Air Fryer Frozen Chicken: Is It Possible?

It's a common misconception that frozen foods need to be defrosted before cooking, but with an air fryer, you can skip that step! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer and they will turn out tender and juicy. It's a quick and easy way to cook chicken breasts and a great hack if you forget to defrost your chicken but want a homemade dinner on the table in around 30 minutes.

How to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer

It's possible to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This method is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts.

Step-by-step instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360–400° Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, manually set it to preheat for a few minutes.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own. For example, a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper.
• Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast. Set the timer for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
• After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the air fryer and rub it with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add more salt to taste at this point.
• Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10–20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165° Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast when it's fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Check the temperature of each breast and remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
• Cut the chicken into thinner pieces if one end is thicker than the other to prevent overcooking.
• Watch the temperature closely towards the end of the cooking time. The internal temperature can rise quickly.
• If you're making a sauce to go with the chicken, add it during the last few minutes of cooking or brush it on after removing the chicken from the air fryer to prevent burning.

How to defrost frozen chicken breasts before air frying

While it is possible to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first, you may want to thaw your chicken for a more even cook. Here are four methods for defrosting your chicken breasts before air frying:

Defrosting in the Fridge

This is the safest method for defrosting chicken, as the cool temperature of the refrigerator prevents the chicken from reaching unsafe temperatures. Remove the chicken from the freezer and place it in a container or a ziplock bag. Put it on a low shelf in the refrigerator and leave it there for at least 24 hours or until it is fully defrosted. Chicken breasts can take 1-2 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the chicken is defrosted, it can be cooked within 1-2 days.

Defrosting in Cold Water

This method is faster than defrosting in the fridge but requires more attention. Ensure the chicken is in an airtight bag or leakproof packaging. Place it in a bowl or basin and cover it with cold water. If the package floats, weigh it down with a plate. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. A 1-pound package of chicken breasts will take about an hour to defrost. Once the chicken is thawed, cook it immediately.

Defrosting in the Microwave

Using the defrost function on a microwave is a quick way to thaw chicken, but it can create hot spots, leading to uneven cooking. Place the unwrapped chicken on a microwave-safe plate or bowl and follow the manufacturer's directions for defrosting. Once the chicken is defrosted, cook it immediately. Do not refreeze or refrigerate microwave-thawed chicken unless it has been fully cooked. After use, clean the microwave thoroughly to remove any drips or spatters.

Defrosting with Running Water

Place the chicken in a ziplock bag and remove as much air as possible. Then, run cold water over it. You can also submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method is faster than defrosting in the fridge but may take longer than the other quick methods.

How to season frozen chicken breasts for air frying

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without thawing. This is a simple method for making juicy, tasty chicken breasts with minimal prep time.

Step 1:

Remove the chicken breasts from the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket. If your chicken breasts are stuck together, you can separate them by submerging the package in warm water for about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F for 3-4 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking oil or rub the chicken breasts with oil.

Step 3:

Season the chicken breasts. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, or any store-bought seasoning blend.

Step 4:

Air fry the chicken breasts at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This step helps the chicken thaw.

Step 5:

Take the chicken breasts out of the air fryer and rub them with oil and your chosen spice mix.

Step 6:

Place the chicken breasts back into the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts.

Tips:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This helps prevent overcooking, which can make the chicken dry and tough.
• Add the seasoning only before the final round of cooking to prevent it from burning.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Smaller or thinner breasts will cook faster, while larger or thicker breasts will take longer.

With these steps and tips, you can easily season and cook frozen chicken breasts in your air fryer, resulting in juicy and tasty chicken every time!

How long to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but it generally takes around 20-30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, manually set it to 400° and let it heat up for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your frozen chicken breasts out of the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast. You can season the chicken with salt and pepper, or a spice mix of your choice.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Set the timer for around 30 minutes, and flip the chicken breasts after 15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. For smaller or thinner breasts, check the temperature after 10-12 minutes. For larger or thicker breasts, you may need to cook for up to 40 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.

Tips:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.
• Try to use chicken breasts of similar sizes for even cooking.
• If your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes to separate them.
• Watch the temperature closely towards the end of the cooking time, as the internal temperature can rise quickly.
• If you are using a sauce, add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy and tender chicken without the need for defrosting. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.

What to serve with air-fried frozen chicken breasts

There are many side dishes that go well with air-fried frozen chicken breasts. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Simple lettuce, cucumber, and tomato salads, or a classic Caesar salad.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or air fryer baked sweet potatoes.
• Rice: Plain steamed rice or Mediterranean rice with veggies.
• Vegetables: Roasted green beans and carrots or steamed broccoli.
• Fingerling Smashed Potatoes
• Simple White Cabbage Salad
• The Best Garlic Bread Baguette

You can also use the cooked chicken breasts in sandwiches or salads.

Frequently asked questions