Thawing Chicken In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

It is possible to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer without defrosting it first. However, it's important to note that the cooking time will be longer than if the chicken was thawed, and you should use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure all bacteria have been killed.

Can you 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. There is no need to thaw the chicken; simply toss it into the air fryer straight from the freezer. Depending on the cut of chicken, it can be cooked in between 4 and 30 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken, as well as the model of your air fryer. For example, chicken fries will take 3-5 minutes, while chicken breasts will take 25-30 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly, as frozen chicken will take longer to cook than thawed chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure all bacteria have been killed.

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it is best to cook the chicken in a single layer to maximize air circulation. Additionally, if your chicken pieces are frozen together, it is advisable to air fry them for a few minutes first and then separate them once they are thawed.

You can also cook pre-seasoned and/or breaded chicken in an air fryer. Brush the air fryer basket with a little olive oil, place the chicken inside, and air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping it once halfway.

It is safe to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer because the appliance cooks the meat quickly, preventing it from staying in the "danger zone" (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, which can lead to bacterial growth.

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

You can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, and it's a safe method as the meat will be cooked quickly, so it won't breed bacteria. However, it's important to note that frozen chicken will take longer to cook than thawed chicken.

The cooking time will depend on the cut and size of the chicken, as well as your air fryer. As a guide, chicken fries will take 3-5 minutes, nuggets will take 6-8 minutes, and chicken breasts will take 25-30 minutes. It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly, as air-fried chicken can look done on the outside before it has reached a safe internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°Fahrenheit.
• Place the frozen chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
• Set the timer for the recommended time based on the cut of chicken.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even cook.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. If it hasn't reached 165°F, cook the chicken for longer.
• Once the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve.

What is the best way to defrost chicken?

Defrosting chicken safely is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses, food poisoning, and abnormal flavours and textures. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) classifies chicken with temperatures between 40°F–140°F as unsafe to eat, as this is when bacteria grow rapidly.

The best way to defrost chicken is in the refrigerator, as this is the safest method. However, this can take up to nine hours, depending on the size and temperature of your fridge.

If you are in a hurry, there are several faster ways to defrost chicken safely.

Using an Air Fryer

You can cook chicken straight from frozen in an air fryer, skipping the defrosting process. However, if you want to defrost chicken in an air fryer, you can do so by setting your air fryer to 50°C and leaving the chicken for 20–30 minutes. You will need to cook the chicken immediately after, as this temperature is in the danger zone for bacterial growth.

Using an Instant Pot

You can defrost and cook chicken in an Instant Pot in just 15 minutes. Place the frozen chicken in the bottom of the pot, add water or broth, close the steam valve, and cook on a manual pressure setting on high for 10–12 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for one minute before turning the valve.

Using a Microwave

The microwave is the fastest way to defrost chicken, but it may result in an unpleasant odour and an uneven texture. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a paper towel on top and use the defrost setting for four minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through.

Using Cold Water

This method takes 90 minutes but will not change the colour or texture of the meat. Submerge your chicken in its original packaging in a large bowl of water that is below 40°F. Change the water every 30 minutes to prevent it from reaching room temperature.

What Not to Do

The most unsafe ways to defrost chicken are using a hot water bath or leaving it at room temperature. These methods can cause bacterial growth and abnormal textures and flavours.

Can you cook chicken in an air fryer without defrosting it?

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer without defrosting it first. In fact, it is perfectly safe to air fry chicken that is still frozen; there is no need to spend time defrosting it.

However, cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer requires a few extra steps. First, you should season the frozen chicken with herbs and oil. Then, place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure quick and even cooking. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so that the hot air can circulate. Set the air fryer to 390°F-400°F (around 200°C) and cook the chicken for 10-30 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken. For example, chicken breasts will take longer to cook than chicken nuggets.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before eating. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which bacteria are killed, so don't ignore this step!

How do you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

You can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer! It's super easy and the result is delicious. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer:

Prepare the Chicken:

• If your chicken is raw and unseasoned, brush it with olive oil and season it as desired. You can use your favourite chicken seasoning or a simple mix of salt and pepper.
• If your chicken is pre-seasoned or breaded, there's no need to add oil or seasoning.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (around 200°C). Even if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, manually set it to this temperature for a few minutes before adding the chicken.

Cook the Chicken:

• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
• For raw, unseasoned chicken, start by air frying for 5 minutes to thaw, then brush with olive oil and air fry again.
• For pre-seasoned or breaded chicken, simply air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done.
• The total cooking time will depend on the cut and size of your chicken, as well as your air fryer. Chicken breasts, for example, will take around 25-30 minutes, while chicken nuggets will only take 6-8 minutes.
• It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
• For raw, unseasoned chicken, you may need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking for an even cook.
• If your chicken pieces are frozen together, air fry for a few minutes first, then separate them once they're thawed.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in a single layer to maximise air circulation.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Even with the same cut, cooking times can vary.
• Oil is not necessary, but it will help to create a crispy, delicious exterior. You can use olive oil, neutral cooking oil, or cooking spray.
• Choose chicken pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook at a similar rate.
• If you have one noticeably larger piece, take the temperature reading from this one to ensure it's fully cooked before serving.

Frequently asked questions