Yes, You Can Cook Meat Straight From Frozen In Your Air Fryer (2024)

Matthew Wilson

·3-min read

The air fryer is convenient for those with busy schedules who don't have time to cook on the stove throughout the week. However, did you know that you don't even have to thaw meat before cooking it in an air fryer? That's right — you can cook meat straight from frozen with little fuss.

According to the USDA, it's perfectly safe to cook meat straight from frozen, but it's important to note that it will take a tad bit longer than if you were cooking thawed or fresh meat. On average, it should take around one and a half times as long, so plan accordingly. This should also be true if you're cooking with an air fryer, which uses a fan and heating element to replicate the textures you might get from a conventional fryer.

Still, using an air fryer to cook frozen meat should be quick and convenient. Depending on the type of protein, your meal may be finished cooking in under 30 minutes (less than 10 minutes in some cases, such as shrimp). You should also keep in mind that larger air fryers may cook food slightly faster than smaller air fryers. Likewise, freezing meat can affect its quality, especially when compared to fresh meat.

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Types Of Frozen Meat You Can Air-Fry

Yes, You Can Cook Meat Straight From Frozen In Your Air Fryer (2)

You're not limited when it comes to what kinds of meat you can air-fry. The kitchen device can cook a range of poultry, beef, pork chop, and seafood from frozen, so you should have plenty of options when it comes to dinner. For instance, you could cook up some frozen beef patties for delicious burgers without ever having to break out the grill. Cook salmon patties for bagels or air-fry a lovely steak dinner for two.

Before air-frying, remember that each protein has an ideal temperature you should be cooking at for best quality. Chicken generally cooks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while you may cook meatloaf at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to check those times prior to cooking to avoid any blunders.

When you're cooking with frozen food,be careful about excess moisture dripping in the air fryer. Keep an eye on how the protein is cooking. Additionally, it's important to note that not every type of meat may be good to cook in the air fryer. Whole roasts and chickens may not conveniently fit and shouldn't be forced. Likewise, while you can cook a burger in an air fryer, it may not have that same smoky crisp as if you were cooking on a grill.

Tips For Air-Frying Frozen Food

Yes, You Can Cook Meat Straight From Frozen In Your Air Fryer (3)

There's a fine balance between overly burnt and undercooked when you're cooking with an air fryer. But it's important to make sure the food is cooked to optimal temperatures to avoid the risk of a foodborne illness.

According to the USDA, poultry should have an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Poultry has a slightly lower recommended temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to ensure the food is at its appropriate temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for the thickest piece of meat (usually the center), and be sure not to let the probe touch any bone or connective tissue, as that may affect the reading.

The other pitfall you may encounter is figuring out how to season the meat. There's nothing worse than bland protein, so you'll have to get a bit creative when you're dealing with frozen meat. One thing you can do is marinate the meat before freezing it. This allows you to impart the same flavors as you would marinating fresh meat. Alternatively, you can let the meat partially cook, then remove it to season before letting it finish cook in the air fryer.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.

Yes, You Can Cook Meat Straight From Frozen In Your Air Fryer (2024)

FAQs

Yes, You Can Cook Meat Straight From Frozen In Your Air Fryer? ›

According to the USDA, it's perfectly safe to cook meat straight from frozen, but it's important to note that it will take a tad bit longer than if you were cooking thawed or fresh meat. On average, it should take around one and a half times as long, so plan accordingly.

Can you put frozen meat directly in an air fryer? ›

As long as you have an air fryer, frozen steak is no problem. In fact, can be delicious. You can't always fire up the grill, but air frying can be a surprisingly simple way to prepare mouthwatering fresh steak. And some experts recommend cooking steak from frozen, as thawing can produce tougher meat.

Can you cook straight from frozen in an air fryer? ›

Can I use my air fryer for frozen food? The answer to this question is, yes – anything is possible with these magical machines. We all know the hassle of waiting for something to defrost before you can cook it, but with an air fryer, you can simply pop the item inside, in its frozen state, and start cooking.

What happens if you cook meat straight from frozen? ›

Information. Raw or cooked meat, poultry or casseroles can be cooked or reheated from the frozen state. However, it will take approximately one and a half times as long to cook. For example, if fresh meat takes one hour to cook, the same meat cooked frozen would take 1 1/2 hours.

What happens if you cook frozen meat without defrosting it first? ›

Q: Can I Cook Meat From Frozen? A: Yes, meat products can be cooked straight from frozen, although you must ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked through before serving. The meat must reach a core temperature of 70°C for at least 2 minutes to destroy any harmful bacteria.

Does meat need to be flipped in air fryer? ›

Do You Need to Flip Steak in an Air Fryer? Because of the air fryer's trademark ability to circulate intensely hot air evenly around food as it cooks, you don't need to flip steak in the air fryer. If you prefer to flip your steaks, that works too! Flip the steak halfway through the required cook time.

Can air fryers cook raw meat? ›

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

Why can't you cook straight from frozen? ›

Harmful bacteria can grow in food that is not defrosted properly.

How to cook meat from frozen? ›

Oven. You can't go wrong with the oven for cooking frozen meat. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and put the meat on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Why can't you cook chicken from frozen? ›

The defrosting of meat ensures even cooking. Cooking chicken from frozen could leave you with an outside that's cooked and a centre that may not be, which means it could contain harmful bacteria.

What happens if you cook meat not fully defrosted? ›

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), meat is safe to cook without thawing, but it is not always safe to cook Frozen meat because it is prone to bacteria that can cause food-borne Illnesses.

Do I have to cook defrosted meat straight away? ›

After thawing beef in the refrigerator, you don't have to cook it right away. Ground beef can be stored an additional 1 to 2 days before cooking; beef roasts and steaks may be stored 3 to 5 additional days before cooking.

What are high risk foods for spreading bacteria? ›

Commonly known high risk foods for spreading bacteria are those that contain high levels of protein, like dairy products and cooked meat. They're also not too acidic, as this can kill microbes. Likewise, storing these foods at temperatures that aren't too hot or cold allows bacteria and illness to multiply.

Can you defrost raw meat in air fryer? ›

The defrosting time in an air fryer will vary based on the model of your machine and the beef's thickness. On average, it takes approximately 10-15 minutes to defrost ground beef in an air fryer. Similar to the microwave method, remember to check the progress regularly and adjust the settings if needed.

Is frozen food good in the air fryer? ›

Here are eight frozen foods you may not have thought of to cook in your air fryer, according to these experts.
  • Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters. ...
  • Frozen Pork Loin. ...
  • Frozen Fish Fillets. ...
  • Frozen Salmon Portions. ...
  • Frozen Meatballs. ...
  • Frozen Broccoli & Cauliflower. ...
  • Frozen Whole Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Frozen Corn on the Cob.
Jan 25, 2024

Can I air fry frozen burger meat? ›

Any type of frozen burger patty can be made in the air fryer, even Chicken patties, veggie patties, and turkey burgers. Just always make sure they are cooked to 74C/165F internal temperature because unlike beef patties, you don't want to undercook them.

Does frozen meat need to be air tight? ›

Wrap Your Meat When Freezing

The most important thing is to avoid exposing frozen meat to outside air. While a vacuum-sealer is ideal for ensuring that meats are packaged correctly, you can get by just fine with double wrapping cuts of meat with freezer paper, aluminum foil or airtight zip-loc bags.

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