The Ultimate Guide to the Best Frozen Foods for Your Air Fryer: Quick, Crispy & Delicious Meals

Are you searching for an effortless way to create crispy, delicious meals and snacks straight from your freezer? Look no further! The air fryer is a game-changer for transforming frozen foods into perfectly cooked delights with minimal effort and less oil. We’ve meticulously compiled our ultimate list of the best frozen foods that shine in the air fryer, ranging from classic chicken breasts and wings to irresistible tater tots and much more. If your busy schedule calls for quick, easy, and satisfying meals you can cook directly from frozen, you’ve landed in the right place.

Collage of various perfectly air-fried frozen foods, including chicken, fries, and tater tots, showcasing crispy textures. Pinnable image for air fryer enthusiasts.

As an avid air fryer user, I understand the constant juggle between wanting wholesome meals and needing something quick. That’s precisely why my freezer is always stocked with a variety of frozen foods ready to be transformed into a delicious dinner in mere minutes. While I adore cooking from scratch, life inevitably throws curveballs, making convenience a top priority. If you often find yourself in need of speedy, satisfying solutions, this curated list of air fryer frozen foods is designed specifically for you.

The air fryer has earned its spot as an indispensable kitchen appliance, especially for its efficiency in preparing meals. It excels at cooking everything from appetizers to main courses with remarkable speed and an unbeatable crispy finish.

Why Use the Air Fryer for Frozen Foods?

The air fryer offers numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to cooking frozen foods, making your meals not only quicker but often healthier and more enjoyable. Here’s why this appliance stands out:

Healthier Cooking: The primary distinction between an air fryer and traditional deep-frying lies in the cooking method. Air fryers utilize superheated circulating air to achieve a crispy exterior, effectively mimicking the results of deep-frying but with significantly less oil, fat, and calories. This means you can enjoy your favorite “fried” foods guilt-free.
Unmatched Speed: Forget about long preheating times and extended cooking durations in a conventional oven. Air fryers typically cook foods much faster. Their compact size and powerful convection technology ensure that your frozen items go from freezer to table in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous snack cravings.
Superior Crispiness: One of the most beloved benefits of the air fryer is its ability to deliver an unparalleled crispy texture. The rapid circulation of hot air ensures that frozen foods, which can often turn soggy in a microwave or less crispy in an oven, achieve a golden-brown, satisfying crunch every single time.
Energy Efficiency: Since air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens and cook faster, they generally consume less energy. This makes them a more economical choice for preparing smaller meals or single servings, reducing your overall electricity bill.
Ease of Use & Minimal Cleanup: Operating an air fryer is straightforward, often requiring just a few button presses. Many air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, simplifying the cleanup process considerably. No more greasy pans or splattered oil to deal with!

By leveraging the power of your air fryer, you can effortlessly transform a wide array of frozen ingredients into delectable, perfectly cooked dishes that taste as good as, if not better than, their deep-fried counterparts. It’s truly a smarter, faster, and healthier way to enjoy your favorite frozen foods.

If you’re looking for a great place to find even more recipes and connect with fellow air frying enthusiasts, check out our FACEBOOK GROUP which boasts hundreds of thousands of people – just like you – who love to use their air fryer. It’s a fantastic community for sharing tips, tricks, and new discoveries!

Best Frozen Foods for Your Air Fryer

We’ve meticulously curated this list featuring our absolute favorite frozen food recipes that are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also emerge perfectly cooked from the air fryer in a flash. Whether you’re planning for busy weeknights, craving quick and easy appetizers for a gathering, or simply need a satisfying snack, these options are guaranteed to impress with their crispy textures and flavorful results. Get ready to streamline your cooking and elevate your frozen food experience!

overhead photo of perfectly crispy golden chicken nuggets made in the air fryer, served on a white plate with a side of ketchup.

5 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets are WAY better than when heated in the microwave and much faster than the standard oven. You’ll always receive perfectly crispy nuggets every time!

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Close up photo of golden crispy steak fries cooked and in an air fryer basket, garnished with parsley flakes, ready to serve.

4.59 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Steak Fries

Air fryer steak fries are incredibly crispy and golden. They make a perfect side dish for any dinner, or even a quick and satisfying after-school snack.

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Crispy golden french fries served on a white plate with a side of red ketchup, air-fried to perfection.

4.80 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

You’ll be just fine skipping the fast food lines once you learn how to make frozen fries in the air fryer. This dish is super easy and always a winner.

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Frozen sweet potato fries made in the air fryer - fully cooked to a golden crisp and served on a white plate with a side of ketchup.

5 from 2 votes

Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer

Make the best Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer and have them taste like they were fresh cut and deep fried!

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Overhead shot of seasoned frozen chicken breasts made to perfection in the air fryer, served on a clean white plate.

4.41 from 5 votes

Frozen Chicken Breast Air Fryer

I love easy air fryer recipes and this frozen chicken breast in air fryer is one of the best! You can cook this dish easily with just a handful of seasonings and in less than 30 minutes.

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Crispy frozen egg rolls made in the air fryer, arranged on a white plate with a side of dipping sauce.

4.63 from 8 votes

Frozen Egg Rolls in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Egg Rolls are delicious and easy, especially if you’re just reheating these rolls from frozen. Skip the deep frying and takeout and make these frozen egg rolls in the air fryer.

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Close up of a crispy hot pocket cooked in an air fryer, with one sliced in half to reveal the warm, melted filling, ready to eat.

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Hot Pockets

Have you had a chance to make a hot pocket in the air fryer yet? This crispy golden brown dish makes for a quick lunch and is a great way to make a quick snack. Whether you’re making a homemade version or cooking them from frozen, this air fryer hot pocket is one of my favorite simple recipes.

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Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken

Air fryer frozen orange chicken is perfect for weeknights! Just dump a bag of Innovasian orange chicken or your favorite brand, and it’s ready in no time! An easy air fryer recipe the whole family will enjoy!

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Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks on a white plate with marinara dipping sauce and topped with fresh parsley.

4.89 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

We figured out how to make the perfect frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are perfectly crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. You’ll have this dish ready in less than 10 minutes from start to finish!

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Golden brown juicy frozen meatballs in the air fryer basket after being cooked, ready to be served.

4.75 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Meatballs

This air fryer meatball recipe is so easy to make! Use these delicious meatballs for pasta and sauce, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer!

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Golden, crispy hash brown patties on a white plate, served with a side of ketchup, fresh from the air fryer.

4.58 from 7 votes

Air Fryer Hash Browns

Air fryer hash brown patties are an easy breakfast side dish. Golden and crispy, and all you need is an air fryer and frozen patties.

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Golden toasted garlic bread, perfectly cooked in the air fryer, glistening with butter and herbs.

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

This easy air fryer garlic bread recipe is the perfect addition to any meal. You can have buttery crisp garlic bread on the table in minutes.

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Crispy chicken wings seasoned and perfectly cooked in the air fryer basket.

4.58 from 7 votes

Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

You’ll love making frozen chicken wings in air fryer. These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings are quick, easy, and so delicious!

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A fully cooked chicken patty sandwich, made with frozen patties in the air fryer, served on a bun with toppings.

4.82 from 11 votes

Frozen Chicken Patties in Air Fryer

Frozen chicken patties in the air fryer are quick and easy! Made with your favorite brand of frozen chicken patties, you can have a chicken burger in just 10 minutes. Top them with all of your favorite toppings and condiments for a quick and easy dinner.

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Crispy cooked pizza rolls served on a white plate, sprinkled with shredded parmesan cheese and a side of red dipping sauce.

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Air Fryer Pizza rolls are an incredibly easy and fast snack, cooked in just minutes! These crispy pizza rolls will make everyone happy, whether they are for the big game, an after school snack, or as a meal!

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Golden brown and perfectly crispy Tater Tots on a white plate, made in the Air Fryer, with a small bowl of ketchup on the side.

4.74 from 23 votes

Air Fryer Tater Tots

You’re totally missing out if you haven’t tried Air Fryer tater Tots! They are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You’ll never want to make them any other way again.

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Easy and delicious naked frozen chicken wings cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.

Easy Naked Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These easy air fryer frozen chicken wings have it all! Crispy browned skin on the outside with juicy and tender meat on the inside. Add a dash of your favorite chicken wing seasoning and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner that the whole family will love. Naked air fryer chicken wings will become a go-to for effortless meals.

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