best air fryer frozen foods
Introduction
Hey guys, as a product reviewer and avid air fryer user, I wanted to share my experiences with cooking frozen foods in an air fryer. For those of you who are not familiar with this kitchen gadget, an air fryer is a small countertop appliance that uses hot air and a little bit of oil to cook food to crispy perfection. It’s often used as a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it requires less oil.
Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
Many frozen foods can be cooked in an air fryer, and it’s a great way to make your favorite frozen meals crunchy and delicious. Frozen foods typically take longer to cook in an oven, but with an air fryer, you can cut the cooking time down significantly. In this article, I will share some of the benefits of using an air fryer for frozen foods, my top 5 favorite frozen foods to cook in an air fryer, and some frequently asked questions about cooking in an air fryer.
Benefits of Using An Air Fryer for Frozen Foods
Healthier Alternative to Deep-Frying
Using an air fryer to cook frozen foods is a great way to make your meals healthier. As I mentioned earlier, air fryers require less oil than traditional deep-frying. This means that you can indulge in your favorite fried treats without consuming as much unhealthy fats. With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy food with a fraction of the oil you would normally use.
Saves Time and Energy
Cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is quicker than cooking in a traditional oven. An air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, which means it takes less time to cook. Also, as air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens, they require less energy to operate and heat up faster.
Consistent Cooking Results
One of the benefits of using an air fryer for frozen foods is that you get consistent results every time. With a traditional oven, there can be hot spots and uneven cooking, which can lead to some parts of the food being burnt while others are undercooked. With an air fryer, you don’t have to worry about that as the hot air circulates more evenly, resulting in evenly cooked food.
Top 5 Best Frozen Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer
Frozen Chicken Wings
If you love chicken wings, then cooking them in an air fryer is a must-try. My recommendation for the best frozen chicken wings to cook in an air fryer are Tyson’s Any’tizers chicken wings. To cook them, you need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-18 minutes. The result is crispy, juicy chicken wings that taste like they were freshly made.
Frozen French Fries
No one can resist a good batch of French fries, and cooking them in an air fryer makes them even better. My go-to brand for frozen French fries is Alexia’s Organic Yukon Select Fries. The cooking time and temperature for these fries are 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The result is crispy fries that have the perfect golden color and don’t taste oily or greasy.
Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer that adds some comfort to any meal. My recommendation for the best frozen mozzarella sticks to cook in an air fryer is Farm Rich’s mozzarella sticks. For best results, cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The result is cheesy mozzarella sticks with a crunchy coating that tastes like they were just freshly fried.
Frozen Spring Rolls
If you’re craving some Asian flavors, then frozen spring rolls are the perfect snack or appetizer to air fry. My recommendation for the best frozen spring rolls to cook in an air fryer are Pagoda’s vegetable egg rolls. They should be cooked at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. The result is crispy spring rolls with a flavorful filling that tastes like they were made from scratch.
Frozen Fish Fillets
Fish fillets are a favorite of many, and cooking them in an air fryer is a game-changer. My recommendation for the best frozen fish fillets to cook in an air fryer are Gorton’s beer-battered fillets. They should be cooked at 425°F for 12-14 minutes. The result is crispy, flaky fish fillets that taste like they were freshly fried.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryers and Frozen Foods
How Do I Prevent My Frozen Food from Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket?
Before you add your frozen food to the air fryer basket, make sure to lightly spray it with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can also brush a little bit of oil on the frozen food before placing it in the basket. This will help prevent your food from sticking to the basket and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Can I Cook Frozen Vegetables in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen vegetables in an air fryer. However, the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the type of vegetable. For example, frozen broccoli florets can be cooked at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, while frozen corn on the cob should be cooked at 390°F for 12-14 minutes. Make sure to check the cooking instructions for your specific type of vegetable.
Can I Cook Frozen Pre-Made Meals in an Air Fryer?
If the instructions on the package recommend oven cooking, then you can cook the frozen pre-made meal in an air fryer. However, make sure to adjust the cooking temperature and time accordingly to ensure the best result. You may also need to stir or flip the food halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Clean My Air Fryer After Cooking Frozen Foods?
After cooking frozen foods in your air fryer, let it cool down completely. Then, remove the basket and tray and clean them with soap and hot water. If there are any stubborn stains, you can soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing. Make sure to dry the basket and tray thoroughly before storing them back in the air fryer. Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge as needed.
Conclusion
Summary of the Article
In conclusion, cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is a time-saving, healthier way to get crispy, delicious meals. The benefits of using an air fryer for frozen foods include less oil, consistent cooking results, and faster cooking times. My top 5 recommended frozen foods to cook in an air fryer are chicken wings, French fries, mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, and fish fillets.
Recommendations for the Best Air Fryer for Frozen Foods
If you’re looking for the best air fryer for cooking frozen foods, look for an air fryer with a large cooking capacity, adjustable temperature, and digital controls. Some of my favorite brands include Philips, Ninja, and Cosori.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Frozen Foods
Overall, cooking frozen foods in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy your favorite meals with less oil, faster cooking times, and consistent results. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, an air fryer is a versatile kitchen gadget that you won’t regret investing in.
List of 10 best air fryer frozen foods
- Now enjoy guilt free food; Air fry with up to 75 percent less fat than traditional frying methods; Tested against hand cut, deep fried French fries
- Wide temperature range: 105 degree Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat
- 4 quart ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 pounds of french fries. Cord length (feet) - 2.6
- The unit will need time to preheat before coming up to temperature. We recommend that you preheat the unit for 3 minutes before adding your ingredients to achieve the best results
- Dehydrate: Create flat, chip like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks pounds; The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration
- The Breville Smart Oven Air with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop oven allowing you to roast, air fry and dehydrate; Use super convection to reduce cooking time by up to 30% and choose from 13 cooking functions; Includes an interior oven light.Temperature : 80-480 °F
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- AIR FRY & DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry French fries and other family favorites; Higher temperatures combined with super convection (maximized air flow) deliver crispy golden air fried foods; Dehydrate a wide range of food, up to 4 trays of goodness at once
- SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: 2 speed convection fan (super & regular) offers greater cooking control; Super convection provides a greater volume of hot air to ensure fast and even heat distribution perfect for air frying, dehydration and roasting
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- LESS FAT: Eat all of your air fried favorites guilt-free with up to 75% less fat when using the Air Fry function vs. traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep fried French Fries.
- FASTER COOKING: Cooks up to 60% faster than a traditional oven on Air Roast; 60-second preheat; full meals in as little as 20 minutes.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 45% larger usable pan cooking area vs. the flat surface area of the Cuisinart toa-60 and toa-65 pan. Fits a 13" Pizza, up to 9 slices of toast, or 6 chicken breasts (6–8 oz. each).
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat and dehydrate
- WATCH YOUR FOOD COOK: ClearCook window and internal light to easily monitor cooking progress without opening the basket
- ODOR ERASE TECHNOLOGY: Built-in, replaceable air filters remove odors during cooking to reduce lingering cooking smells.
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
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- 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast and reheat.
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 120 to 400° F.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
- XL CAPACITY: With the 5.5 qt. nonstick basket and crisper plate, you can save time by cooking up to 3 lbs. of French fries or wings with ease.
- 5-IN-1 VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 5 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. BPA free: Yes
- LESS FAT: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- EASY CLEANING: Both the basket and crisper plate are nonstick, easy-to-clean and dishwasher safe.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F to 400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
People also ask
What are the best frozen foods to cook in an air fryer?
Some of the best frozen foods to cook in an air fryer include frozen french fries, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks.
How do I cook frozen fries in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place a single layer of frozen fries in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Can I cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place a single layer of frozen wings in the basket and cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I cook frozen mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place frozen mozzarella sticks in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I cook frozen fish sticks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen fish sticks in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place frozen fish sticks in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
How do I cook frozen chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place frozen chicken nuggets in the basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until crispy and cooked through.