Air Frying Frozen Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and delicious meal. The best temperature to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, ranging from 10 minutes for smaller breasts to 30 minutes for larger ones. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to make sure it is cooked properly.

How to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer

Ingredients:

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

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F.
• Season the frozen chicken breasts with salt and any other spices you like. You can also add oil at this stage, but it's not necessary.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast.
• Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should have reached 165°F. If not, cook for a few minutes more and check again.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Smaller or thinner breasts will take less time to cook, while larger or thicker breasts may take longer.
• It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked. An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool for this.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen chicken breast in an air fryer depends on the size and weight of the chicken breasts. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Cooking times for different sizes of chicken breasts:

• Small (4-5 oz, 113 to 142 g): 20 minutes
• Medium (6-8 oz, 170 to 227 g): 25 minutes
• Large (10-12 oz, 283-340 g): 30 minutes

Step-by-step guide:

• Preheat the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
• Season the frozen chicken breasts with salt, olive oil, and any desired spices or herbs.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and rub with oil and spices.
• Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips:

• Use similarly sized chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer; arrange the chicken in a single layer.
• Check the temperature of each breast with an instant-read thermometer.

Tips for cooking frozen chicken in the air fryer

Frozen chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer without thawing. This is a simple and quick way to cook juicy chicken breasts with minimal prep time. Here are some tips for cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer for at least 3-4 minutes.
• Use frozen skinless chicken breasts.
• Season the chicken with salt, olive oil or avocado oil, and dried herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This step helps to thaw the chicken.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and rub with oil and spice mix.
• Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. For small breasts (4-5 oz), cook for 20 minutes. For medium breasts (6-8 oz), cook for 25 minutes. For large breasts (10-12 oz), cook for 30 minutes.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is fully cooked.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the chicken in a single layer.
• Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and weight of the chicken.
• Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a healthy meal.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

What to serve with air fryer frozen chicken breasts

Air fryer frozen chicken breasts are a quick and easy meal to make, and there are plenty of side dishes that can be served with them. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Salads, such as a simple lettuce, cucumber, and tomato salad, or a classic Caesar salad
• Fingerling smashed potatoes
• White cabbage salad
• Garlic bread baguette
• Rice, such as plain steamed rice or Mediterranean rice with veggies
• Vegetables, such as roasted green beans and carrots, or steamed broccoli
• Mashed potatoes
• Air fryer baked sweet potato

You can also serve the chicken breasts cold in sandwiches or salads.

Variations to cooking frozen chicken in the air fryer

There are a few ways to change up your air fryer frozen chicken recipe, depending on the type of chicken you're using and the seasonings you have available. Here are some ideas:

• Breaded chicken breasts: If you're using breaded chicken breasts, brush the air fryer basket with a little olive oil before placing the chicken inside. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping once halfway.
• Pre-seasoned chicken: If your chicken is already seasoned, you can simply brush the air fryer basket with a little olive oil and place the chicken inside. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping once halfway.
• Unseasoned chicken: If your chicken is unseasoned, you can add your desired seasonings before placing it in the air fryer. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper.
• Chicken breasts vs other cuts: The cooking time for frozen chicken in an air fryer will vary depending on the cut of chicken. For example, chicken fries will only take 3-5 minutes, while chicken breasts will take 25-30 minutes.
• Size of chicken pieces: The cooking time will also depend on the size of the chicken pieces. Larger, thicker pieces will take longer to cook than smaller, thinner pieces.
• Oil: Using oil is not necessary, but it is recommended for the best results. You can use olive oil, neutral cooking oil, or cooking spray.
• Sauce: You can also add a sauce to your chicken while it's cooking. Brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Remember to always use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked safely.

Frequently asked questions