Air Frying Frozen Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen chicken. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken, as well as the temperature of the air fryer, but generally, it should take around 20-30 minutes. For example, a 4-ounce chicken breast should take around 20-30 minutes, while a larger, 5-ounce breast may need 10-15 minutes more. It's important to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, with an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of chicken

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer depend on the cut of chicken and its weight. Here is a guide to help you cook chicken to perfection.

Chicken Breasts

For frozen chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (180–200°C). Then, cook for 10 minutes to defrost. After that, brush the chicken with olive oil, add your choice of seasoning, and cook for another 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for a final 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C). If not, cook for a few minutes more and check again.

For fresh chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F (190–200°C). Season the chicken, then cook for 5–6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 10–20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Whole Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Season the chicken, then place it breast-side down in the air fryer. Cook for 30 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12–22 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 350–390°F (180–200°C). Season the wings, then place them in the air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8–11 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Chicken Thighs

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Season the thighs, then place them in the air fryer. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2–8 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

How to store and reheat chicken

Storing Chicken

Chicken is a versatile and popular food for meal prep, but it's important to know how to store it properly to ensure food safety and maintain its flavour and texture. Here are some tips for storing cooked chicken:

• Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing.
• Store the chicken in an airtight container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• If you're freezing the chicken, wrap individual servings in plastic wrap for easy thawing.
• Frozen cooked chicken can be stored for up to 4 months but it's best to consume it within this time for peak freshness and flavour.
• For refrigeration, store the chicken in the fridge for 3-5 days. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating Chicken

There are several ways to reheat chicken to ensure it remains juicy and flavourful:

• Air fryer: Let the chicken come to room temperature, then spray with a light coating of non-stick spray. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, place the chicken in a single layer, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop: For boneless, skinless chicken or shredded meat, slice or shred the chicken and place in a skillet with a small amount of water or chicken broth. Simmer until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the centre. Drizzle with olive oil and a bit of water, then cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat for 2 minutes, then flip and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

How to season chicken

There are endless ways to season chicken, and you can use whatever you have available in your pantry. Here are some ideas for seasoning blends and marinades to add flavour to your chicken.

Seasoning Blends

A simple combination of dried herbs and spices can be used to season chicken. For example, you could use paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Alternatively, you could use a store-bought seasoning blend, such as Italian or Mexican seasoning.

Marinades

If you have more time, you can marinate your chicken before cooking it. Marinades add tons of flavour to plain chicken breasts and can also make the meat more juicy and tender. Here are some ideas for marinades:

• Olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Coconut aminos, avocado or olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder
• Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper

How to Apply Seasoning

To ensure your seasonings stick to the chicken, brush the meat with olive oil or another mild-flavoured oil before applying the seasoning blend. You can also add oil to the chicken after seasoning it to make the skin crisp and help the herbs and spices adhere to the meat.

When to Season

If you are cooking frozen chicken, it is best to add the seasoning after the chicken has thawed in the air fryer. This will prevent the seasoning from burning. If you are cooking fresh chicken, you can season the meat before or after cooking it.

Storing Seasoned Chicken

You can store seasoned chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

How to defrost chicken

There are several ways to defrost chicken, and the best method for you will depend on how much time you have. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to defrost chicken using four different approaches.

Defrosting Chicken in the Refrigerator

This is the safest method for defrosting chicken, as it ensures the chicken remains at a cool temperature throughout the process.

• Remove the chicken from the freezer at least 24 hours before you plan to cook it.
• Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or container.
• Put it on a low shelf in the refrigerator and leave it there until it is fully defrosted.
• Cook the chicken within 1-2 days.

Defrosting Chicken with a Cold Water Bath

This method is quicker than using a refrigerator, but it requires more attention.

• Ensure the chicken is in an airtight, leakproof bag. If the original packaging is not leakproof, place the chicken in a separate bag.
• Place the chicken in a bowl or basin and cover it completely with cold water. If the package floats, weigh it down with a plate.
• Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold.
• Once the chicken is thawed, cook it immediately.

Defrosting Chicken in the Microwave

Using the defrost function on a microwave is a quick way to thaw chicken, but it can create hot spots, leading to some parts being warmed through while others remain frozen.

• Place the unwrapped chicken on a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting.
• Once defrosted, cook the chicken immediately. Do not refrigerate or refreeze without cooking first.
• Clean the microwave thoroughly afterward to remove any drips or spatters.

Defrosting Chicken by Cooking it in an Air Fryer

You can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer without defrosting it first.

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F.
• Season the chicken with salt, olive oil or avocado oil, and dried herbs and spices (optional).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Note: The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What to serve with chicken

It's easy to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer without defrosting it first. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but it should take around 20-30 minutes for them to cook through. You can serve your chicken with a variety of sides, here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Salad
• Rice
• Bread
• Mac and cheese
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Corn on the cob
• Sweet potatoes
• Fries
• Pasta
• Roasted cauliflower
• Broccoli

Frequently asked questions