Cody Casey
Cooking thawed chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare chicken. It's important to cook thawed chicken right away to avoid bacteria growth. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, then place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Defrosting method | Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. |
| Preheating | Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding the chicken. |
| Cooking time | 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer. |
| Seasoning | Season the chicken breasts before cooking to enhance their flavour. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs. |
| Internal temperature | The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. |
| Resting time | Let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving. |
What You'll Learn
Defrosting chicken in an air fryer
You can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first. However, if you want to defrost chicken in an air fryer, set the air fryer to the lowest temperature possible (usually around 300°F) and place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Once thawed, it's important to cook the chicken right away to avoid bacteria growth.
If you're cooking the chicken straight after defrosting, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C) via an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer, but it usually takes about 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C).
Seasoning the chicken breasts before cooking enhances their flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving.
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Preheating the air fryer
The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation allows you to cook frozen chicken breasts without the need for thawing. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer. Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C) to cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer.
It is important to ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer cooks the protein by circulating hot air, so the chicken breasts should not be overcrowded.
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Seasoning the chicken
To season the chicken, simply sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning over the chicken breasts and use your hands to rub it in. Make sure to get an even coating on all sides of the chicken. You can also add a little bit of oil to the chicken before seasoning to help the spices stick and add a bit of extra moisture.
If you're using a pre-made seasoning mix, follow the package instructions for how much to use. These mixes often contain salt, so be careful not to over-season your chicken.
Once your chicken is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 360°F (182°C), and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Cooking time
If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, it will take around 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C). If you are cooking thawed chicken breasts, it will take around 8 minutes at 360°F (182°C). You should flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. It is important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.
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Resting the chicken
After cooking, it is important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This is to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and to prevent bacteria growth. The USDA recommends that once chicken is thawed, it should be cooked right away.
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This can be measured with a meat thermometer. It is important to ensure that the chicken has reached this temperature to prevent food poisoning.
When resting the chicken, it is a good idea to keep it covered to retain heat. This can be done by loosely tenting foil over the chicken or by placing it in a warm oven.
Finally, resting the chicken gives you time to prepare any sides or sauces to accompany the meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 8 minutes to cook thawed chicken breast in an air fryer.
The internal temperature of the chicken breast should reach 165°F (74°C).
Yes, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding the chicken breast.
