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.
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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
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.
- Chicken Nuggets / Tenders → 400°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Corn Dogs → 370°F, 10–12 minutes.
Frozen Breakfast Foods
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
Perfect for quick dinners or lazy lunches.
- Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Single Serving
- Air Fryer Frozen Burritos
- Taquitos → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Meatballs → 380°F, 12–15 minutes. Toss in sauce after.
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos (3 Ingredients) - easy 3 ingredient recipe!
- Shrimp (breaded or plain) → 380°F, 6–8 minutes.
Frozen Veggies
Yes, even frozen veggies get crispy in the air fryer!
- Broccoli → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Cauliflower → 380°F, 10–12 minutes.
- Peppers & Onions → 370°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Zucchini Fries → 400°F, 10–12 minutes.
- Brussels Sprouts → 380°F, 12–15 minutes. Shake halfway.
- Green Beans → 380°F, 8–10 minutes.
- Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
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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