Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a dinner rut? You’re hungry, but you don’t have a lot of time or energy. The answer might be hiding in your freezer! Frozen foods are a lifesaver, but sometimes they can be a bit of a gamble. Will they be crispy? Will they be soggy? Choosing the right frozen foods to cook in your air fryer can be tricky.
That’s where this blog post comes in! We’ll help you skip the trial and error. We’ll tell you which frozen foods cook best in the air fryer. We know you want delicious, quick meals. We also know you don’t want to waste food or time.
By the end of this post, you’ll know which frozen foods to grab at the store. You’ll learn exactly how to cook them to perfection in your air fryer. Get ready to enjoy easy, crispy, and delicious meals. Let’s dive into the best frozen foods for your air fryer and how to cook them!
Our Top 5 Frozen Foods To Air Fry Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
Ninja Air Fryer | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried Potatoes | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
 |
Ninja Air Fryer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
 |
Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Frozen Foods To Air Fry Detailed Reviews
1. Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries
Rating: 8.9/10
Craving those crispy, flavorful fries from Checkers and Rally’s? Now you can enjoy them at home with their Famous Seasoned Fries! This 28 oz bag of frozen fries is ready to cook whenever you want. They’re a quick and easy side dish for a meal or a tasty snack any time of day. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer for that signature seasoned flavor you love.
What We Like:
- The fries taste just like the ones from the restaurant!
- They are easy to prepare.
- The seasoning is delicious and adds a great flavor.
- A large bag means you can make enough for the whole family.
- They are a good value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fries can get a little soggy if not cooked properly.
- Finding them in the store can sometimes be tricky.
Overall, Checkers and Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries are a fantastic option for a quick and tasty treat. They bring the delicious taste of the restaurant to your own kitchen, making them a must-try for any fry lover!
2. Ninja Air Fryer
Rating: 9.0/10
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a kitchen helper. It can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate food. This air fryer is a 4-in-1 machine. It’s perfect for making fries, frozen food, veggies, and juicy meat. You can make easy and healthy meals with less oil. The compact design and 4-quart capacity make it great for small kitchens. The grey color adds a modern touch.
What We Like:
- Less Fat: You can enjoy your favorite fried foods with up to 75% less fat! This is better than traditional frying.
- Wide Temperature Range: The temperature goes from 105°F to 400°F. This lets you dehydrate or quickly cook your food.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 4-quart basket can fit up to 2 pounds of fries!
- 4-in-1 Versatility: You can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate.
- Dehydrate Function: Make your own healthy snacks like dried fruit.
- Easy to Clean: The basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the 4-quart capacity too small for larger families.
- The exterior needs to be wiped down.
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a good choice for anyone who wants to cook healthier meals. It is a great way to make delicious food quickly and easily.
3. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries French Fried Potatoes
Rating: 9.5/10
Craving crispy, golden-brown French fries? The Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries, in a convenient 26 oz bag, are here to satisfy your cravings. These fries are designed to be easy and fast, making them a perfect side for any meal. You can cook them in the air fryer, oven, or deep fryer. They are gluten-free and have a classic straight-cut shape, perfect for dipping. They are also certified Kosher and SNAP & EBT eligible.
What We Like:
- Easy to prepare in multiple ways: air fryer, oven, or deep fryer.
- They are gluten-free, which is great for those with dietary needs.
- Classic straight-cut shape provides extra crispness.
- Perfect for a burger and fries combo.
- Convenient freezer storage in a sealed bag.
- Certified Kosher, making them accessible to more people.
- They are a SNAP & EBT eligible food item.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people may prefer a different flavor profile than “fast food” style.
- The crispiness may vary depending on the cooking method and time.
Overall, Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are a good choice for a quick and easy side dish. They are a convenient option that works well with many meals.
4. Ninja Air Fryer
Rating: 8.7/10
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer (DZ550) is a kitchen game-changer! This 10-in-1 air fryer lets you cook two different foods at the same time. It features a smart thermometer for perfect cooking. You can air fry, roast, bake, and more. It cooks meals fast and uses less oil. This air fryer is perfect for quick, healthy meals for families.
What We Like:
- Cook two foods at once with two separate baskets.
- The Smart Cook System makes sure food is cooked perfectly.
- DualZone technology lets you finish meals at the same time.
- It has six cooking programs.
- The large 10-QT capacity is great for families.
- It cooks food faster than a regular oven.
- It is easy to clean with nonstick parts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size might take up a lot of counter space.
- Learning all the features may take some time.
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is a great appliance for busy cooks. It makes cooking meals easier and faster. This air fryer is a great choice for anyone who wants to eat healthier.
5. Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries
Rating: 9.0/10
Craving those iconic curly fries from Arby’s but don’t want to leave your house? The Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries, 22 oz (Frozen) lets you enjoy that same delicious flavor at home! These fries are perfectly seasoned and ready to bake or fry. You can have a tasty side dish in minutes. Plus, the large bag is perfect for sharing (or not!).
What We Like:
- The fries have that classic Arby’s taste.
- They are easy to prepare.
- The 22 oz bag provides a generous amount of fries.
- There are no trans fats per serving.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fries can sometimes get a little soggy if not cooked properly.
- Frozen fries are not as good as fresh fries.
The Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries are a simple and tasty option for a quick side. They are a convenient way to enjoy a favorite treat.
Frozen Foods to Air Fry: Your Guide to Crispy Goodness
Air fryers cook food quickly. They use hot air to make food crispy. Many people love air fryers because they are easy to use. This guide will help you pick the best frozen foods for your air fryer.
Key Features to Look For
You need to find frozen foods that air fry well. Here are some things to consider:
-
Type of Food:
Some foods air fry better than others. Think about what you like to eat. French fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks are popular. Pizza rolls and spring rolls also work great.
-
Cooking Instructions:
Always check the packaging. Look for instructions specifically for air fryers. This will help you get the best results. Some boxes will say “Air Fry.”
-
Crispiness Level:
Do you like super crispy food? Or something a little softer? Choose foods that promise the crispiness you want.
-
Size and Shape:
Consider the size of your air fryer basket. Make sure the food will fit without overcrowding. Overcrowding can make food cook unevenly.
-
Ingredient Quality:
Read the ingredient list. Look for foods with ingredients you recognize. Avoid things with too many artificial ingredients.
Important Materials
The materials used in the food are important.
-
Breading:
The breading on frozen foods makes them crispy. Look for breading that is not too thick. Thicker breading can sometimes burn.
-
Oil Content:
Some frozen foods are already oily. Air frying uses less oil than deep frying. This means the food will be healthier.
-
Filling (for items like spring rolls or empanadas):
Make sure the filling is cooked. This is especially important for meat-filled items.
Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect how good your air-fried frozen food will be.
-
Preheating:
Always preheat your air fryer. This helps cook the food evenly.
-
Arrangement:
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place food in a single layer for best results.
-
Cooking Time:
Follow the cooking instructions carefully. Check the food a few minutes before the suggested time.
-
Temperature:
Adjust the temperature as needed. Higher temperatures make food crispier. Lower temperatures prevent burning.
-
Flipping:
Flip the food halfway through cooking. This helps it cook evenly on both sides.
-
Brand:
Some brands make better frozen foods than others. Try different brands to find your favorites.
User Experience and Use Cases
Air frying frozen foods is easy. Here are some ways you can use it:
-
Quick Meals:
Air fryers are perfect for busy weeknights. Cook a meal in minutes.
-
Snacks:
Make tasty snacks like chicken wings or fries.
-
Parties:
Serve appetizers like mozzarella sticks or mini pizzas.
-
Healthier Eating:
Air frying uses less oil than other methods. This helps you eat healthier.
-
Convenience:
Air fryers are very easy to clean.
Frozen Foods to Air Fry: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I air fry any frozen food?
A: You can try many frozen foods. However, not all foods air fry well. Always check the packaging for instructions.
Q: Do I need to thaw frozen food before air frying?
A: No, you usually do not need to thaw frozen food. Air fryers are designed to cook from frozen.
Q: How long do I cook frozen food in the air fryer?
A: Cooking times vary. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Times will depend on the food and your air fryer.
Q: What temperature should I use for air frying frozen food?
A: The temperature depends on the food. Most frozen foods cook best at 350-400°F (175-200°C).
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: You can use parchment paper or spray the basket with cooking oil. This helps prevent sticking.
Q: Can I cook different types of frozen food at the same time?
A: Yes, you can. Make sure the cooking times and temperatures are similar. You may need to adjust the time.
Q: How do I know when the food is done?
A: Check the food for doneness. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat. The food should be golden brown and crispy.
Q: Is air frying healthier than deep frying?
A: Yes! Air frying uses much less oil than deep frying. This results in a healthier meal.
Q: How do I clean my air fryer?
A: Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe. You can also wash them by hand with soap and water. Always unplug the air fryer before cleaning.
Q: What are the best frozen foods for beginners?
A: French fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks are great choices. They are easy to air fry and taste delicious.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.