Frozen foods are a weeknight lifesaver, and the air fryer is the best way to cook them. No soggy textures, no waiting for ovens to preheat, and no deep frying. This Air Fryer Frozen Foods Guide shows you exactly how to cook popular frozen foods, with the correct temperatures, times, and pro tips, so everything comes out crispy on the outside and hot on the inside.
Perfect for busy families, beginners, students, and quick meals.
Why Cook Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer?
Air fryers are ideal for frozen foods because they:
✔ Cook faster than ovens
✔ Make frozen food crispy (not soggy)
✔ Don’t require extra oil
✔ Heat evenly
✔ Reduce cleanup
👉 Most frozen foods go straight from freezer to air fryer—no thawing needed.
Important Rules for Air Frying Frozen Foods
Before we jump into foods, remember these golden rules:
- ❌ Do NOT thaw frozen foods
- ✅ Preheat air fryer for 2–3 minutes
- ✅ Shake or flip halfway
- ❌ Do NOT overcrowd the basket
- ✅ Check early (air fryers vary)
🍟 Frozen Snacks & Appetizers
1. Frozen French Fries
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F (193°C)
- Time: 12–16 minutes
- Shake the basket halfway
💡 Tip: No oil needed—most fries are pre-oiled.
2. Frozen Tater Tots / Hash Browns
Instructions
- Temperature: 400°F (205°C)
- Time: 10–14 minutes
- Shake once or twice
✔ Extra crispy outside
✔ Soft inside
3. Frozen Chicken Nuggets
Instructions
- Temperature: 390°F (200°C)
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Flip halfway
✔ Better than microwave
✔ Kid-approved
4. Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
Instructions
- Temperature: 360°F (182°C)
- Time: 6–8 minutes
⚠️ Watch closely to prevent cheese leaks.
5. Frozen Spring Rolls / Egg Rolls
Instructions
- Temperature: 390°F (200°C)
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Flip halfway
✔ Crispy wrapper
✔ No oil splatter
🍕 Frozen Pizza & Bread Items
6. Frozen Pizza (Personal Size)
Instructions
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 7–10 minutes
💡 Use foil with holes if cheese drips.
7. Frozen Garlic Bread / Texas Toast
Instructions
- Temperature: 360°F
- Time: 5–7 minutes
✔ Golden edges
✔ Soft center
Healthy & Crispy Air Fryer Hash Browns in Under 15 Minutes
Crispy Air Fryer Bagel Bites in Under 10 Minutes
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Breakfast Burritos at Home
8. Frozen Bagel Bites
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 7–9 minutes
- Shake once
✔ Crispy base
✔ Melted cheese
🐔 Frozen Proteins
9. Frozen Chicken Wings
Instructions
- Temperature: 400°F
- Time: 20–24 minutes
- Shake every 8 minutes
💡 Toss with sauce after cooking.
10. Frozen Chicken Patties
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 12–15 minutes
- Flip once
✔ Perfect for quick sandwiches
11. Frozen Fish Fillets (Breaded)
Instructions
- Temperature: 390°F
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Flip halfway
✔ Crispy coating
✔ Moist fish inside
12. Frozen Shrimp (Breaded)
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 8–10 minutes
✔ Great for tacos & wraps
🌮 Frozen Ready Meals & Sides
13. Frozen Burritos
Instructions
- Temperature: 375°F
- Time: 14–18 minutes
- Flip halfway
💡 Wrap loosely in foil if browning too fast.
14. Frozen Veggie Patties
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Flip once
✔ Vegetarian-friendly
✔ Crispy edges
15. Frozen Dumplings / Potstickers
Instructions
- Temperature: 375°F
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Shake once
✔ Crispy bottom
✔ Juicy filling
🥦 Frozen Vegetables in the Air Fryer
16. Frozen Broccoli / Cauliflower
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 10–14 minutes
- Toss with seasoning after cooking
💡 Add garlic powder or parmesan.
17. Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Instructions
- Temperature: 380°F
- Time: 12–15 minutes
- Shake twice
✔ Roasted-style texture
⏱ Quick Frozen Foods Timing Chart
| Frozen Food | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fries | 380°F | 12–16 min |
| Nuggets | 390°F | 10–12 min |
| Mozzarella sticks | 360°F | 6–8 min |
| Wings | 400°F | 20–24 min |
| Fish fillets | 390°F | 10–12 min |
| Pizza | 375°F | 7–10 min |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcrowding basket
❌ Thawing frozen foods
❌ Adding oil unnecessarily
❌ Not shaking halfway
❌ Cooking at low temperature
How to Make Frozen Foods Taste Better
✔ Sprinkle seasoning after cooking
✔ Add sauce after crisping
✔ Finish with cheese or herbs
✔ Serve immediately
Kid-Friendly Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
- Chicken nuggets
- Fries
- Pizza bites
- Corn dogs
- Hash browns
Perfect for quick lunches and snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need oil for frozen foods?
Usually no, most frozen foods already contain oil.
Q2: Can I cook different frozen foods together?
Only if they have similar cook times and temperatures.
Q3: Is air frying frozen food healthier?
Yes—less oil and better texture than deep frying.
Q4: Can I reheat frozen foods in the air fryer?
Yes—air fryers are excellent for reheating.
Q5: Why is my frozen food dry?
Likely overcooked or cooked at too low a temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Frozen Foods Guide proves that frozen food doesn’t have to mean boring or soggy. With the right temperature and timing, your air fryer can turn everyday frozen items into crispy, delicious meals in minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, kids’ meals, late-night snacks, and beginners.
