Air Fryer Frozen Chicken: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts straight from frozen. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 15-30 minutes to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer.

Seasoning the chicken

If you're feeling creative, you can even make a spice rub for your chicken. Combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar or honey in a small bowl. Mix in olive oil to form a paste, and coat the frozen chicken breasts with this mixture.

Remember, seasoning the chicken before cooking enhances its flavour. You can also add sauce or marinade to your chicken before cooking, but be mindful that this may affect the crispiness of the final product.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in cooking frozen chicken. It ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and helps to prevent any moisture loss. Set your air fryer to around 360°F/180°C to 400°F/200°C and allow it to preheat for approximately three to five minutes. If your air fryer has a preheat mode, use that; otherwise, set the temperature and time manually.

Preheating the air fryer basket ensures a hot cooking surface for your frozen chicken, which can help prevent sticking and improve the final texture of your chicken. It also helps to create a warm environment inside the air fryer, which is especially important if you're cooking thicker cuts of frozen chicken, such as breasts or bone-in pieces.

The preheating time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the most accurate preheating guidelines. However, the general rule of thumb is to preheat for around three to five minutes at the desired temperature before adding your frozen chicken to the fryer basket.

By taking the time to preheat your air fryer, you'll be ensuring that your frozen chicken cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and crispy final product.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for frozen chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving, so it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C.

• ½ inch/1.2 cm thick: about 10 minutes
• 1 inch/2.5 cm thick: about 15 minutes
• 1 ½ inches/4 cm thick: about 20-22 minutes
• 2 inches/5 cm thick: about 28-30 minutes

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, it's recommended to preheat it for a few minutes at 360-400°F before adding the chicken. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking as soon as it hits the basket.

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it's best to arrange the pieces in a single layer, leaving enough space between them for hot air to circulate. This helps ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

For chicken breasts that are thicker on one end and thinner on the other, you can cut off the thin end to prevent overcooking. You can let the thin end rest while the thicker end finishes cooking.

It's also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to start checking the chicken a few minutes before the estimated cooking time is up.

Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken for half of the total cooking time on one side, then flipping it over and cooking the other side until the desired internal temperature is reached. This helps ensure even browning and allows the seasonings to stick to the chicken.

If you're using a sauce, such as barbecue or teriyaki sauce, it's best to wait until the last few minutes of cooking to brush it on the chicken, as the sugar in the sauce can burn easily.

Chicken cuts and thickness

The thickness of the chicken cuts will determine the cooking time and temperature. Here are some guidelines for cooking different chicken cuts in an air fryer:

Chicken Breasts

• Prep: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Season: You can season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with spices. Alternatively, rub a dry salt brine and let the chicken rest to absorb excess liquid.
• Cook: Place the breasts in the air fryer basket at 375°F for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check frequently for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid dryness.

Chicken Thighs

• Prep: Pat the thighs dry to remove any excess moisture for a crispier texture.
• Season: Rub them with olive oil and season with your favourite spices. A paprika, cumin, and oregano combo is recommended.
• Cook: Air fry skin-side down at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway. The internal temperature should reach 175°F for juicy meat.

Chicken Wings

• Prep: Pat the wings dry and toss them in a little baking powder to make them extra crispy.
• Season: Go classic with salt and pepper, or spice things up with cayenne and smoked paprika.
• Cook: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Chicken Cutlets

• Prep: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
• Cook: Dredge the cutlet in eggs, shake off the excess, and then coat with breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings. Use your fingers to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken for a crispier texture.
• Cook: Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving suggestions

There are so many ways to serve your juicy, crispy air-fried chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Slice the chicken breasts and toss them with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious pasta dish.
• Serve with mashed potatoes and green vegetables like steamed spinach or asparagus.
• Make a rice bowl: serve the chicken alongside cooked rice or quinoa, topped with stir-fried veggies and a drizzle of teriyaki or soy sauce.
• Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or cheese quesadillas. Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a Tex-Mex feast.
• Cube the chicken and add it to soups, stews, or chili for extra protein and flavor.
• Slice the chicken and pop it into a sandwich with other fillings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
• For a simple side, serve with cilantro lime rice or avocado salsa.
• For a quick lunch, serve with cooked rice or quinoa and top with stir-fried veggies.
• For a more substantial meal, serve with stir-fried veggies and a drizzle of teriyaki or soy sauce.
• For a hearty dinner, serve with mashed potatoes and green veggies.

Frequently asked questions