Defrosting Chicken Breasts: Air Fryer Quickie

You don't have to defrost chicken before air frying it. In fact, it's a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts straight from frozen. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, they will take around 20-30 minutes to cook in an air fryer. However, larger chicken breasts will take longer to cook, so try to use breasts that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

You don't need to defrost chicken before air frying

Here's a simple recipe for air fryer frozen chicken breasts:

Ingredients:

• 3 frozen chicken breasts of the same approximate size
• 2 tablespoons of avocado or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• Cooking oil spray (optional)

Instructions:

• Make the sauce by adding all the sauce ingredients to a bowl and mixing well.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, manually set it to 400° for a few minutes.
• If desired, spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil.
• Place the frozen chicken breasts in the basket, leaving a little space between each breast.
• Set the timer for a total of 30 minutes. You'll flip the breasts after 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes of cooking, flip the breasts over and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
• In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the sauce on both sides of the breasts. Be careful not to brush the sauce on too early, as it may burn. If you're concerned about this, simply brush the sauce on after the chicken is cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.

Some additional tips for cooking frozen chicken in your air fryer:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
• If your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes, then carefully separate them with a fork or knife.
• Watch the temperature closely towards the end of the cooking time. The internal temperature can rise 10°-15° every 2-3 minutes.
• If you pull some chicken out early because it has reached temperature, wait until the end to brush the sauce on all the breasts and then put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size and weight of the breasts. For example, small chicken breasts (4-5 oz, 113 to 142 g) will take around 20 minutes to cook, while large breasts (10-12 oz, 283-340 g) will take around 30 minutes. It's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked safely.

When cooking frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook at a temperature of around 350-400°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes. It is important to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Some air fryers may cook at a lower temperature than the temperature they are set to, so it is important to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any bacteria have been killed.

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature first to allow the chicken to defrost. A temperature of around 250°F for 10-15 minutes per pound of chicken should be sufficient to defrost the chicken evenly. Once the chicken is defrosted, increase the temperature to 350-400°F and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken, especially when cooking breaded chicken to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

How to season the chicken

While it is possible to cook chicken breasts from frozen in an air fryer, it is best to let them defrost in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before cooking.

Now, onto the seasoning.

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken breasts. Here are some ideas:

• A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or lemon pepper.
• Cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative to add sweetness.
• Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter for coating the chicken breasts before seasoning.
• Shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan sprinkled over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary mixed with the seasonings.

• Mix your chosen spices and herbs in a bowl.
• Stir in some olive oil to form a paste.
• Coat the chicken breasts with the paste. Try to cover them as evenly as possible.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
• Cook for 20-35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to position chicken in the air fryer

To position chicken in your air fryer, follow these steps:

• Ensure your chicken breasts are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• If desired, spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil.
• Place the chicken breasts in the basket, leaving a little space between each breast. Do not overcrowd the air fryer and always arrange the meat in a single layer.
• Set the timer for 30 minutes. You will flip the breasts after 15 minutes.
• After the first 15 minutes of cooking, flip the breasts and cook for another 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts.
• Check each breast in the center of the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Note: It is important to monitor the chicken while it is cooking in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcooking.

How to store and reheat chicken

Storing Raw Chicken

It's best to store raw chicken in its original wrapping in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours after purchase. If you're not going to use it within this time frame, it's recommended to freeze it. When storing in the refrigerator, place it on a low shelf so that it doesn't drip onto other items.

To prevent freezer burn, wrap individual pieces of chicken in foil or plastic bags, then place them all into a larger freezer bag or foil wrap. Remove as much air as possible from the bag/foil package, and label it with the contents and freezing date.

Storing Cooked Chicken

Cooked, cut-up chicken should be refrigerated for two days or less, while a whole, cooked chicken can be stored for up to three days. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to four months.

Reheating Chicken

There are several ways to reheat chicken to preserve its flavor and texture:

• Air fryer: Let the chicken come to room temperature, then spray it with a light coating of non-stick spray. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Bake for four minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and bake for another five minutes.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop: For boneless, skinless chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken, slice the meat into strips. Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom. Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the chicken in a single layer, lower the heat, and stir until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the center and larger pieces towards the edge. Drizzle with olive oil and a teaspoon of water to keep the meat moist, then cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat for two minutes, and if necessary, flip the chicken and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions