If you’re anything like me, your freezer is packed with “just in case” foods — fries, nuggets, veggies, burritos — the works. And here’s the best part: the air fryer makes cooking all those frozen goodies faster, crispier, and tastier than ever. No thawing, no soggy microwave meals, and way less oil than deep frying.
After testing dozens of frozen foods in my own air fryer (hello, Costco nuggets and Aldi taquitos 👋), I put together this guide so you’ll always know the best cooking temps, times, and a few pro tips along the way. Bookmark this post, because it’s going to save you on busy nights, lazy weekends, and snack cravings alike.
First time using an air fryer? Check out this guide - How to Use An Air Fryer for the First Time.
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Why Use the Air Fryer for Frozen Food?
- No thawing required → straight from freezer to basket.
- Crispy results → fries, onion rings, and nuggets come out golden, not limp.
- Healthier option → you get that fried crunch with little to no extra oil.
- Time saver → most frozen foods cook in 10–15 minutes or less.
- Keep on checking back because I'll update it whenever new frozen items come out! I'm always making frozen food in my air fryer!
Frozen Snacks & Appetizers
Stocking your freezer with quick bites is the ultimate secret to surviving busy weeknights and sudden snack cravings. This collection of air fryer frozen snacks and appetizers takes your favorite freezer staples and turns them into crispy, golden, restaurant-quality treats in minutes without ever turning on the oven.
These are my favorite movie-night and game-day air fryer wins.
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings Alexia - they get super crunchy!
- Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks Tip: freeze solid before air frying so the cheese doesn’t ooze out.
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Turkey Potstickers - I've tested both Aldi and Dollar Tree brands, best served with soy sauce!
- Jalapeño Poppers → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets → 400°F, 8–12 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Strips
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Corn Dogs → 370°F, 10–12 minutes.
Frozen Breakfast Foods
Stocking your freezer with quick morning options is the ultimate secret to surviving rushed mornings and chaotic wake-up calls. This collection of air fryer frozen breakfast foods takes your favorite freezer staples like breakfast burritos, hash browns, and french toast sticks, transforming them into hot, crispy, and delicious meals in minutes without turning on the oven.
Breakfast in the air fryer? Yes, please!
- Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks
- Frozen Air Fryer Pancakes
- Air Fryer Frozen Waffles
- How to Air Fry Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich
- Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties Frozen
- Chicken Sausage in Air Fryer → 370°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Scrambled Eggs → cook fresh, not frozen (see my post here).
Frozen Entrées & Mains
Stocking your freezer with easy main courses is the ultimate secret to getting a hearty dinner on the table on busy nights. This collection of air fryer frozen entrees and mains takes convenient grocery store staples like chicken breasts, fish fillets, and personal pizzas, transforming them into hot, crispy, and satisfying meals in minutes without ever turning on the oven.
Perfect for quick dinners or lazy lunches.
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Single Serving
- Air Fryer Frozen Burritos
- Taquitos → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos (3 Ingredients) - easy 3 ingredient recipe!
- Shrimp (breaded or plain) → 380°F, 6–8 minutes.
- Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken Air Fryer - 10 to 12 minutes
- Air Fryer Frozen Lasagna - Stouffers
- Air Fryer Chicken Patties
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Frozen Chicken Pot Pie Air Fryer
- Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Frozen Veggies
Stocking your freezer with quick produce is the ultimate secret to getting healthy sides on the table in minutes. This collection of air fryer frozen vegetables takes everyday grocery store staples like broccoli, green beans, and brussels sprouts, transforming them into perfectly roasted, crispy, and flavorful sides without ever turning on the oven.
Yes, even frozen veggies get crispy in the air fryer!
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower 400 °F, 10–12 minutes.
- Air Fryer Pepper and Onions
- Zucchini Fries → 400°F, 10–12 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Edamame
- Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
- Green Beans → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
- Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob - my favorite!
Pro Tips for Air Frying Frozen Foods
- Don’t overcrowd the basket → air needs to circulate for crispiness.
- Shake or flip halfway through cooking.
- Use a light spritz of oil on breaded items if they look too dry.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer for proteins.
- Every air fryer cooks a little differently → use these times as a guide and adjust.
FAQs about Frozen Food
Nope! Everything here goes straight from freezer to basket.
Some models recommend it, some don’t — either way, it won’t hurt.
Most come pre-coated, so a quick spritz is optional for extra crunch.
French fries — they never disappoint!
Cooking frozen foods in the air fryer is a total game changer. It’s fast, easy, and gives you restaurant-quality results without the grease. Whether you’re pulling out breakfast sandwiches, fries, or a bag of frozen veggies, your air fryer has you covered.
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