We’ve all had those nights when the idea of cooking a big meal feels impossible, but takeout isn’t quite what you want either. Enter frozen protein – your new best friend for quick and easy dinners that taste amazing. With a little creativity and the right recipes, you can whip up delicious meals straight from your freezer in no time.

A bowl of pasta mixed with tomato sauce, meatballs, and green garnishes, with a fork picking up a meatball.
Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.
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Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making frozen salmon in the air fryer is quick and easy with this maple mustard sauce. No need to defrost; cook straight from the freezer when you’re pressed for time.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and a fork.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget to defrost dinner? No worries because you can cook these frozen chicken breasts right in the air fryer. Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re incredibly tender and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

Garlic ginger shrimp on air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

From freezer to dinner plate in under 20 minutes, these air fryer frozen shrimp coated in a garlic ginger sesame sauce make for a flavor-packed yet simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp

Wine Poached Cod with Sweet Onion Drizzle

Wine Poached Cod with Sweet Onion Drizzle. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Treat yourself to an easy and elegant dinner with wine poached cod and sweet onion drizzle. This dish is perfect for a luxurious date night and saves time with its simple preparation.
Get the Recipe: Wine Poached Cod with Sweet Onion Drizzle

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe uses just two ingredients, making it a quick and easy dump-and-go dinner. Customize it with seasonings and veggies or shred it for pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches. Perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie

Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie. Photo credit: A Tasty Kitchen.

Homemade sweet potato fish pie is classic comfort food packed with vegetables. This easy dinner recipe has a healthy twist with its sweet potato mash topping, sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet Potato Fish Pie

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

These air fryer frozen chicken wings have crispy skin and fall-off-the-bone tender meat. Super easy to make and incredibly flavorful, just toss with your favorite sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: 100 Days of Real Food.

Enjoy crispy, golden air fryer chicken tenders with this easy recipe. Perfect for a healthier, homemade snack or meal, they deliver all the flavor with less oil. Quick to make and a go-to for a crispy treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: 100 Days of Real Food.

This quick and easy air fryer mahi mahi recipe is nutritious and rich in taste. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, this dish is great for a weeknight seafood dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

These crispy baked chicken tenders are made extra crispy with panko breadcrumbs. Baked instead of fried, they are a healthier option that’s still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Mexican Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: 24Bite.

Try Mexican stuffed shells for a delicious twist on the Italian classic. Using taco-seasoned ground turkey makes for an easy, budget-friendly preparation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Shells

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

This guide on how to cook frozen meatballs will have you making delicious meatballs from frozen in no time. Perfect for busy families, frozen meatballs are a great shortcut for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: How to Cook Frozen Meatballs

Meatball Casserole

Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

Meatball casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s saucy, cheesy, and so easy to make, saving you time while delivering big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Meatball Sub Sandwiches. Photo credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

These 4-ingredient meatball sub sandwiches use frozen meatballs and a jar of marinara to make the easiest crockpot dump meal ever. Great for a quick dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sub Sandwiches

Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

Baked spaghetti and meatball casserole is a fun twist on the classic favorite dinner. Easier to make than lasagna and more fun too, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Italian Sausage

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Italian Sausage. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

Instant pot pork Italian sausage is a quick and flavorful meal. Making sausage in the instant pot takes just a few simple steps and can be turned into a variety of meals, making it a versatile option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Instant Pot Pork Italian Sausage

Shrimp Chow Mein

Shrimp Chow Mein. Photo credit: The Seasonal Kitchen.

This savory shrimp chow mein is a combination of plump shrimp, crisp vegetables, and chow mein noodles smothered in a flavorful sauce. Quick to prepare, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Chow Mein

Roasted Salmon with Maple Glaze

Roasted Salmon with Maple Glaze. Photo credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted salmon baked with a maple glaze is tender and flaky. You can bake frozen salmon in under 30 minutes without thawing it in advance, making it a time-saving option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Salmon with Maple Glaze

One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

Dinner doesn’t get much easier than one pot spaghetti and meatballs. Dry spaghetti and frozen meatballs cook in a seasoned marinara sauce in under 30 minutes for a family-friendly Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers. Photo credit: We Eat At Last.

Making juicy burgers has never been easier. Get dinner on the table in 20 minutes with these air fryer frozen turkey burgers, which require no thawing.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Frozen Turkey Burgers

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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