Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy outside and juicy inside without the mess of frying on a stovetop. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the temperature of the air fryer, but it generally takes between 10 and 20 minutes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, the power of the air fryer, and personal preference for the level of crispiness. Most sources recommend cooking frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer between 350-400°F (175-204°C) for 10-20 minutes.

For example, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cooking the chicken for 15-20 minutes, while another recommends cooking at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, with smaller or thinner pieces requiring less time and larger or thicker pieces requiring more time.

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which the chicken is safe to eat, and it will also result in a crispy exterior. Some sources suggest that flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

When cooking frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and optimal crispiness. It is also generally recommended to avoid stacking or overlapping the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, while not necessary, spraying the chicken pieces with a light coat of cooking oil or spray can enhance crispiness. However, this is not required as the chicken pieces already contain oil from the initial frying process.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, especially when cooking frozen breaded chicken. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

Before placing your frozen breaded chicken in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the appliance, especially if your chicken has breading. Preheating helps prevent the breading from thawing and becoming soggy. While it may not be necessary for raw frozen chicken, preheating can shorten the thawing process.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set it to the desired temperature. Most recipes for frozen breaded chicken in an air fryer recommend a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (175-204°C). You can preheat it for about 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

Benefits of Preheating

Preheating your air fryer offers several advantages:

• It helps ensure even cooking, especially for breaded items, by creating a consistent temperature environment.
• Preheating can lead to crispier results, as it allows the appliance to reach the optimal temperature for browning and crisping.
• For raw frozen chicken, preheating can shorten the overall cooking time by jump-starting the thawing process.
• In some cases, preheating can improve food safety by reducing the time the chicken spends in the temperature "danger zone" (40°F to 140°F).

Tips for Preheating

• Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding preheating.
• If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply set it to the desired cooking temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.
• When cooking frozen breaded chicken, aim for a preheat temperature at the lower end of the recommended range to avoid burning the breading.
• If you are cooking in batches, the subsequent batches may cook faster since your air fryer is already preheated. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need frozen chicken breasts, ideally a good brand of frozen breaded chicken breasts. You can use any brand, such as Tesco, Asda, Tyson, or even one made and frozen by you.

Equipment

You will need an air fryer and a meat thermometer.

Method

• Remove the frozen chicken breast fillets from their packaging.
• Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving spaces between them. Do not stack or overlap the chicken pieces.
• Set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and air fry the chicken for 15 to 18 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts once during cooking.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it.

Notes

• There is no need to defrost the chicken before cooking.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Smaller sizes will cook in around 15 minutes, while larger pieces might take up to 18 minutes or longer.
• The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 74°C/165°F.
• You can brush the chicken with olive oil and add your choice of seasoning before cooking.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your frozen breaded chicken will make all the difference in the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get the best results:

• Oil: When it comes to oil, you have a few options. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and keep it moist. It is recommended to use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to achieve the desired crispiness without making the chicken greasy.
• Seasoning: The sky's the limit when it comes to seasoning your frozen breaded chicken. You can go for a simple combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a store-bought seasoning blend or experiment with different herbs and spices. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
• Application: To apply the oil and seasoning, simply remove the frozen chicken from its packaging and place it in a large bowl or on a flat plate. Drizzle or spray the oil over the chicken, then sprinkle on your chosen seasoning blend. Make sure to pat the chicken to ensure the oil and seasonings coat all surfaces evenly.
• Timing: When using an air fryer, it is generally recommended to add the oil and seasoning after the chicken has been partially cooked. This is because the initial cooking process will help thaw the chicken and create a better base for the seasonings to stick to. So, cook your chicken for about 10 minutes, flip it over, and then add the oil and seasonings before returning it to the air fryer for the final cook.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different oils and seasonings to find your perfect combination. You can also try marinating the chicken before freezing it or adding a dry brine (sprinkling with salt) before cooking for extra flavour. Just remember, if you're using a dry brine, refrigerate the chicken uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to a day.

Resting the chicken

Importance of Resting the Chicken

• Even Cooking: Resting allows the chicken to finish cooking evenly. When you take the chicken out of the air fryer, the cooking process doesn't stop immediately. By letting it rest, you ensure that the heat distributes evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a more consistent doneness.
• Juiciness: Resting helps retain moisture in the chicken. When you cut into a piece of chicken immediately after cooking, the juices can spill out, making the meat dry and less flavorful. By letting it rest, you give the juices time to redistribute and settle, resulting in a juicier and more tender bite.
• Food Safety: To ensure food safety, it is crucial to let the chicken rest until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F). This temperature kills any harmful bacteria, making the chicken safe to consume.

Resting Time

Most recipes recommend letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This brief resting period helps ensure the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and safe to eat.

What to Do While the Chicken Rests

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with it. You can also use this time to set the table or prepare any other components of your meal.

Slicing and Serving

After the resting period, use a sharp knife to slice into the chicken. You'll notice that the juices remain in the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Serve the chicken with your chosen sides and enjoy your delicious and safely cooked meal!

Frequently asked questions