Sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest solutions. When the day has been long and energy is low, reaching for frozen favorites feels like a small act of self-care. Using an air fryer brings these snacks to life with a satisfying crunch and warmth that instantly comforts.

Last Friday, after a chaotic day filled with endless calls and to-do lists, I found myself craving that familiar crunch. I tossed frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks into the air fryer, and as they cooked, the kitchen filled with the promise of something tasty. When I pulled them out, the golden edges and gooey cheese of the mozzarella sticks mingled perfectly with the crisp fries and savory nuggets. Sitting down to that quick meal felt like a little celebration of the small wins, a moment of ease amidst the chaos.

It’s amazing how a few minutes in the air fryer can transform simple frozen foods into a feast that feels homemade. No greasy messes, no long wait—just crispy, warm bites that hit the spot every time.

Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Even crispiness without deep frying
Perfectly cooked frozen fries, nuggets, and mozzarella sticks all at once
Quick turnaround—ready in under 20 minutes
Great for solo meals, snacks, or casual get-togethers

If you’re worried about soggy textures or uneven cooking, this method takes the guesswork out. The air fryer ensures everything finishes golden and crispy, so you can enjoy your snacks just the way you like them.

Air Fryer Frozen Foods

Print Recipe

A simple and efficient method to cook a variety of frozen foods in an air fryer, resulting in crispy, delicious meals without the need for deep frying.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 2

Ingredients

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the frozen French fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the French fries for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
After 10 minutes, add the frozen chicken nuggets and frozen mozzarella sticks to the basket, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
Cook all items together for an additional 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Check that the chicken nuggets are cooked through and the mozzarella sticks are golden and crispy.
Carefully remove the cooked frozen foods from the air fryer and serve immediately.

FAQ

Can I cook all frozen items together from the start? It’s best to start with the fries first and add the nuggets and mozzarella sticks later to ensure everything cooks evenly and crisps perfectly.

Do I need to add oil? A light spray helps prevent sticking but isn’t necessary for crispiness thanks to the air fryer’s hot circulating air.

How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispness.

Will this work for other frozen snacks? Absolutely! Just adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of the items.

Ready to turn those frozen favorites into crispy delights? Give this air fryer method a try and enjoy snacks that feel fresh and satisfying anytime.