How to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer  (2024)

Frozen chicken in the air fryer is fast, delicious and easy with this method. Find out how long to cook in 20 minutes or less.

Can you cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer method is the best if you want a quick, no thaw way to serve deliciously juicy, tender chicken tonight!

Has this ever happened to you? It’s time for dinner and you forgot to defrost the chicken? Well this air fryer frozen chicken recipe has your back. You can use the air fryer to cook frozen chicken breast, frozen breaded chicken, or even frozen seasoned chicken breast and have it on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Why you’ll love this air fryer chicken recipe

No Thaw: No worries if you forgot to thaw the chicken because with this method the air fryer does the thawing for you!

Faster Than Oven: The air fryer can cook from frozen in a shorter amount of time. But even the preheat and cooking times are both shorter with the airfryer than they are with an oven.

Healthy: Get that fried flavor you love on things like chicken wings and breaded chicken breast without the negative effects of deep frying.

What you will need

Frozen chicken: Any cut of chicken will do, whether plain, seasoned or breaded. But this recipe will not work for a whole chicken.

Olive oil or spray: This will help the chicken brown nicely on the outside, stay moist on the inside, and not stick to the basket.

Seasoning: Any type of seasoning will work from Italian to Mexican or anything in between.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400℉ (200℃)

1. Remove the chicken breast fillets from the freezer (stored in airtight freezer bags) (Image 1).
2. Place the chicken spaced out in the airfryer basket (Image 2).

3. Cook for 10 minutes so the chicken can defrost (Image 3).

4. Brush the thawed chicken with olive oil and add your choice of seasoning (Image 4).

5. Cook for 10 minutes more minute then flip the chicken, then cook for an additional 10 minutes and check the internal temperature for 74℃ (165℉). If the interal temperature is not 74℃ (165℉), then add a few additional minutes and recheck the temperature (Image 5).

6. Leave to rest then slice ready to serve hot with your choice of sides (Image 6).

How long does it take to cook frozen raw chicken breasts in an air fryer?

The time to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer will vary depending on the size of the chicken breast.

For a 4 ounce breast, the cooking time should be around 20-30 minutes. However, for a chicken breast that is 5 ounces or more, you may need to add 10-15 minutes of time.

For a smaller cut of chicken (3 ounces or less) you will want to check the internal temperature around 10-15 minutes into the cooking. The important thing to remember is that the internal temperature should be 74℃ (165℉) regardless of how thick the chicken breast is.

Also, be aware of the temperature your air fryer is set on. Higher temperatures mean faster cooking. Lower temperatures will not cook as quickly.

*Be aware that some air fryers may cook lower than the temperature for which they are set.

How long does it take to cook frozen pre-cooked chicken in an air fryer?

When cooking chicken that is precooked, such as breaded chicken fingers, fried chicken wings, or seasoned chicken breast, the cooking time will be shorter than if the chicken is raw.

Again, preheat your airfryer to 400℉ (200℃) cook for 5-7 minutes, and then flip and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. As long as the pre-cooked chicken is fairly small, it should not take longer than 15 minutes to cook.

If the cut of chicken is larger, like a breast, it may take 20-30 minutes.

Airfryer Cooking Temperature/Times UK/US (Approximate)

Raw Bone-In Chicken Wings: 400℉ (200℃)20 minutes

Raw Boneless Chicken Wings: 350℉(200℃) 15 minutes

Raw Chicken Breasts: 400℉ (200℃)20-30 minutes

Raw Chicken Tenders: 400℉ (200℃)10 minutes

Precooked Chicken Wings: 400℉ (200℃)10-15 minutes

Precooked Chicken Breast: 400℉ (200℃) 15-20 minutes

Precooked Chicken Tenders: 400℉ (200℃) 10-15 minutes

You can make my Peri Peri Chicken using wings, chicken breast or chicken tenders in the airfryer.

Can you put frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400℉ (200℃) and then place the frozen chicken in the basket for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken, add oil and seasoning, and cook it until the internal temperature is 74℃ (165℉).

Should I preheat the air fryer?

Preheating is not something that has to be done, but it is good to preheat when making chicken that has breading. That way the breaded chicken does not thaw and become soggy.

However, for raw frozen chicken, preheating is not entirely necessary but the thawing process may take a little longer.

How much chicken should I put in the air fryer?

Place the chicken in one layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the pieces of chicken so the heat and oil can circulate appropriately. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to possibly stick together and cook unevenly.

Try my Easy Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipe, simply defrost the chicken in the airfryer and follow the recipe steps.

Should I flip the chicken?

Yes. Flipping the chicken midway though the cooking time will allow for a more evenly cooked piece of meat.

Need something sweet after? Try my chocolate egg recipes ; Easy Chocolate Easter Nests, Giant Chocolate Cornflake Cake and Easter Rice Krispie Treats

What to serve it with?

Chicken can be served with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a nice salad.

Here are some more delicious side recipes ideas : Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables, The CRISPIEST Roast Potatoes and

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.