Learn how to cook frozen chicken breast in an air fryer. It turns out tender and juicy, and you don’t even need to thaw it first!
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Pin RecipeIf you’ve used an air fryer, you already know it helps take the stress out of mealtimes. Want a juicy chicken breast for dinner but don’t have time to bake it in the oven? Use the air fryer to make prep a breeze. You don’t even need to thaw the chicken first!
Read on for our tips on how to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. You’ll be able to have a seriously delicious meal on the table in minutes.
Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
There is no need to defrost chicken when it comes to cooking it in the air fryer. Just preheat the air fryer, and pop it in frozen.
You can cook any type of frozen chicken in the air fryer. Whether it’s legs, breasts, or wings, the method is the same. To make sure you’ve cooked the chicken to perfection (and food safety standards), use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that the chicken will continue to cook while it rests on the counter after you’ve removed it from the air fryer.
If you’ve used an air fryer, you already know it helps take the stress out of mealtimes. Want a juicy chicken breast for dinner but don’t have time to bake it in the oven? Use the air fryer to make prep a breeze. You don’t even need to thaw the chicken first!
Read on for some great tips on how to cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. You can have a seriously delicious meal on the table in 15 minutes!
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How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer
You won’t believe how tender and flavorful air fried frozen chicken can be! You’ll never have to chew through dry, bland chicken again when you use our recipe.
- Prepare: Remove the frozen chicken from the packaging, and use clean paper towels to pat it dry. Then, brush both sides with olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings like garlic powder or paprika you like best
- Air fry the chicken: Arrange the chicken in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry until the chicken cooks through. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken breast from the air fryer, and let it rest for a few minutes.
Quick Tip
You can also add a sauce to your air fryer frozen chicken. However, you’ll want to wait until the last few minutes of cooking time so it doesn’t burn. Luckily, it doesn’t take long to cook frozen chicken with the air fryer!
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer
- There’s no need to defrost the frozen chicken before cooking, but try to use pieces that are about the same size so that they will cook in the same amount of time.
- Make sure to check on your chicken during the last few minutes of cooking since different sizes of chicken and different air fryers cook differently. Again, the meat thermometer is your friend here!
- Work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. For the best results, leave a bit of space all around the chicken pieces to allow the air to circulate evenly.
How To Store Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Or, freeze your air fryer chicken for up to three to four months.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe pairs well with all your favorite sides and appetizers! Some of our favorite pairing options include:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
- Roasted Broccoli
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer French Fries
FAQs
The cooking time will depend on the size of the piece of chicken, but most pieces of chicken will cook in 20-30 minutes. If the chicken is thinner, it will be closer to 15-20 minutes, while a thick piece will take close to 30 minutes.
Yes! Cooking the chicken while it is still frozen is totally safe. It will take a few minutes longer but will be just as good.
Your pieces of chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Make sure to check on your chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. Different sizes of chicken and different air fryers cook differently, making the meat thermometer your best friend when cooking.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 frozen chicken breast
- Olive oil to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer basket to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the frozen chicken from the packaging, and use clean paper towels to pat it dry.1 frozen chicken breast
- Brush both sides with olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.Olive oil to taste, Salt and pepper to taste
- Arrange the chicken in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes. Then, slice, and serve!
