Air Fryer Chicken Kiev: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Chicken Kiev is a traditional Russian and Ukrainian dish consisting of chicken breasts stuffed with garlic butter and coated in breadcrumbs. It can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen, with no need to defrost or add extra oil. The exact cooking time depends on the type of Kiev, its size, and the power of the air fryer. However, it typically takes around 15-20 minutes for pre-cooked frozen Kievs and 30-35 minutes for raw frozen ones. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F/74°C.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making frozen chicken kiev. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, make sure your air fryer is plugged in and turned on. Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and personal preference, but this temperature range will ensure your chicken cooks thoroughly and achieves a crispy texture.

Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for 2 to 5 minutes. This is an important step because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently. It's a common mistake to skip preheating, but it makes a big difference in the final result.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken kiev. Take it out of the freezer and remove any packaging. If your chicken kiev is raw, check that it is fully defrosted before cooking. You can also gather any tools you may need, such as tongs or a spatula, and prepare any side dishes.

After the preheating time has passed, carefully place your chicken kiev into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the chicken pieces are not overlapping and have some space between them. Overcrowding the air fryer can affect cooking performance and may lead to uneven results.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your chicken is prepared, you're ready to move on to the cooking stage. Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken kiev, the cooking time will vary, but on average, it should take around 15 to 20 minutes for pre-cooked frozen chicken kiev and 25 to 35 minutes for raw frozen chicken kiev.

Remember to refer to the specific instructions that came with your air fryer, as well as the cooking guidelines on the chicken kiev packaging, to ensure the best results.

Oil the air fryer

To cook frozen chicken Kiev in an air fryer, you'll need to first oil the air fryer. You can do this by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking oil spray or brushing it with vegetable oil. This will help to ensure that the chicken doesn't stick to the surface and will also help to create a crispy, golden-brown coating.

When oiling your air fryer, be sure to use a light coating of oil. There's no need to drench the surface, as too much oil can cause smoke and affect the taste of your food. A light coating will be enough to create a non-stick surface and promote even cooking.

It's important to note that some air fryers have non-stick coatings, which means you may not need to add any additional oil. However, even with a non-stick air fryer, a light coating of oil can still be beneficial to enhance the colour and crispness of your chicken Kiev.

Additionally, if you're concerned about adding too much oil or prefer to avoid using oil altogether, you can try using a cooking spray or a brush to apply a very light and controlled amount of oil to the surface of your air fryer. This will help you achieve the desired results without using too much oil.

Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes

To cook frozen chicken kiev in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This should take around 2-3 minutes. You do not need to defrost your chicken kiev before cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place your chicken kiev in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking more than one, make sure they are not overlapping or touching. You can lightly spray the air fryer with non-stick cooking oil spray or brush it with vegetable oil first, but this is not necessary as the chicken kievs usually already contain oil in their breading.

Now, air fry your chicken kiev at 400°F for 15 minutes. After about 8 minutes, take out the air fryer basket and use a spatula to flip the chicken over. This will ensure that it browns evenly on both sides.

After 15 minutes, your chicken kiev should be ready. Check that it is cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F. If it has not reached this temperature, continue cooking and check again at regular intervals until it is ready.

When your chicken kiev is cooked, remove it from the air fryer with a spatula and leave it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Flip halfway through

When cooking frozen chicken kiev in an air fryer, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides of the chicken are browned evenly and helps to achieve that desirable golden-brown colour and crispy texture.

To flip the chicken kiev, simply take out the air fryer basket after it has been cooking for around 8 minutes. Use a spatula to carefully flip the chicken over to the other side. By doing this, you ensure that the hot air circulates evenly around the chicken, cooking it uniformly and giving it that perfect golden finish.

After flipping the chicken, return the basket to the air fryer and let it finish cooking. Depending on the size of your chicken kiev and the specifications of your air fryer, the total cooking time will vary. On average, it should take around 15-20 minutes for pre-cooked frozen chicken kiev and 30-35 minutes for raw frozen chicken kiev.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken kiev should reach 165°Fahrenheit (74°Celsius) to ensure it is safely cooked. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature before serving.

By flipping your frozen chicken kiev halfway through the cooking process, you can achieve a evenly cooked and beautifully browned dish that your whole family will enjoy.

Check internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken kievs is a crucial step to ensure your meal is cooked safely. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F/74°C to be considered safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If the chicken has not reached the required temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook in 2-3 minute intervals until the safe temperature is reached.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on several factors, including the type of kievs you have (pre-cooked or raw), the size of the kievs, and the power of your air fryer. For example, pre-cooked frozen chicken kievs will take 15-20 minutes to cook, while raw frozen chicken kievs will take 30-35 minutes.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the centre of the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it has reached the required temperature. This is the most accurate way to determine if your food is cooked correctly.

By following these instructions and checking the internal temperature, you can ensure that your chicken kievs are cooked safely and thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions