A mathematical model considering the air side and the frost layer is presented to predict the frost layer growth. The standard k-$varepsilon$ model for the air flow and the diffusion and energy equations for the frost layer are employed. The numerical results are compared with experimental data to validate the present model, and agree well with experimental data within a maximum error of 10%. The present model predicts well the frost properties and heat and mass transfer with respect to the frosting time. The variation of total heat transfer strongly depends on the operating condition, and has a similar trend to that of the sensible heat transfer. The frost properties along the flow direction are also investigated.