Best air fryer for frozen foods
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Ninja AF101 is the best air fryer for frozen foods, delivering reliably crispy fries, nuggets, and fish sticks without fuss.
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 suits larger households needing bigger batches, while the Chefman TurboFry is a solid budget pick for smaller servings.
Frozen foods are the air fryer’s killer app: they come out shatter-crisp in minutes with way less oil than oven baking. But not every air fryer handles frozen fries and nuggets equally well — some struggle with even browning or leave the inside undercooked. When choosing, focus on basket capacity (how many servings you typically cook), wattage (higher wattage means faster, more even heat), and simplicity of controls (a simple dial is often better than tricky digital presets for frozen foods that vary by brand). This round-up narrows the field to three proven models that consistently deliver on frozen snacks, based on thousands of owner reviews and professional assessments. We’ve ranked them by overall performance for frozen foods, then broken down which one fits your household size and budget best.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The Ninja AF101 is the gold standard for frozen foods: it bakes fries and nuggets evenly crisp with minimal shaking. Its simple dial controls and generous basket make it the most user-friendly choice for everyday frozen snacks.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Cosori Pro Gen 2
families with big appetites
4.7out of 5The Cosori Pro Gen 2’s oversized square basket fits a whole bag of frozen nuggets or a mountain of fries. Its shake reminder and dedicated frozen-food presets make large-batch cooking effortless, though the touch controls can be finicky.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Chefman TurboFry
budget champion
4.5out of 5The Chefman TurboFry proves you don’t need to spend hundreds for good frozen-food results. It’s compact and incredibly easy to use, with a single timer-and-temperature dial that delivers crisp fries and nuggets — just in smaller batches.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Ninja AF101 Air Fryer | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, no-nonsense air fryer that makes frozen foods perfectly crisp | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Cosori Pro Gen 2 | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Families or households that regularly cook large batches of frozen snacks like chicken ten | Check price → |
| Best value | Chefman TurboFry | 4.5 / 5 | $ | Singles, couples, or anyone looking for an affordable, no-fuss air fryer for a few frozen | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer — the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ninja AF101 is the gold standard for frozen foods: it bakes fries and nuggets evenly crisp with minimal shaking. Its simple dial controls and generous basket make it the most user-friendly choice for everyday frozen snacks.
Pros
- Large enough capacity for a family batch of fries
- Simple twist dials preheat quickly and are easy to clean
- Consistently crispy results with no hot spots
- Compact footprint for its interior volume
Cons
- Basket doesn’t pause when pulled out (no auto-shutoff)
- Exterior gets hot during cooking
- Basket and crisper plate are not dishwasher safe
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, no-nonsense air fryer that makes frozen foods perfectly crisp every time.Who should skip it
You need a digital timer with multiple presets or want dishwasher-safe parts.2. Cosori Pro Gen 2 — families with big appetites
Runner-upThe Cosori Pro Gen 2’s oversized square basket fits a whole bag of frozen nuggets or a mountain of fries. Its shake reminder and dedicated frozen-food presets make large-batch cooking effortless, though the touch controls can be finicky.
Pros
- Large square basket handles family-sized frozen loads
- Shake reminder helps achieve even browning
- Multiple presets specifically for frozen foods
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier
Cons
- Bulky footprint takes up significant counter space
- Touch-sensitive controls can be unresponsive with wet fingers
- Preheating takes longer than simpler models
Who it’s for
Families or households that regularly cook large batches of frozen snacks like chicken tenders and fish sticks.Who should skip it
Counter space is at a premium or you prefer simple knob controls over digital interfaces.3. Chefman TurboFry — budget champion
Best valueThe Chefman TurboFry proves you don’t need to spend hundreds for good frozen-food results. It’s compact and incredibly easy to use, with a single timer-and-temperature dial that delivers crisp fries and nuggets — just in smaller batches.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly without sacrificing basic performance
- One-knob control is intuitive and reliable
- Compact size fits easily in small kitchens or dorms
- Nonstick basket releases frozen foods cleanly
Cons
- Small capacity limits you to single servings or small batches
- Less even browning when the basket is overcrowded
- No preheat indicator or built-in presets
Who it’s for
Singles, couples, or anyone looking for an affordable, no-fuss air fryer for a few frozen items at a time.Who should skip it
You regularly cook for more than two people or want advanced features like a shake reminder.Best for specific needs
Best for crisping up frozen french fries
The Ninja AF101 excels at turning frozen fries into golden, crunchy sticks with a fluffy interior. Its high-wattage heating element and efficient fan circulation minimize the need for shaking, so you get consistent results every time. This is the air fryer to grab when a bag of frozen fries is the main event. Our pick: Ninja AF101.
Best for frozen chicken nuggets and fish sticks
For big batches of chicken nuggets or fish sticks, the Cosori Pro Gen 2’s extra-large square basket lets you cook an entire family-size bag in one go. The shake reminder ensures each piece gets crisp on all sides, and the dedicated frozen-foods presets take the guesswork out of temperature and time. Our pick: Cosori Pro Gen 2.
Best for reheating frozen snacks without sogginess
When you need to quickly revive frozen mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or small spring rolls, the Chefman TurboFry shines. Its simple one-knob operation heats up fast, and the compact basket is perfect for small single servings, delivering crunchy reheated snacks in minutes without the waste of preheating a larger oven or air fryer. Our pick: Chefman TurboFry.
Our verdict
For most people, the Ninja AF101 is the clear winner — it handles frozen foods flawlessly, fits a reasonable portion size, and costs a reasonable price. If you’re feeding a hungry family, the Cosori Pro Gen 2’s extra capacity and convenience features are worth the splurge. And if you just need a simple, budget-friendly option for one or two people, the Chefman TurboFry delivers surprisingly good results for the price. Any of these three will make your frozen snacks far crispier than a standard oven, so pick the one that best matches your counter space and serving needs.
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.