Air Fryer Frozen Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen chicken without the need for thawing. Depending on the cut of chicken, it can be cooked in the air fryer in as little as 4 minutes or up to 30 minutes. This cooking method works for both seasoned and unseasoned chicken, and the chicken can be raw, pre-cooked, breaded, or plain. For unseasoned chicken, it is recommended to season it before cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, and it is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is sufficiently cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts.

The cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Small chicken breasts (4-5 oz, 113-142 g) will take around 20 minutes to cook, medium breasts (6-8 oz, 170-227 g) will take 25 minutes, and large breasts (10-12 oz, 283-340 g) will take 30 minutes.

It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked, as this is the best way to tell whether the chicken is ready. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part.

• 1/2 inch/1.2 cm thick: 10 minutes
• 1 inch/2.5 cm thick: 15 minutes
• 1 1/2 inches/4 cm thick: 20-22 minutes
• 2 inches/5 cm thick: 28-30 minutes

It is important to note that the cooking time may differ depending on the specific air fryer and the thickness and weight of the chicken. It is always better to check with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and to prevent overcooking.

Can you cook different types of frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook different types of frozen chicken in an air fryer. The short answer is that any kind of frozen chicken can be cooked in an air fryer, except for a whole chicken. That's better to thaw before cooking.

You can use chicken that has been prepared in a variety of ways. It can be raw or pre-cooked, breaded and seasoned or plain. The cooking method will depend on whether your chicken is seasoned or not. If it's not, you need to season it before cooking.

Here's a guide for cooking different types of frozen chicken:

How to Cook Raw, Un-Seasoned Frozen Chicken

Place the frozen chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5 minutes to thaw. Then, brush with olive oil on all sides. Air fry again for the recommended time, depending on the cut and size of the chicken. Flip the chicken halfway for even cooking.

How to Cook Pre-seasoned And/or Breaded Chicken

Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the chicken in the basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping once halfway. See the recommended cooking times below.

Recommended Cooking Times for Different Cuts of Frozen Chicken:

• Chicken fries: 3-5 minutes
• Chicken nuggets: 6-8 minutes
• Popcorn chicken: 7-9 minutes
• Chicken wings: 10-15 minutes
• Chicken tenders: 10-15 minutes
• Chicken patties: 16-18 minutes
• Chicken drumsticks: 15-20 minutes
• Chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes
• Chicken legs: 25-30 minutes

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is sufficiently heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

What is the best way to cook frozen, unseasoned chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen, unseasoned chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a great option when you're short on time or forgot to plan dinner. The air fryer is also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, as it requires less oil.

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400° Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.
• Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast.
• Cook the chicken for 10 minutes at 375°F.
• Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 10-20 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (4-5 oz), the total cooking time is around 20 minutes. For medium breasts (6-8 oz), it is around 25 minutes, and for large breasts (10-12 oz), it is around 30 minutes.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is fully cooked and to prevent overcooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safe for consumption.

What is the best way to cook frozen, pre-seasoned chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to cook frozen, pre-seasoned chicken in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Brush a little olive oil onto the air fryer basket. This step is optional, but it is recommended for the best results.

Next, place your frozen, pre-seasoned chicken into the basket. Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If your chicken pieces are frozen together, air fry them for a few minutes first and then separate them once they are thawed.

Now, air fry the chicken at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken. For example, chicken fries will take 3-5 minutes, chicken breasts will take 25-30 minutes, and chicken wings will take 10-15 minutes.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is sufficiently cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

What are the best tips and tricks for cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer! Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

Before cooking your frozen chicken, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the best results. Firstly, if your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes to easily separate them. You can then season the chicken with salt or your favourite blend of spices and herbs. Some recipes suggest brushing the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil before cooking, while others recommend adding oil halfway through the cooking process.

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F for a few minutes. If desired, spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the chicken breasts in the basket, leaving a little space between each breast. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, but it generally takes around 20-30 minutes to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Post-Cooking Tips:

You can experiment with different sauces and seasonings to add extra flavour to your chicken. It is recommended to add the sauce towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning. You can also pair your air-fried chicken with a variety of side dishes, such as salad, potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Additional Notes:

Remember not to overcrowd your air fryer basket and cook the chicken in a single layer. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken pieces, as this can vary even with the same cut. It is also important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model.

Frequently asked questions