With the air fryer quickly finding its way to every kitchen, it is a wonder what this appliance can cook besides fried food. Like frozen food?
Frozen foods are readily available across all supermarkets and have a plethora of options.
With minimal prep, you can have delicious meals ready in minutes!
With that said, let’s look at the 10 best frozen foods for air fryers.
Why Choose Frozen Foods for Your Air Fryer?
Using frozen foods in your air fryer is not only convenient but also economical. It saves you time on meal preparation and reduces food waste.
Plus, many frozen food options are available with minimal additives, from tater tots and chicken tenders to onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
Moreover, air fryers use minimal oil which makes frozen foods ideal to eat as opposed to cooking them using deep fryers.
10 Best Frozen Foods for Air Fryer
1. Mozzarella Sticks
For cheese lovers, mozzarella sticks are a heavenly snack.
When air-fried, they become a gooey, cheesy delight with a satisfying crunch.
2. Golden Onion Rings
Onion rings are a classic side dish for burgers and sandwiches.
When prepared in an air fryer, they turn out golden brown and incredibly crispy.
3. Crispy Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders cook up perfectly in the air fryer, with a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior that is hard to resist.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a satisfying meal or snack.
4. Delicious Dumplings
Dumplings are a versatile and globally beloved treat.
Air frying them results in dumplings that are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.
5. Perfectly Crisp French Fries
Who can resist a plate of hot, crispy fries? With an air fryer, you can enjoy guilt-free fries that are as good as the ones from your favorite fast-food joint.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a delightful appetizer, and they are even better when air-fried.
The thin, delicate wrappers turn wonderfully crispy, giving you a satisfying contrast to the healthy veggie fillings.
7. Tater Tots
Tater tots are a popular snack that go with plenty of dishes, especially when they are cooked to a perfect golden crisp.
The air fryer ensures they are evenly cooked, leaving you with a plate of pure potato goodness.
8. Flaky Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a hearty and satisfying snack.
Air frying them ensures that the pastry is flaky, and the sausage filling is cooked to perfection.
9. Spicy Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are given an extra kick when air-fried. The result is a spicy snack with a crispy coating and cheese inside.
10. Breakfast Burritos
Start your day right with air-fried breakfast burritos. They are quick to make and perfect for a busy morning.
Most frozen burritos have a blend of cheese, eggs, and meat but you can elevate these burritos by adding fresh avocado, beans, salsa, or bacon.
Tips for Air Frying Frozen Foods
To make the most of your air fryer and frozen foods, keep these tips in mind:
- Preheat your air fryer.
- Use a light coat of cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Shake or flip the food halfway through the cooking time for uniform crispiness.
- Experiment with seasonings and sauces to customize your meals.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After enjoying your air-fried meals, don’t forget to clean your air fryer.
Most parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. Regular maintenance and cleaning ensure your appliance continues to perform at its best.
FAQs
1. Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen foods?
It is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the frozen food. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
2. How do I prevent frozen foods from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, lightly coat the frozen food with a bit of oil or cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer basket. On the other hand, you can also use parchment paper or an air fryer liner.
3. Can I cook multiple types of frozen foods together in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook different types of frozen foods together in the air fryer, as long as they require similar cooking times and temperatures. Be sure to arrange them evenly for even cooking.
4. Are there any frozen foods that are not suitable for air frying?
While most frozen foods can be air-fried, it is best to avoid foods with very high moisture content, as they may not achieve the desired crispiness.
5. What is the benefit of using an air fryer over traditional frying methods?
Air frying uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier option while still delivering crispy results.
6. What is the recommended temperature for cooking frozen foods in an air fryer?
Most frozen foods cook well at 375°F (190°C). However, refer to the packaging or your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions.
To Sum Up
By selecting the best frozen foods for your air fryer and following some simple tips, you can indulge in delicious meals without the guilt.
Say goodbye to long prep work and cooking hours to enjoying delicious air-fried meals prepared in minutes!
What frozen foods do you cook using your air fryer? Comment below!