400°F | 8–10 min | Yes |
| Veggie Burgers | 375°F | 10–12 min | No |
| Egg Rolls | 375°F | 10–13 min | Yes |
| Chicken Wings (raw frozen) | 400°F | 20–25 min | Yes |
| Sweet Potato Fries | 390°F | 12–15 min | Yes |
💡 Tip: Thin items like fries or chips cook faster. Always check a minute or two early until you know your air fryer’s heating curve.
If you’re craving wings, check out our frozen chicken wings air fryer guide to get them crispy and juicy every time no thawing required.
Conversion tips: oven to air fryer cooking times
Many frozen foods list oven cooking instructions only. But don’t worry you can still get great results by using a general conversion rule:
Reduce the cooking time by 20% and the temperature by 25°F from what’s listed for the oven.
Example Conversion:
| Oven Instructions | Air Fryer Conversion |
|---|---|
| 425°F for 20 min | 400°F for 15–16 min |
| 400°F for 18 min | 375°F for 14–15 min |
| 375°F for 30 min | 350°F for 24–25 min |
Why the difference? An air fryer cooks more efficiently by using circulating heat in a compact space, making your frozen foods in the air fryer crispier and faster than a traditional oven.
When in doubt, start low and check early. Undercooked frozen food can always go back in but burnt pizza rolls can’t be saved!
Don’t miss our air fryer frozen pizza walkthrough for the ideal crisp without drying it out.
Best Frozen Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer
When it comes to convenience, nothing beats the simplicity of cooking frozen foods in the air fryer. But not all frozen items turn out equally tasty some become absolute crowd-pleasers with that signature crispy texture and juicy center.
In this section, we’ll highlight the top frozen foods that cook best in the air fryer, from classic comfort snacks to healthier veggie options.
Top savory frozen snacks (chicken nuggets, fries, pizza, wings)
The air fryer absolutely shines when it comes to frozen snacks. It makes your favorite treats crispy, melty, and ready in under 15 minutes no sogginess or greasy aftertaste.
Top Frozen Snacks That Turn Out Amazing:
- Chicken Nuggets – Crispy outside, juicy inside. Use 400°F for 10 minutes.
➤ Discover why these are a game-changer in our guide: Frozen Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer – Your New Favorite Hack - French Fries – Whether straight or crinkle cut, fries come out golden and crunchy.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Just 6–7 minutes at 390°F gives you a gooey center and crispy shell.
- Mini Pizzas & Pizza Rolls – A perfect after-school snack; cook at 370°F for 8 minutes.
➤ Looking for that perfect golden crust? How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Crispy Every Time - Frozen Chicken Wings – Cook straight from frozen at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
➤ See how to make them extra crispy without thawing: Best Frozen Chicken Wings for Air Fryer: Ready in 30 Mins - Taquitos or Egg Rolls – Crunchy, satisfying, and no deep frying needed.
✅ Pro Tip: Add a light mist of oil spray halfway through to enhance the crisp factor especially for breaded foods.
Delicious frozen vegetables and vegan options
If you think veggies from the freezer are bland or soggy, think again. The air fryer transforms frozen vegetables into crispy, flavorful sides or full meals without boiling or steaming.
Best Frozen Veggies for the Air Fryer:
| Vegetable | Temp & Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 375°F for 12 min | Crispy edges, soft center |
| Cauliflower | 375°F for 13–15 min | Slight char, tender bite |
| Green Beans | 380°F for 10–12 min | Roasted, crunchy texture |
| Brussel Sprouts | 400°F for 15 min | Crispy outside, tender inside |
| Mixed Stir Fry Veggies | 375°F for 10 min | Quick sautéed flavor |
💡 Vegan Tip: Toss veggies in a tablespoon of olive oil and season with garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor before cooking.
Top Vegan Frozen Foods That Work Well:
- Plant-based nuggets or tenders (like Beyond or Gardein)
- Vegan samosas and spring rolls
- Veggie burgers and black bean patties
- Cauliflower wings and tofu nuggets
Want a nutritious but crispy snack?
✔ Try our go-to method for maximum crispiness and zero mush: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: Irresistibly Crispy & Easy
Bonus: Don’t Skip the Frozen Fish
Fish might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s absolutely doable in an air fryer especially salmon. You’ll be surprised how flaky and moist it turns out.
✔ Want to know exactly how? How to Cook Frozen Salmon in the Air Fryer: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Bonus Tip: Want to cook multiple frozen foods at once? Use air fryer racks or dividers. For example, you can cook fries in one half and nuggets in the other just adjust for different cooking times.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking frozen foods in the air fryer is simple until it’s not. One small mistake can mean soggy fries, rubbery nuggets, or burnt pizza. Luckily, these slip-ups are easy to fix once you know what to watch for.
Overcrowding the basket and skipping the shake
One of the top mistakes beginners make is overstuffing the air fryer basket. If you pile in frozen foods without space, hot air can’t circulate, and your food steams instead of crisps.
Quick Fixes:
- Cook in smaller batches
- Shake or flip halfway through
- Use air fryer racks if available
Skipping the mid-cook shake is another rookie error. Without it, one side burns while the other stays cold.
Wrong timing or ignoring moisture
Not all frozen foods cook at the same speed. Some like wings or thicker items need more time. Others, like mozzarella sticks, overcook fast. Also, excess ice can melt and steam your food, making it soggy.
Avoid These Errors:
- Don’t rely solely on oven times air fryers cook faster
- Wipe off excess frost before cooking
- Lightly mist dry items with oil spray to boost crispiness
- For breaded or saucy foods, cook in a single layer
Need specific examples?
✔ Make frozen pizza crisp every time
✔ Crispy frozen chicken wings in 30 minutes
Tips for Crispy and Evenly Cooked Frozen Foods
One of the biggest advantages of making frozen foods in the air fryer is the crispy finish but only if you follow a few key tips. If your meals are coming out soggy, uneven, or too dry, here’s how to fix it.
How to avoid sogginess and boost crispiness
Moisture is the main reason frozen air fryer food turns soft. Ice crystals melt and steam your food, killing the crunch.
Quick Fixes:
- Pat off visible frost before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the basket space = crisp
- Use a light oil spray (not aerosol) on breaded items
- Cook water-heavy foods like veggies at higher temps (390–400°F)
Mid-cook shaking or flipping helps every side brown evenly especially fries, nuggets, and wings.
When to shake and when to spray
Not everything needs flipping, but most frozen snacks benefit from it.
Quick Guidelines:
- Shake halfway: fries, nuggets, tater tots
- Flip once: wings, tenders, burgers
- Optional rotate: frozen pizza, toastables
A light spritz of olive or avocado oil adds a golden crunch especially on frozen fries or chicken.
✔ Want to see the difference?
Check out our guide to perfect sweet potato fries: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: Irresistibly Crispy & Easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to thaw frozen food before air frying?
No. Thawing isn’t required and may make breaded items soggy.
What are the best frozen foods to air fry?
Top picks include nuggets, fries, wings, pizza, and frozen veggies like broccoli or cauliflower.
Can you use foil or parchment paper?
Yes perforated parchment works best. Avoid blocking airflow.
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