From the Freezer to the Barbecue: Can You Really Cook Frozen Meat?
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen people air frying frozen steaks, with sizzling, crispy exteriors and juicy, tender interiors—no defrosting required. It’s the latest cooking trend, and for good reason. Air fryers are becoming a go-to appliance for quick and easy cooking. But does air frying a frozen steak actually deliver the perfect results every time? Well, it's a bit of a hit or miss.
While air frying may work for some, it’s not always the most reliable method—especially if you’re looking for precise, perfectly cooked meat. The truth is, air fryers can’t guarantee the kind of even cooking and accuracy you get with a proper barbecue setup and the right tools. That’s where a smart meat thermometer comes in. If you want a perfectly cooked steak or any meat on the barbecue, you’ll need more than just an air fryer—you’ll need a thermometer to ensure your meat reaches the right internal temperature.
Is It Safe to Barbecue Frozen Meat?
The short answer: absolutely yes! It’s perfectly safe to cook frozen meat on the barbecue as long as you ensure it reaches the right internal temperature. The USDA confirms that barbecuing frozen meat is just as safe as cooking thawed meat—so long as you make sure it reaches the correct temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
However, frozen meat will take a bit longer to cook than thawed meat, so don’t expect to be done in the same amount of time. The key is patience and precision, and that's where your smart meat thermometer comes into play.
The Challenges of Barbecuing Frozen Meat
Cooking frozen meat on the barbecue can be a little trickier than cooking thawed meat. Here are some of the common challenges:
- Uneven Cooking: The outside of the meat may cook faster than the inside, leading to a charred exterior and an undercooked centre. To prevent this, you'll need to adjust your cooking method.
- Longer Cooking Time: Since frozen meat is, well, frozen, it takes longer to reach the internal temperature you need. Expect your cooking time to increase by about 50%.
- Seasoning Issues: Frozen meat doesn’t allow seasonings to stick easily, which means you’ll need to time your seasoning carefully.
Best Practices for Barbecuing Frozen Meat
If you find yourself with frozen steaks or burgers and no time to thaw, follow these tips for the best results:
-
Use Indirect Heat
Since frozen meat takes longer to cook, start by placing it on the cooler side of the barbecue with the lid closed. This allows for a more even thaw and prevents the outside from burning while the inside remains frozen. -
Increase Cooking Time
As a rule of thumb, expect frozen meat to take about 1.5 times longer than thawed meat. If a thawed steak takes 10 minutes to cook, a frozen one will take closer to 15 minutes. -
Flip More Frequently
Flipping the meat every 3-5 minutes helps it cook evenly and prevents excessive charring on one side. -
Season Midway Through Cooking
Since seasonings don’t stick well to frozen meat, wait until the surface has started to brown before adding salt, pepper, and other spices. -
Use a Smart Meat Thermometer
Since barbecuing frozen meat requires precision, a smart meat thermometer is your best friend. The Grill Boss smart meat thermometer allows you to track the internal temperature in real-time, ensuring perfect doneness without guesswork.
Best Cuts for Barbecuing Frozen
Not all meats handle direct-from-the-freezer cooking equally. Here’s how different cuts fare:
Great for Barbecuing Frozen:
- ✔ Steaks – Ribeye, strip, and sirloin work well if they are at least 1 inch thick.
- ✔ Burgers – Frozen patties cook evenly when flipped frequently.
- ✔ Chicken Breasts – Best if barbecued using indirect heat first.
- ✔ Pork Chops – Choose thicker cuts to prevent overcooking the outside.
Better Thawed First:
- 🚫 Large Roasts – The thick centre will take too long to cook.
- 🚫 Bone-In Chicken – The meat near the bone may remain undercooked.
- 🚫 Fish – Prone to drying out or falling apart.
Can You Air Fry Frozen Steaks Instead?
Air frying steaks is currently trending, and while it might seem like a quick solution for cooking frozen steaks, it’s not always the most reliable method. Air frying frozen steak can work in some cases, but it’s a bit of a hit or miss. The process often results in uneven cooking, and the lack of precision makes it difficult to achieve that perfect steak every time.
If you’re aiming for juicy, perfectly cooked steak with consistent results, the barbecue is your best bet. The key is using a smart meat thermometer to track the internal temperature, ensuring your meat is cooked to perfection.
How to Air Fry a Frozen Steak (If You Dare)
If you decide to give it a try, here’s a basic guide:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly coat the frozen steak with oil and season it once it starts cooking.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-12 minutes (depending on thickness).
- Use a wireless meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:
- Rare: 50°C (120°F)
- Medium-Rare: 57°C (135°F)
- Medium: 63°C (145°F)
- Well-Done: 71°C (160°F)
- Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing.
Which Method Is Better: Barbecue or Air Fryer?
| Factor | Barbecuing Frozen Meat | Air Frying Frozen Meat |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Longer (50% more than thawed) | Faster (under 25 minutes) |
| Texture | Smoky, charred, crispy crust | Crispy outside, juicy inside |
| Ease | Requires flipping & monitoring | Hands-free cooking |
| Best For | Traditional BBQ lovers | Quick, hassle-free cooking |
Should You Barbecue Frozen Meat?
Yes! While it’s always best to plan ahead and thaw meat for the most even cooking, barbecuing frozen meat is a great option when you’re in a rush. Just be mindful of the longer cooking time, use indirect heat, and rely on a wireless barbecue thermometer to get perfect results. And if you're really short on time, the air fryer is an excellent alternative for juicy, well-cooked steaks with minimal effort—just don’t expect the same level of precision you’d get with a barbecue and a smart meat thermometer.
So next time you forget to defrost your meat, don’t panic—just fire up the barbecue (and get yourself a Grill Boss smart meat thermometer) to cook with confidence!
