Air Fryer Cooking Time For Frozen Chicken Breasts

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and healthy meal on the table. You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without thawing them first, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, but on average, it will take around 25-30 minutes for them to be cooked through.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Cooking times for frozen vs. thawed chicken breasts

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. The beauty of an air fryer is that you can cook chicken breasts from frozen, without the need to thaw them first. This means less prep time and more time to focus on seasoning and sides.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook frozen foods, so you can pop your frozen chicken breasts straight into the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, you can slice into the thickest part of the chicken and check that the meat is white and that any juices run clear.

Thin chicken breasts will take around 15 minutes to cook, while thicker breasts can take up to 40 minutes. On average, you can expect to air fry frozen chicken breasts for around 20-30 minutes at 360°F (182°C). It is a good idea to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to add seasoning at this point.

Cooking Thawed Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer

If you are cooking thawed chicken breasts in an air fryer, the cooking time is significantly reduced. At 400°F, it will take around 8 minutes in total, or 4 minutes on each side. You should still ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Whether you are cooking from frozen or from thawed, air fryers are a great way to cook juicy, tender, and delicious chicken breasts with minimal prep and clean-up.

Choosing the right oil

Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy, tasty meal. The air fryer's small cooking chamber reaches high temperatures, similar to a deep fryer, and the circulating hot air gives food a crispy texture.

When it comes to choosing the right oil for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, as this will prevent the oil from burning at high temperatures. Examples of oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light or extra light olive oil. Oils with lower smoke points, such as extra virgin olive oil, will start to smoke and break down at lower temperatures, resulting in an undesirable burnt flavor.

Another factor to consider is the flavor of the oil. Some oils are considered neutral, meaning they will not alter the taste of your food. These oils are ideal for recipes with strong flavors or spices. Examples of neutral oils include deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil. On the other hand, some oils have a stronger taste and can enhance the flavor of milder dishes.

The amount of oil used in an air fryer is also important. Most manufacturers recommend adding between 5 ml and 30 ml of oil when cooking with an air fryer. This small amount of oil helps to create a crispy texture and appetizing browning on your chicken. You can apply the oil using a basting brush or put it in a reusable spray bottle. If you are using a nonstick basket, avoid using aerosol nonstick cooking sprays as they can damage the coating.

In summary, when choosing an oil for your air fryer, opt for one with a high smoke point to prevent burning. Consider the flavor of the oil and whether you want it to enhance or neutralize the taste of your food. Use the recommended amount of oil, between 5 ml and 30 ml, to achieve the desired crispness and browning. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your air-fried chicken breasts turn out perfectly.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your chicken breasts is a great way to add flavour and make your meal more interesting. The seasoning options for air fryer frozen chicken breasts are endless, and you can get as creative as you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination that forms the basis of many seasoning blends. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, and black pepper or white pepper, depending on your preference.

Smoked Paprika

Adding smoked paprika to your seasoning blend will give your chicken a lovely smoky flavour and a beautiful red colour. You can also experiment with other types of paprika, such as sweet or hot.

Garlic Powder

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that goes well with many other seasonings. It adds a savoury, slightly spicy kick to your chicken.

Onion Powder

Like garlic powder, onion powder is a great base for your seasoning blend. It adds a mild onion flavour without the need to chop and prep fresh onions.

Dried Herbs

Dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be added to your seasoning blend for an extra flavour boost. You can also use fresh herbs, but they may not stand up to the high heat of the air fryer as well.

Cumin

Cumin has an earthy, warm flavour that is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. It pairs well with garlic and onion and can add depth to your seasoning blend.

Lemon Pepper

Lemon pepper is a bright and tangy seasoning option that can be made by combining lemon zest or lemon juice with black pepper. It adds a citrusy twist to your chicken.

Store-Bought Seasoning Blends

If you don't want to create your own blend, you can use a store-bought option. There are many varieties available, such as Cajun spices, curry powder, Italian dressing, or Peri Peri seasoning.

Remember, the key to seasoning is to trust your instincts and taste preferences. You can always start with a small amount of seasoning and add more to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favourite flavours!

How to check if the chicken is cooked

The cooking time for frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer varies depending on the size and thickness of the meat. On average, it takes around 20–30 minutes to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer.

To check if your chicken is cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This temperature ensures that all bacteria are burned off. If you don't have a thermometer, you can insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear (no cloudy colour or redness), the chicken is cooked and safe to eat.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so always check the user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, make sure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your frozen chicken breasts are cooked properly and safely in your air fryer.

Reheating chicken breasts

Firstly, if you are reheating cooked chicken breasts, it is recommended to heat them up at 360°F for 2-3 minutes. You can also use a microwave and heat the chicken for 20-30 seconds. For best results, slice the chicken breasts before reheating.

Now, if you are cooking frozen raw chicken breasts, the process is slightly longer. It is advised to preheat the air fryer to 360°F or 390°F. Then, place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. After this, the chicken should be thawed on the outside, and you can season it with oil and your choice of seasoning. Finally, air fry for another 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken once or twice for an even cook. The total cooking time for frozen chicken breasts is around 25-30 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving. You can use a meat thermometer to check this; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F. If the chicken is not done yet, you can add more time in 2-minute increments.

Frequently asked questions