Air Frying Frozen Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen chicken without defrosting it first. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken, but generally, it will take around 15 minutes per 1 inch/2.5 cm of thickness. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C to make sure it's safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

How to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken breasts
• Salt
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Dried herbs and spices (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Remove the chicken breasts from the bag and place them in the air fryer basket.
• Sprinkle salt on both sides of the frozen chicken breasts.
• Preheat the air fryer for at least 3-4 minutes.
• Spray the bottom of the pan with some cooking spray.
• Air fry at 360-380°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat once halfway through. Air frying frozen meat first without oil and spices at lower temperatures allows the chicken to thaw.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and rub it with oil and your choice of spices.
• Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

Notes

• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller chicken breasts (4-5 oz/113-142 g) will take around 20 minutes in total, while larger breasts (10-12 oz/283-340 g) may take up to 30 minutes.
• It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.

How long to cook frozen chicken for

How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for frozen chicken in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether the chicken is cooked in multiple stages.

Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer in a Single Stage

If you are cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer in a single stage, you should preheat the air fryer to between 360°F and 380°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken pieces. As a general rule, you will need to cook the chicken for 15 minutes per 1 inch/2.5 cm thickness. This means that:

• A ½ inch/1.2 cm thick chicken piece will take around 10 minutes
• A 1 inch/2.5 cm thick chicken piece will take around 15 minutes
• A 1 ½ inch/4 cm thick chicken piece will take around 20-22 minutes
• A 2 inch/5 cm thick chicken piece will take around 28–30 minutes

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C before serving.

Cooking Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer in Multiple Stages

If you are cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer in multiple stages, you can follow these steps:

• Preheat the air fryer for at least 3-4 minutes
• Season the frozen chicken pieces with salt and any other desired spices
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces once halfway through
• Remove the chicken pieces from the air fryer and rub them with oil and additional spices
• Put the chicken pieces back into the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F

Again, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

Air fryer temperature for frozen chicken

Air-frying frozen chicken is a quick and easy way to cook chicken without the need to defrost it first. The air fryer's high heat and circulation of hot air can cook frozen chicken to golden, juicy perfection in no time. Here's a guide to help you get the best results when cooking frozen chicken in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Temperature Settings

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. Preheat your air fryer to this temperature range before adding the chicken. Some recipes recommend starting at a lower temperature of around 375°F for the first 10 minutes to allow the chicken to thaw, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F for the remaining cooking time.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for frozen chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Smaller and thinner pieces will cook faster, while larger and thicker pieces will take longer. On average, you can expect to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size.

Here's a general guide for cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken:

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

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.

Preparation and Seasoning

Before air-frying your frozen chicken, remove it from the packaging and season it with your desired spices and oil. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any spice mixture you like. Spray or rub the chicken with oil, then sprinkle on the seasonings, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.

Cooking Process

Once your air fryer is preheated and your chicken is seasoned, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the chicken for the recommended time, flipping it once halfway through the cooking process.

After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. If it has not reached 165°F/74°C, continue cooking and check the temperature at regular intervals to avoid overcooking.

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken even more tender and tasty.

Tips for Success

• Use similar-sized chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don't stack the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket; arrange them in a single layer.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavors.

Seasoning for frozen chicken in an air fryer

Seasoning your frozen chicken in an air fryer is a straightforward process and can be done in a variety of ways. The first step is to ensure your chicken is frozen and uncooked. Then, you can choose to season your chicken with a variety of herbs and spices.

A simple combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper is a great option. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to the mix. If you want to experiment with different seasonings, you can try other types of paprika (smoked or hot), curry powder, lemon pepper, ras el hanout, or sumac for an oriental touch. You can also use store-bought seasoning blends or a dry rub for chicken wings.

Once you have chosen your seasonings, combine them in a small bowl and mix well. Then, remove the chicken from the packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even coating. You can also rub the chicken with oil before adding the seasonings to help them adhere better.

After seasoning, you can follow the standard cooking procedure for frozen chicken in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-380°F (180-190°C). Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for the recommended time, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, but on average, it will take around 10-20 minutes for frozen chicken breasts to cook thoroughly.

It is important to ensure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Once your chicken is cooked, you can serve it with your favorite sides or use it in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or other dishes.

How to know when frozen chicken is cooked

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of food poisoning. Here are some detailed instructions on how to know when your frozen chicken is cooked:

• Use an instant-read thermometer: This is the easiest and safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it's not touching any bone. For chicken breasts, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For chicken legs, the temperature should be 185°F.
• Check the juices: Cut into the meat and check the juices. They should be clear and not cloudy or bloody. If they are still pink or cloudy, the chicken needs further cooking.
• Examine the meat: The meat should be white throughout with no signs of pink. If there are any pink areas, the chicken is not fully cooked.
• Cooking time: Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken, the cooking time will vary. For example, small chicken breasts (4-5 oz) will take around 20 minutes in the air fryer, while larger breasts (10-12 oz) can take up to 30 minutes. Always refer to a reliable recipe or guide for recommended cooking times.
• Doneness test: If you don't have a thermometer, you can do a simple doneness test. Cut into the thickest part of the meat and check if it's cooked through. If it's still pink, cook for a few more minutes and check again.
• Rest and recheck: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. During this time, the residual heat will continue to cook the meat. Then, check the internal temperature again to ensure it has reached the safe minimum of 165°F.
• Avoid undercooking: It's important to avoid undercooking chicken, as it can harbour harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Always ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.
• Avoid overcooking: Overcooking chicken can result in dry and tough meat. Keep a close eye on the chicken during the cooking process, and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
• Thawing: While it is possible to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, some people prefer to thaw it first. This can be done by defrosting it in the microwave or leaving it in the refrigerator overnight. However, if you choose to thaw the chicken, make sure to cook it within 24 hours and do not refreeze raw chicken.

Frequently asked questions