Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender chicken breast on the table in around 30 minutes. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, requiring minimal oil and creating a crispy exterior while locking in the natural juices of the chicken. It's also a great way to use up frozen chicken breasts without needing to defrost them first, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have perfectly cooked chicken that's full of flavor and ready to be served in a variety of ways.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in cooking frozen chicken breasts. It ensures even cooking and helps to avoid soggy or unevenly cooked chicken. To preheat your air fryer, follow these steps:

First, check if your air fryer has a preheat mode. If it does, simply select that mode and wait for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature. If your air fryer does not have a preheat mode, you can manually preheat it by setting the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Most sources recommend preheating for around 4 minutes, while some suggest 3 to 5 minutes at 400°F. This will ensure that your air fryer basket is hot and ready for cooking.

During the preheating process, you can prepare your chicken breasts by seasoning them. It is recommended to season both sides of the frozen chicken breasts with salt. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs and spices.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next step of placing the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each breast and avoid overcrowding the basket, as proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the best results when cooking frozen chicken breasts. It ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently, helping you achieve juicy and delicious results every time.

Cook the first side

To cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer. If your air fryer has a preheat mode, use that. Otherwise, 3 to 5 minutes at 360°F to 400°F is enough. You can also spray the bottom of the pan with some cooking spray.

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, without any seasoning, and cook for half of the total cooking time. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Large, thick chicken breasts will take longer to cook. For most sizes, 25 to 30 minutes will be good. If your chicken breasts are smaller, check after 10 to 12 minutes. If they are thicker, add more minutes to the cooking time and check again regularly until the required internal temperature is achieved.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are frozen together, separate them after air frying for 5 minutes, or however long it takes for them to separate easily. You might need to add a few minutes to the total cook time.

Seasoning

If you're looking for a place to start, a basic seasoning combination for chicken breasts is olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even browning and crispiness. It also adds moisture to the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy. Salt is a great way to flavour the meat, and you can use a dry brine by sprinkling salt on the frozen meat and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the salt to absorb into the meat, resulting in chicken that tastes completely seasoned, rather than just on the outside.

You can also try a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cayenne pepper can be added if you like your food spicy and hot. To add some sweetness to your chicken, you can include brown sugar or honey, which will help caramelize the exterior and create a flavorful glaze. If you want to avoid sugar, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative instead.

If you're feeling creative, you can even coat the chicken breasts with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary, along with your chosen seasonings. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, over the chicken breasts during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cook the second side

After preheating your air fryer and cooking the first side of the chicken breast, it's time to move on to the second side. This step involves flipping the chicken breasts over and finishing the cooking process. The cooking time for the second side will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, as well as the specific model of your air fryer.

For the second side, you will need to cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which the chicken is considered fully cooked and safe to consume. To check the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part of the breast.

Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, the cooking time for the second side can range from 10 to 20 additional minutes. For example, if you're cooking at 390°F (200°C), you might cook the second side for 10 minutes, and then flip and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until done. It's important to keep an eye on the chicken breasts during this step to ensure they don't overcook.

If your chicken breasts are of different sizes, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller pieces may only need 10-12 minutes total, while thicker pieces will require more time. It's recommended to use chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.

During the cooking process, feel free to add your preferred seasonings and spices to the second side, just as you did for the first side. This can include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or other blends. You can also brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter to promote even browning and crispiness.

Remember, the key to successfully cooking frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer is to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F while also monitoring the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, the power of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook juicy and tender frozen chicken breasts in your air fryer:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking frozen chicken breasts. The preheating time can vary from 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer. Set the temperature to 360°F (180°C) or 390°F (200°C) for preheating. This step ensures even cooking and helps prevent soggy results.

Cooking Temperature:

The ideal cooking temperature for frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. Cooking at a lower temperature, such as 350°F, helps prevent the chicken from drying out. However, some sources recommend cooking at 375°F or 390°F (200°C) for a more even cook and browning.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer can range from 15 to 35 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts. Smaller and thinner chicken breasts will cook faster, typically taking 10 to 12 minutes. Larger and thicker breasts will require more time, with some sources recommending up to 40 minutes for thick breasts.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the chicken during the cooking process. Flipping the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time helps ensure even cooking and browning. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple chicken breasts, it is best to use pieces of similar size to achieve consistent cooking results.

Checking Doneness:

The best way to ensure that your frozen chicken breasts are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the internal temperature is almost at 165°F, you can remove the chicken from the air fryer and wrap it in foil, as the temperature will continue to rise.

Adjustments and Tips:

• If your chicken breasts are frozen together, separate them after air frying for a few minutes. You may need to add a few minutes to the total cook time.
• To promote even cooking, arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper air circulation.
• Pre-seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices enhances the flavor. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sweeteners to find your preferred taste.
• Brushing the chicken breasts with olive oil or avocado oil before cooking adds moisture and promotes even browning and crispiness.

Frequently asked questions