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Wondering if you can air fry frozen chicken? You absolutely can! Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy chicken meal without the need to thaw it first. Whether you have frozen chicken breasts, tenders, nuggets or popcorn chicken, your air fryer can do it all!

We’ll walk you through how to air fry frozen chicken and share some tips on getting the best results.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide For Air Frying Frozen Chicken

Before you get started, it’s important to note that cooking instructions may vary depending on the brand and type of frozen chicken you’re using. Always be sure to follow any specific manufacturer instructions on the packaging. Some may be raw and require additional cooking, while others like breaded chicken are pre-cooked and just need to be heated through.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders, Chicken Nuggets and Popcorn Chicken

For pre-cooked, breaded frozen chicken like tenders, nuggets or popcorn chicken, the air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat them to a delicious crispiness.

You’ll Need:

  • Air Fryer
  • 20-25 ounces of frozen cooked, breaded crispy chicken (such as Tyson® Chicken Tenders, chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken)

Air Fryer Instructions:

  1. Remove 20-25oz of your frozen chicken tenders, nuggets or popcorn chicken from the bag.
  2. Place frozen chicken in the air fryer and avoid overcrowding or stacking.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
  4. Cook in air fryer for 11-12 minutes or until desired crispiness. The color of the breading may not change much.
  5. Flip chicken halfway through cooking.
  6. Carefully remove from basket onto a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

Cook time may vary depending on your brand and size of frozen chicken. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow for even cooking. Cook in additional 2-3 minute increments if needed to avoid burning.

Easy Frozen Chicken Recipes

  • Mini Chicken and Waffle Bites: Perfectly crisp in the air fryer, these mini chicken and waffle bites are a fun and delicious snack for any time of day.
  • BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw and Pickles: Use the air fryer to quickly prepare these mouthwatering BBQ chicken sliders, topped with crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles for the ultimate flavor combo.
  • Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: The air fryer makes these honey BBQ chicken quesadillas irresistibly crispy on the outside while melting the cheesy goodness inside.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts and Thighs

For frozen bone-in or boneless chicken breasts and thighs, a quick air fry will have them ready to season and cook to perfection!

You’ll Need:

  • Air Fryer
  • 1-2 frozen chicken breasts or thighs
  • Cooking oil
  • Chicken seasoning

Air Fryer Instructions:

  1. Lightly spray your air fryer layer with cooking spray.
  2. Add your unseasoned frozen chicken thighs or breasts to the basket, no more than 2 at a time.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
  4. Carefully remove the chicken from the basket. It should be thawed or close to it at this point.
  5. Lightly coat the chicken with cooking oil and your desired seasoning rub.
  6. Return the seasoned chicken to the air fryer and cook for 10-20 minutes at 390-400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Once it reaches 165°F, remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cook time may vary depending on the brand and size of your frozen chicken, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.

Need more inspiration on how to cook frozen meals? Learn more about air frying techniques and how to elevate your frozen food game.

How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer

The total cooking time for frozen chicken in the air fryer can vary quite a bit depending on the cut and size of the meat. Smaller pieces like frozen chicken tenders or nuggets may only take 15-20 minutes, while larger chicken breasts or thighs could need 25-30 minutes.

No matter what type of chicken you’re cooking, it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Checking the chicken periodically and adjusting the cook time as needed will help prevent dry, overcooked meat.

Defrosting Chicken in an Air Fryer

You don’t necessarily have to thaw frozen chicken before air frying it. Simply add the frozen chicken to the air fryer layer and cook it using the times and temperatures above. Just be prepared that it may take a bit longer to fully cook all the way through compared to thawed chicken.

If you do want to partially thaw the frozen chicken first, you can do so right in the air fryer. Lightly spray the basket, add the frozen chicken, and air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature, and if it’s still not fully thawed, return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Now that you know how to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, get ready to enjoy convenient, tender and juicy chicken dinners! Check out our collection of easy recipe ideas for even more delicious meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry frozen chicken in the air fryer?

Yes! It’s a quick and convenient way to cook frozen chicken without needing to thaw it first. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of chicken you’re using.

What is the best frozen chicken breast air fryer temperature?

For best results, air fry frozen chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is boneless, breaded chicken precooked when bought frozen?

Not necessarily. While some frozen breaded chicken products are fully cooked, others are only partially cooked or raw. Always check the packaging instructions and confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when cooking. For more information, you can refer to the USDA’s guidelines here.