Air Fry Frozen Chicken Breasts

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Learn how to air fry frozen chicken breasts in just 20 minutes! This chicken is simply seasoned then cooked until it’s golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Take frozen chicken straight from the freezer and have it ready to serve in no time at all. Gluten-free.

This is the perfect weeknight recipe when on the search for an easy chicken meal that is also kid-approved! Serve as the main entree or incorporate into any family favorite dish.

For more chicken ideas, add Chicken A La King (Instant Pot + Stovetop), Grandmas Chicken Casserole or Oven Baked Chicken Tacos to the menu any night of the week!

This chicken breast recipe was created with busy families in mind as we know how challenging it can be to remember everything on the to-do list. Thawing chicken is one of those tasks that commonly gets forgotten in our home.

We are happy to report that the days of defrosting chicken are behind us with this quick and easy air frier chicken recipe. Cook right from frozen, season with any desired blend then serve with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal.

You can even meal prep a large batch of air fried chicken to store in the fridge then use throughout the week in both lunch and dinner recipes.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below. Enjoy!

ingredients for air fryer frozen chicken breasts

Table of Contents

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound frozen chicken breasts ✅
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt ✅
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

frozen chicken breasts on air fryer tray

thawed chicken breasts on air fryer tray

How To Make Frozen Chicken Breast Air Fryer

To prepare the air-fried chicken breasts, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. Once it has reached the desired temperature, place the frozen chicken breasts onto the air fryer tray. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes to start the cooking process.

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking oil. This step helps to enhance the crispiness of the chicken. Next, season the chicken with seasoned salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Once seasoned, return the chicken to the air fryer tray. Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This temperature ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.

Throughout the cooking process, the air fryer creates a hot and circulating airflow that helps to cook the chicken evenly and give it a crispy texture. Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, it is ready to be enjoyed. Serve the flavorful and crispy air-fried chicken breasts as a delicious meal or incorporate them into your favorite recipes.

Tips and Tricks

Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This ensures that the cooking temperature is consistent from the start, resulting in evenly cooked chicken.
Use frozen chicken breasts: Air fryers work well with frozen chicken breasts, eliminating the need for thawing. However, if using fresh chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spray with nonstick cooking oil: To enhance the crispiness of the chicken, lightly spray it with nonstick cooking oil before seasoning. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning.
Season generously: Don’t be afraid to use flavorful seasonings. Season the chicken breasts with your favorite herbs, spices, or marinades to enhance the taste. Seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are popular choices.
Flip halfway through: For even cooking and browning, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides of the chicken breasts are exposed to the hot air.
Check internal temperature: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F for chicken breasts. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.
Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. If the chicken is not fully cooked or needs more browning, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Allow enough space for air circulation around the chicken breasts. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy texture.
Experiment with different coatings: Get creative and try different coatings for the chicken, such as breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes. These coatings can add extra crunch and flavor to your air-fried chicken.
Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the air-fried chicken breasts immediately after cooking. This ensures that they retain their crispy exterior while still being juicy and tender on the inside.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust cooking times as needed based on your preferences and the size of the chicken breasts.

Serving Suggestions

Season air fryer chicken breasts with any seasoning blend to create a flavor-packed recipe. Our salt and pepper combo is just one option! Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning or a dry ranch seasoning packet are two other popular choices.

Once seasoned and cooked, serve with side dishes like our Pan Fried Sliced Potatoes, Gluten Free Corn Casserole, Roasted Frozen Vegetables, Air Fryer Potato Skins, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli.

An air fryer chicken breast can also be sliced for tacos, pasta dishes or sandwiches.

Serve chilled by cooling completely then dicing for salads, wraps, chicken salad or pasta salad.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Pick chicken breasts that are similar sizes when air frying – this will help each piece to cook evenly.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the air fryer tray.
Wear oven mitts when placing or removing the tray from the air fryer.
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickness part of the chicken when temping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is frozen chicken good for?

According to the USDA, frozen chicken can be stored safely indefinitely. However, for the best quality, texture and flavor, it is recommended to freeze then use within 1 year.

Can you cook frozen chicken?

Absolutely, frozen chicken is safe to cook on the stove top, in an instant pot or in an air fryer. It is not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a crock pot due to food safety concerns.

Can you boil frozen chicken?

Yes! For simple instructions on boiling chicken, check out our guides on How To Boil Chicken Legs, How To Boil Chicken Breasts, How To Boil Chicken Thighs, and Boiled Chicken Tenders.

How long to cook frozen chicken breasts?

Chicken breasts will need to be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, the total cooking time can range. Start by cooking for 5 minutes then the 10-12 minutes before temping the chicken.

Do you need to thaw the chicken?

Defrosting chicken is not required when air frying, simply toss frozen chicken onto an air fryer tray straight from the freezer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

When storing air-fried chicken breasts, ensure they are completely cooled before storage. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness. Store the chicken in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

When it comes to reheating the air-fried chicken, there are a few options. For the best results, preheat your oven or air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). If the chicken has become dry, lightly brush it with a bit of oil or chicken broth to add moisture. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and reheat for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking and cover it with foil during the reheating process to prevent further drying.

Alternatively, if using a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Reheat the chicken on medium power in short intervals, around 1-2 minutes at a time, checking the internal temperature regularly until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember that reheating chicken multiple times may affect its texture and taste, so it’s best to reheat only the amount you plan to consume. Always use your best judgment and discard any chicken that appears spoiled or has been stored for an extended period beyond the recommended guidelines to ensure food safety.

whole and sliced chicken breast on plate

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CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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