Did you know you can cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without thawing? This easy recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken breasts using just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time, the air fryer method transforms frozen chicken into a deliciously tender and healthy meal in minutes.
This is my go-to recipe when I forget to take the chicken out of the freezer for dinner! This is a game-changer and a perfect time-saver!
If you are looking for even more Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, check out these favorites FROZEN CHICKEN PATTIES IN THE AIR FRYER, AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST (LEMON GARLIC), AIR FRYER HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER ITALIAN DRESSING CHICKEN.
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Why You Will Love Cooking Frozen Chicken Breasts In Air Fryer
- Quick and Convenient: Cooking frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer saves time, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal without the need for thawing.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The air fryer locks in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken breasts that are bursting with flavor.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option for enjoying chicken.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily season the chicken to your liking, allowing for a variety of flavors and cuisines with just one basic recipe.
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer’s non-stick surface and compact design make for effortless cleanup after cooking.
- Consistent Results: The air fryer ensures even cooking, so you can expect perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.
You can also make other frozen chicken products in the air fryer: FROZEN CHICKEN PATTIES, FROZEN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS, FROZEN CHICKEN TENDERS, CHICKEN NUGGETS (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT), TYSON CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS, and FROZEN CHICKEN WINGS all in the air fryer!
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients, you will need.
- Frozen Chicken Breasts: Frozen skinless chicken breasts, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Used to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.
- Garlic Powder: Complementing the chicken with its aromatic and savory notes.
- Paprika: Imparts a warm, slightly sweet flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful, appetizing color.
- Optional Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor, tailored to your taste preferences.
How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breast In Air Fryer
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (182°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start.
Step 2: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the frozen chicken breasts. Lightly brush each side of the chicken breasts with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and aids in browning.
Step Three: Season the chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you’re using other herbs or spices, apply them now. The seasoning not only adds flavor but also helps to form a delicious crust.
Step Four: Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This is crucial for achieving an even cook.
Step Five: Set cook time for 18-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the chicken breasts. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and get a nice color. 6. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C).
Step Six: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Serve the cooked chicken breasts as is, or slice them up for salads, wraps, or any other dish you’re preparing.
Frozen Chicken Breasts In Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Do Not Thaw: Cook the chicken breasts straight from frozen.
- Even Spacing: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer with space between them.
- Season Well: Frozen chicken can be bland, so don’t hesitate to season generously.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even browning and cooking on both sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer, or instant-read thermometer.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed.
- Keep It Simple: Sometimes, simple is best. If you’re new to cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, start with basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder before trying more elaborate recipes.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe FAQs
No, you can cook chicken breasts directly from frozen, especially in an air fryer. It’s convenient and safe but requires longer cooking time than thawed or fresh chicken.
Typically, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer at 360°F (182°C). However, the exact time can vary depending on the chicken’s thickness and the air fryer’s model.
A temperature of around 360°F (182°C) is recommended for cooking frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer. This ensures the chicken cooks through evenly without burning the exterior.
The safest way to check if the chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Yes, you can season the frozen chicken before cooking. Oil the chicken lightly first so the seasonings stick better.
Yes, it’s safe to cook chicken from frozen, especially in an air fryer, as long as you ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Absolutely. You can cook various cuts of frozen chicken, like thighs, wings, or drumsticks, in an air fryer. Cooking times and temperatures may vary based on the cut.
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, reheating cooked chicken in an air fryer is a great way to maintain its crispiness. Reheat at a lower temperature, like 350°F (177°C), until warmed.
It’s best to add sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Some sauces with high sugar content can burn if cooked for too long at high temperatures.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- FROZEN CHICKEN PATTIES IN THE AIR FRYER
- AIR FRYER PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN TENDERS
- AIR FRYER FROZEN ORANGE CHICKEN
- EASY AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN
- EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
- AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
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Frozen Chicken Breasts In Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 2 6 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tesapoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasonings, any kind
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (182°C). This ensures even cooking right from the start.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the frozen chicken breasts. Lightly brush each side of the chicken breasts with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and aids in browning.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you’re using any other herbs or spices, apply them now as well. The seasoning not only adds flavor but also helps to form a delicious crust.
- Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This is crucial for achieving an even cook.
- Cook the chicken for about 18-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the chicken breasts. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and get a nice color.
- After the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, cook for an additional few minutes and check again.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Serve the cooked chicken breasts as is, or slice them up for salads, wraps, or any other dish you’re preparing.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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Rachel
I cooked a well-marinated chicken in an air fryer last night for my family. So tender and juicy! My family really loved it.
Chelsea
I have frozen chicken cutlets. Does anyone have a recipe I could use. I just got the pressure cooker air fryer. Never used it before. Does anyone have any advice
Beryl
OMG, I just tried this method last night and the chicken turned out so juicy! I’ll be cooking it in the air fryer from now on. Thank you for the detailed instructions about the timing by thickness. It worked out perfectly!
Jimmy
So easy with the Air Fryer. Look so impressive! Thank you for sharing your great recipe!