Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Breaded Chicken In Minutes

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen breaded chicken breasts without the need for thawing. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 15-30 minutes to cook frozen breaded chicken breasts in an air fryer.

How to cook frozen breaded chicken breast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen breaded chicken breast fillets
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Dried herbs and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Bowl

Method:

Remove the chicken breast fillets from their packaging. Arrange the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving spaces between them.

Preheat your air fryer to at least 200°C/400°F for 3-4 minutes. Spray the bottom of the pan with some cooking spray or brush the chicken with olive oil.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes to defrost. After 10 minutes, brush the chicken with olive oil and add your choice of seasoning.

Cook for another 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be 74°C/165°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, add a few more minutes and check again.

Once the chicken has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure there is space between the chicken fillets so that they cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will take around 20 minutes, while larger breasts may take up to 30 minutes.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own flavour combinations.

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

The cooking time for frozen pre-cooked chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. For example, a 4-ounce chicken breast will take around 20-30 minutes to cook, whereas a 5-ounce or larger chicken breast may require an additional 10-15 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the type of air fryer and its temperature settings. Some air fryers may cook at lower temperatures than the set temperature, affecting the cooking time.

When cooking frozen pre-cooked chicken, it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is cooked thoroughly.

• Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360°F to 400°F.
• Place the frozen pre-cooked chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking.
• For smaller pieces of chicken (3 ounces or less), check the internal temperature after about 10-15 minutes of cooking.
• For larger pieces, such as chicken breasts, the cooking time may range from 20 to 30 minutes or more.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.

By following these guidelines, you can safely cook frozen pre-cooked chicken in your air fryer, ensuring a delicious and thoroughly cooked meal.

How to thaw frozen chicken breasts

There are several ways to thaw frozen chicken breasts. Here is a guide on how to do it, along with some useful tips to keep in mind.

Using an Air Fryer

You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without thawing them first. This method is quick and easy, and it can be done in about 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F, and cook the chicken breasts for about 10 minutes to defrost them. Then, brush the chicken with oil and add your choice of seasoning. Continue cooking for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Thawing in the Fridge

This is a good option if you plan ahead. Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator, still in its packaging, and let it thaw slowly over several hours or overnight. This method ensures the chicken is evenly thawed and maintains its quality. However, it can take a long time, especially for larger quantities of chicken.

Using Cold Water

Submerge the frozen chicken breasts (still in their packaging or a zip-lock bag) in a bowl of cold, potable water. Change the water every 30 minutes to prevent it from getting too warm. You can also use cold running water for no longer than 60 minutes. This method can take about 1 to 2 hours, but it's quicker than thawing in the fridge.

Using a Microwave

Defrosting chicken in the microwave is the quickest method, taking about 4 minutes. However, it can negatively affect the texture and quality of the chicken, making it dry and partially cooked. It's best to use this method only if you plan to cook the chicken immediately afterward.

Using a Defrosting Tray

Defrosting trays are said to speed up the thawing process, but their effectiveness is questionable. It can take about 2 hours to defrost chicken using this method, which is not a significant time-saver.

Using Hot Water

While it is not officially recommended, food science expert Harold McGee suggests that defrosting chicken in hot water can be done safely. Place the frozen chicken in a hot water bath at exactly 140°F. The meat will defrost quickly, and the water temperature will prevent the growth of bacteria. This method takes about 12 minutes and results in only a slight change in color.

Remember to practice food safety when handling and thawing chicken. Always wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken, and avoid cross-contamination.

How to season frozen chicken breasts

• Remove the required number of frozen chicken breasts from the bag.
• Lightly season each side of the frozen meat with salt. You can add more salt to taste after the chicken is cooked.
• Prepare your choice of seasoning by combining dried herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper in a small bowl. You can also use a store-bought blend.
• Preheat your air fryer for at least 3-4 minutes.
• Spray the bottom of the air fryer pan with some cooking spray.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and put the basket back into the unit.
• Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat once halfway through. Air frying the frozen meat first without oil and spices at a lower temperature allows the chicken to thaw.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a plate. Rub the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil and the spice mix.
• Put the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your desired flavour profile. It is important to note that the cooking time may differ depending on the thickness and weight of the chicken.

How to store and reheat frozen chicken breasts

Chicken breasts are a versatile, lean, and hearty food, and it's common to keep them stocked in the freezer. There are several ways to reheat frozen chicken breasts, including using an air fryer, an oven, a stovetop, or a microwave.

Storing Frozen Chicken Breasts

When storing frozen chicken breasts, it's important to pack them properly to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a freezer bag, leaving space around each breast. Alternatively, you can freeze them flat on a tray or plate before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, the breasts will stay separated and not freeze into a solid block.

Reheating Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without thawing them first. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each breast. Cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can brush the chicken with oil and add seasonings before or after cooking, depending on your preference.

Reheating Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Oven

To reheat frozen chicken breasts in an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the chicken from the freezer and let it come to room temperature. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish with a small amount of water or chicken broth, cover with aluminium foil, and bake for at least 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F before serving.

Reheating Frozen Chicken Breasts on a Stovetop

Thaw the frozen chicken breasts and let them come to room temperature. Add a little water or chicken broth to a skillet and heat over medium to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, cover, and heat until warmed through, turning occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Reheating Frozen Chicken Breasts in a Microwave

While it is possible to reheat frozen chicken breasts in a microwave, it is generally not recommended as it can be tricky to keep the chicken moist. If using a microwave, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water or chicken broth. Cover and heat in one-minute intervals until the chicken is warmed through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions