An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can quickly turn frozen foods into crispy and delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a convenient dinner option, the air fryer can make your frozen foods shine.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best frozen foods to cook in your air fryer for mouthwatering results.
Why using an air fryer for frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables are an excellent choice for cooking in an air fryer for several reasons:
- Crispiness: Air frying frozen vegetables preserves their natural crispiness, resulting in a satisfying texture that’s far superior to boiling or steaming.
- Speed: Air fryers cook frozen vegetables quickly, making them a time-saving option for busy weeknight meals.
- Versatility: You can season and flavor frozen vegetables before air frying, allowing you to create a wide range of delicious side dishes.
- Healthier Option: Air frying requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
Top frozen foods for air frying
Here are some of the best frozen foods that you can cook in your air fryer:
- Frozen French Fries: Crispy and golden, frozen french fries are a classic choice for the air fryer. They cook quickly and turn out perfectly crunchy.
- Frozen Mozzarella Sticks: These cheesy delights become wonderfully gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside when air-fried.
- Frozen Vegetable Spring Rolls: Enjoy a healthier option by air frying frozen vegetable spring rolls. They come out with a delightful crunch.
- Frozen Pizza Rolls: Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer, frozen pizza rolls become piping hot and crispy when air-fried.
- Frozen Veggie Burgers: For a vegetarian option, try air frying frozen veggie burgers. They develop a delicious crust and are perfect for making veggie burger sandwiches.
- Frozen Onion Rings: Vegetarians can enjoy the crispy goodness of frozen onion rings in the air fryer. They make a tasty side dish or snack.
Tips to cook frozen food in air fryer
Cooking frozen food in an air fryer can yield delicious results with the right approach. Here are some tips to make the most of your air frying experience:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding frozen food. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange frozen food in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to less crispy results.
- Use a Light Coating of Oil: Lightly spray or brush the frozen food with cooking oil to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking.
- Flip or Shake: For even cooking, flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the advantage of cooking frozen foods in an air fryer?
Air frying frozen foods is convenient and results in a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil, making it a better option.
How do I prevent frozen foods from sticking in the air fryer?
To prevent sticking, lightly spray the food with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before air frying.
Can I stack frozen foods in the air fryer basket?
It’s best to arrange frozen foods in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking. Overcrowding may lead to less crispy results.