Air Fryer Frozen Chicken: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and healthy meal on the table in under an hour. The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation cooks the chicken from the outside in, locking in all the delicious juices, without the need for defrosting. All you need is a few simple ingredients and seasonings, and you can have perfectly cooked chicken breasts ready to be served in a million different ways.

How to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures even cooking and optimal results. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. This can be done by using the preheat mode on your air fryer if it has one, or by manually setting it to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen chicken breasts is around 350°F to 400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat mode, you can set it to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Another option is to preheat to 360°F, which should take about 3 minutes.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket is hot and the temperature inside is warm. This will help create the optimal environment for cooking your frozen chicken. The preheating process will also depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so be sure to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

During the preheating process, you can also prepare the chicken breasts by removing any ice or excess water. This can be done by patting the chicken breasts with paper towels. This step will help the chicken cook more evenly and thoroughly and prevent it from steaming. Additionally, you can season the chicken breasts with your desired blend of spices and herbs before placing them in the air fryer.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the chicken breasts are in a single layer and have space between them, not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding in the air fryer.

Oil and season the chicken

Oil and seasoning are essential components of cooking chicken in an air fryer. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist, while the seasonings add flavour.

Oil

You can use any type of oil you like when cooking chicken in an air fryer, but extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter are recommended. The oil can be brushed, misted, or drizzled onto the chicken, and it is important to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. If you want an extra crispy crust, you can lightly coat the chicken with oil using an oil sprayer bottle, a basting brush, or by drizzling the oil and rubbing it all over the chicken with your hands.

Seasoning

There are endless options for seasoning chicken. A basic combination is salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but you can also add paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs. You can also experiment with different sweeteners and cheese toppings. If you want to use a sauce, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce, it is best to wait until the chicken is almost done cooking to prevent the sauce from burning. You can also marinate the chicken before cooking; a marinade should contain salt, acid, a bit of fat, and any flavourings you like, such as garlic, ginger, herbs, or spices.

Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket

When arranging chicken in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are placed in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. The number of chicken pieces that can fit in the basket will depend on their size and the size of the air fryer. For example, a standard air fryer basket can typically fit 2 to 3 large pieces of frozen chicken, while an XL rectangular air fryer can fit up to 6 chicken breasts. It is recommended to use chicken pieces that are roughly the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being overcooked or undercooked.

When placing the chicken in the air fryer basket, leave a little space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and prevents the chicken from steaming. It is important to note that the chicken should not be stacked, as this can affect the cooking process and lead to uneven results.

If you are cooking multiple pieces, it is best to arrange them in a single layer, with a little space between each piece, to ensure optimal cooking. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer basket.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some sources recommend coating the chicken with oil or seasoning before placing them in the air fryer basket. This can help enhance the flavour and promote even browning and crispiness. However, others suggest seasoning the chicken halfway through the cooking process, as this allows the seasoning to adhere better to the meat.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip

After preheating your air fryer and placing the seasoned chicken breasts inside, it's time to start cooking. Set a timer for 10 minutes and let the chicken cook. This initial cooking period will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Once the timer goes off, it's time to flip your chicken breasts. Flipping the meat halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and browning. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the chicken over, exposing the other side to the heat. This is also the point at which you would add your seasoning if you haven't already.

After flipping the chicken, it's essential to continue cooking until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74°C). This is the safe temperature for consuming chicken, and it can be checked with a meat thermometer. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but on average, it will take around 15 minutes of cooking time per inch of thickness.

If you're using a sauce, such as barbecue or teriyaki, it's best to wait until the chicken is almost done cooking before adding it. This prevents the sauce from burning due to the sugars in the sauce. Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken is a crucial step in ensuring that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165ºF (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer. This is the temperature at which the chicken is considered fully cooked and safe for consumption.

To check the internal temperature, insert the thermometer into the thickest section of each chicken breast. Since you are cooking from frozen, the innermost section will be the last part to thaw and cook completely. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature in this area to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly throughout.

It is recommended to keep a close eye on the temperature towards the end of the cooking process. When the chicken reaches the 130°-140°F mark, check the temperature every few minutes as the internal temperature can rise 10°-15°F every 2-3 minutes. This will help you prevent overcooking and ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly.

Additionally, consider the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Smaller and thinner pieces will cook faster and reach the desired internal temperature more quickly. Thicker and larger pieces will require more cooking time. By monitoring the internal temperature and adjusting the cooking time accordingly, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Frequently asked questions