The air fryer is a game-changer for frozen food. No preheating a giant oven, no soggy microwave results — just crispy, evenly cooked food straight from the freezer in minutes. Most frozen foods cook 20–30% faster in the air fryer than the oven directions on the package suggest.
The most important rule: don't reduce the temperature too much for frozen items. They need enough heat to thaw and crisp simultaneously. We recommend only a 15–20°F reduction from oven temp for frozen foods (versus 25°F for fresh).
Have a custom recipe? Use our calculator for exact conversion.
Open Calculator →| Cut / Type | Oven Temp | Air Fryer Temp | Oven Time | Air Fryer Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken nuggets | 400°F | 380°F | 18 min | 12 min | Shake at 6 min. Single layer. |
| Pizza rolls | 425°F | 400°F | 15 min | 8 min | Shake halfway. Let cool — filling is lava. |
| Fish sticks | 425°F | 400°F | 18 min | 10 min | Single layer. No oil needed. |
| Mozzarella sticks | 425°F | 400°F | 10 min | 6 min | Don't overcook — cheese escapes fast. |
| Frozen veggies | 400°F | 375°F | 20 min | 12 min | Light oil spray helps. Shake at 6 min. |
| Tater tots | 425°F | 400°F | 20 min | 12 min | Shake twice. Extra crispy at 14 min. |
| Frozen pizza (mini) | 400°F | 375°F | 15 min | 8 min | Check at 6 min. Cheese browns fast. |
| Egg rolls | 400°F | 375°F | 18 min | 10 min | Spray with oil for golden finish. |
No thawing needed — Cook frozen items straight from the freezer. Thawing makes breaded items soggy.
Don't overcrowd — Frozen food releases moisture as it cooks. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents crisping. Use a single layer.
Ignore the package times — Package directions are for conventional ovens. Use our converted times above or the calculator for custom items.