How to Cook Frozen Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer –Have you ever tried to cook frozen fried chicken in the air fryer? I know it sounds crazy, but I did, and I was pleasantly surprised.
This recipe will teach you how to cook frozen fried chicken in the air fryer so that it comes out crispy and delicious!
Why You Will Love Cooking Frozen Fried Chicken In Air Fryer
Air frying frozen breaded chicken breasts has never been easier. You will find that the outside crus comes out both crispy and crunchy while the inside of each piece remains moist, tender, and soft! This is a perfect balance that you wouldn’t find in oven-baked versions. Plus, because air fryers cook from all sides evenly at once rather than heating one end more intensely as an oven does, there’s no chance your food will be overcooked or undercooked depending on which side was sitting closest to the heat source!
Air frying chicken breasts is easy and creates crispy, golden outside layers while the inside stays moist. I prefer using an air fryer over baking because it distributes heat evenly during cooking.
If you have been looking for some great Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA, AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN, AIR FRYER CLASSIC CHICKEN TENDERS (TENDERLOINS), and LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS.
Ingredients Needed To Make Frozen Fried Chicken In The Air Fryer
Get ready to satisfy your fried chicken cravings without the excess oil and mess. These simple ingredients will transform frozen chicken into crispy, golden goodness using your air fryer.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Frozen Chicken Pieces: Choose your preferred chicken pieces like chicken tenders, wings, or drumsticks. Make sure they are fully frozen for the best results.
- Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray is essential to help achieve a crispy and golden exterior on the chicken.
How to Cook Frozen Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (for 5 minutes, air fryer setting). Place chicken on the air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket. Set the cook time for 15-20 minutes. Check to make sure your chicken is fully cooked before removing it.
Pro Tips For Making Frozen Fried Chicken In The Air Fryer:
- This recipe will work in any Air Fryer Basket or Oven Model. I have made this several times in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and other models. The recipe will remain the same.
- The cooking time will ultimately be determined by how thick and big your fried chicken is, so for best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- You do not need to spray your basket before adding the chicken. I have never found that the frozen fried chicken sticks, as it cooks in the Air Fryer.
- For best results, do not crowd the air fryer basket. This is one recipe you want to use the hot air from the Air Fryer to crisp up and cook your chicken perfectly!
- Keep your frozen chicken frozen until you add it to the air fryer.
What Types of Frozen Fried Chicken Will This Work With?
I have tried this recipe with several different brands; some of my favorites are:
- Banquet Fried Chicken
- Stouffer’s Classic Fried Chicken
- Pilgrim’s: Pilgrim’s is a brand that produces various frozen chicken products, and they are dedicated to responsible and sustainable practices.
- Simple Truth (Kroger Brand): Simple Truth offers a range of natural and organic frozen chicken options. It’s a great choice if you shop at Kroger or their affiliated stores.
- Tyson Fried Chicken: Tyson is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of frozen chicken products, including chicken tenders, nuggets, wings, and more. They are known for their consistent quality and flavor.
- Costco Fried Chicken: Kirkland Signature (Costco): If you’re a Costco member, Kirkland Signature offers frozen chicken products with good value and quality.
FAQ’s About Cooking Frozen Fried Chicken In Air Fryer
Can I cook frozen fried chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen fried chicken in an air fryer. It’s a convenient way to reheat and crisp up frozen fried chicken to make it taste freshly cooked.
What temperature and time should I use for cooking frozen fried chicken in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Cook the frozen fried chicken for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Do I need to use oil when cooking frozen fried chicken in an air fryer?
You generally don’t need to add extra oil when cooking frozen fried chicken in an air fryer since the chicken pieces already contain oil from the initial frying. However, spraying a light coat of cooking oil on the chicken pieces can help them get crispier.
Can I stack or overlap the frozen fried chicken pieces in the air fryer basket?
It’s best to avoid stacking or overlapping the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. Cook them in a single layer for the best results.
Do I need to flip the frozen fried chicken during cooking?
Yes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time helps ensure that both sides get evenly crispy and cooked.
Can I cook other frozen breaded or fried foods in the air fryer using the same method?
Yes, you can use a similar method to cook other frozen breaded or fried foods, such as frozen chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed for different foods.
How do I know when the frozen fried chicken is done cooking in the air fryer?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) and has a crispy, golden-brown exterior. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Can I cook different types of frozen fried chicken (e.g., boneless, bone-in) together in the same batch?
Yes, you can cook different types of frozen fried chicken together in the same batch, but be mindful of the different cooking times required for various cuts and sizes. Check the internal temperature of each piece to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
How can I keep the frozen fried chicken from becoming too dry when reheating in the air fryer?
To prevent the chicken from becoming too dry, avoid overcooking. Cooking times can vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so monitor the chicken closely and check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes:
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
- AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN
- EASY AIR FRYER CLASSIC CHICKEN TENDERS (TENDERLOINS)
- LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS
- AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS
- EASY AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITAS
- AIR FRYER HONEY BALSAMIC CHICKEN
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How to Cook Frozen Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 4 pieces frozen fried chicken
- Or 1 package of any breaded or frozen fried chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (for 5 minutes, air fryer setting)
- Place chicken on the air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket.
- Set the time for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Check to make sure your chicken is fully cooked before removing it.
- Plate, serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Tips For Making Frozen Fried Chicken In The Air Fryer:
- This recipe will work in any Air Fryer Basket or Oven Models. I have made this several times during the years, in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and other models. The recipe will remain the same.
- The cooking time will ultimately be determined by how thick and big your fried chicken is, so for best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- You do not need to spray your basket before adding the chicken. I have never found that the frozen fried chicken sticks, as it cooks up in the Air Fryer.
- For best results, do not crowd the air fryer basket. This is one recipe that you really want to use the hot air from the Air Fryer to crisp up and cook your chicken perfectly!
- Keep your frozen chicken frozen until you add it to the air fryer.
Nutrition
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Anitta Patricia Nienaber
I would love more reciepies