Best air fryer for frozen foods
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Ninja AF101 is our top pick for frozen foods because it delivers consistently crispy results with minimal preheating.
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 is better for larger families needing extra capacity, while the Chefman TurboFry is a budget-friendly choice that still gets the job done.
Frozen foods like fries, nuggets, and fish sticks are the poster children for air frying. They come out crisp and golden in minutes, without the mess and oil of deep frying. But not every air fryer handles frozen fare equally well, capacity, heat-up speed, and basket shape all matter. When choosing an air fryer for frozen foods, prioritize models with a generous basket that lets you spread food in a single layer. A wide temperature range (especially on the higher end) helps achieve that crunch. Look for simple controls or dedicated presets, and consider models that heat up quickly to save time. The three picks below are the most trusted tools for the job, based on years of owner feedback and expert reviews.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The Ninja AF101 is a proven performer that handles frozen fries and nuggets with ease. Its wide temperature range and simple dials make it a no-fuss workhorse. You won’t find a more reliable option for everyday frozen snacks.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Cosori Pro Gen 2
best for families
4.6out of 5The Cosori Pro Gen 2 offers a generously sized basket that fits a full bag of frozen fries or a dozen nuggets. Its square basket maximizes usable space, and the shake reminder helps ensure even cooking. It’s the best choice for feeding a crowd from frozen.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Chefman TurboFry
best budget pick
4.3out of 5The Chefman TurboFry is a straightforward, affordable air fryer that handles frozen foods without fuss. It lacks bells and whistles, but its compact size and easy operation make it a great starter model. For the price, it delivers surprisingly even results.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, straightforward air fryer for a couple of servings of frozen | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Cosori Pro Gen 2 | 4.6 / 5 | $$ | Families or anyone who cooks large batches of frozen appetizers and sides. | Check price → |
| Best value | Chefman TurboFry | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious shoppers or individuals who air fry in small batches. | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ninja AF101 is a proven performer that handles frozen fries and nuggets with ease. Its wide temperature range and simple dials make it a no-fuss workhorse. You won’t find a more reliable option for everyday frozen snacks.
Pros
- Large enough for a family serving of fries
- Heats up quickly for frozen foods
- Consistent browning across the basket
Cons
- Basket is round, making it harder to fit larger items like whole chicken
- No preheat setting (but fast heat-up minimizes the difference)
- Outer shell can get hot; need caution around children
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, straightforward air fryer for a couple of servings of frozen food.Who should skip it
You need to cook for more than 3–4 people regularly, or prefer digital presets.2. Cosori Pro Gen 2: best for families
Runner-upThe Cosori Pro Gen 2 offers a generously sized basket that fits a full bag of frozen fries or a dozen nuggets. Its square basket maximizes usable space, and the shake reminder helps ensure even cooking. It’s the best choice for feeding a crowd from frozen.
Pros
- Extra-large square basket holds more food than typical round units
- Shake reminder for even cooking
- Digital touchscreen with 11 presets, including frozen foods
- Sleek design that looks good on the counter
Cons
- Basket non-stick may wear over time with rough cleaning
- Temperature range is slightly narrower than some competitors
- Basket is heavy when full
Who it’s for
Families or anyone who cooks large batches of frozen appetizers and sides.Who should skip it
You have very limited counter space or prefer a simpler manual unit.3. Chefman TurboFry: best budget pick
Best valueThe Chefman TurboFry is a straightforward, affordable air fryer that handles frozen foods without fuss. It lacks bells and whistles, but its compact size and easy operation make it a great starter model. For the price, it delivers surprisingly even results.
Pros
- Compact footprint fits small kitchens
- Simple knob controls are intuitive
- Dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup
Cons
- Smaller capacity limits batch sizes
- Manual timer means you need to keep an eye on cooking
- Not as powerful as pricier models, so frozen foods may need a bit longer
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers or individuals who air fry in small batches.Who should skip it
You routinely cook for more than two people, or want a unit with presets for common frozen items.Best for specific needs
Best for large frozen batches
When you need to cook a whole bag of frozen fries or two dozen nuggets at once, capacity is king. The Cosori Pro Gen 2’s square basket holds significantly more than round alternatives, and its shake reminder helps everything come out evenly. It’s the ideal pick for feeding a hungry family straight from the freezer. Our pick: Cosori Pro Gen 2.
Best for simple everyday use
If you just want to toss in some frozen snacks and walk away, the Ninja AF101 is the most straightforward choice. Its manual dials are intuitive, and it preheats faster than most, meaning frozen fries go from bag to plate in under 15 minutes. It’s the set-it-and-forget-it champion for daily use. Our pick: Ninja AF101.
Best for small kitchens and tight budgets
Counter space is precious, and so is your budget. The Chefman TurboFry takes up minimal room while still turning out crispy frozen treats. It’s simple to operate and easy to clean, making it a great entry-level option for students, dorm dwellers, or anyone air frying for one or two. Our pick: Chefman TurboFry.
Our verdict
Whether you’re reheating frozen fries or cooking a bag of nuggets, the best air fryer for frozen foods depends on your needs. The Ninja AF101 is our top pick for its reliability and results. If you’re feeding a family, the Cosori Pro Gen 2’s larger basket is a smart upgrade. And if you just want a basic, budget-friendly model, the Chefman TurboFry won’t let you down. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy crispy frozen favorites in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to preheat for frozen fries?
Yes, preheating makes a noticeable difference with frozen fries. A cold basket extends the cook time and can cause the outside to brown before the inside is fully cooked. Two to three minutes of preheat gets you a more consistent crisp. Most air fryers have a preheat button or preset; if not, run it empty at 400°F for two minutes.
How do you cook frozen nuggets in an air fryer?
400°F for 8–10 minutes is the standard starting point for most frozen chicken nuggets. Shake the basket halfway through. The exact time depends on the brand and size, so check the packaging and subtract a couple of minutes to account for the air fryer being more efficient than a conventional oven. They’re done when the crust is firm and golden, not pale.
How do you get frozen fish sticks crispy?
400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipped once at the midpoint. The difference between a soggy and a crispy fish stick is usually crowding, if sticks overlap, steam builds and softens the coating. A single layer with space between pieces makes the difference. The air fryer is genuinely better than an oven here because the circulating air hits all sides.
Does preheating actually matter for frozen foods?
For dense frozen items like thick fries or tater tots, yes. For thin items like onion rings or small nuggets, the gap is smaller. Preheating is fast enough (two minutes) that it’s usually worth it. The exception is if you’re feeding kids who need dinner now, skip the preheat and just add two minutes to the cook time, checking doneness at the end.