Home » Recipes » Popular » Air Fryer » Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe

Discover the ultimate kitchen hack with our frozen chicken breast air fryer recipe. Achieve a perfect balance of crispy and succulent in minutes, turning convenience into a gourmet experience with this game-changing cooking method.

top down view of frozen chicken breasts on air fryer tray

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of air frying, unlocking the secrets to transforming frozen chicken breasts into a crispy, succulent masterpiece.

 If you’re all about convenience without sacrificing flavor, this frozen chicken breast air fryer recipe is about to become your go-to solution for quick and delicious meals.

Sometimes we’re not always on the ball, and forget to pull meat out the night before. When this happens, remember you now have this easy chicken dinner.

If you love air fryer recipes you may also want to try my Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan or my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FROZEN CHICKEN BREAST AIR FRYER RECIPE

  1. Effortless Convenience:
    • This recipe transforms frozen chicken breasts into a gourmet delight without the need for lengthy thawing, making it a convenient solution for busy days.
  2. Crispy Exterior, Juicy Interior:
    • The air fryer’s cooking method ensures a perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and succulent juiciness on the inside, elevating the overall dining experience.
  3. Healthier Option:
    • Enjoy the indulgence of crispy chicken without the guilt. The air fryer requires minimal oil, providing a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
  4. Time-Saving Wonder:
    • Say goodbye to long cooking times. With the air fryer, frozen chicken breasts are ready in a fraction of the time it would take with conventional cooking methods.
  5. Versatile Flavor Options:
    • Season the chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your preferences and experiment with different culinary creations.
  6. No Compromise on Quality:
    • Despite starting from frozen, this recipe guarantees a high-quality and delicious outcome, proving that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
  7. Perfectly Cooked Every Time:
    • The air fryer’s consistent and even cooking ensures that each frozen chicken breast is perfectly cooked, eliminating the risk of undercooked or overcooked portions.

side view of juicy chicken breasts on white plate with green onions

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these juicy chicken breasts (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Olive oil cooking spray – or avocado oil
  • Seasoning blend of choice – ground paprika, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, barbecue sauce, etc.
  • Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish

top down view of frozen chicken breasts on air fryer tray

HOW TO MAKE

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer – preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for a few minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
  2. Season to Taste – drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken breasts or use a cooking spray for an even coating. Season with your favorite blend of spices, ensuring both sides are well-covered. 
  3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket – place the seasoned frozen chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation, which ensures an even cook.
  4. Air Fry to Perfection – cook the frozen chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
  5. Check for Doneness – using a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures thorough cooking.
  6. Rest and Garnish – allow the air-fried chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a juicy interior. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

side view of air fryer chicken breasts on air fryer tray

STORING THE LEFTOVER CHICKEN BREAST PIECES

  1. Cool to Room Temperature:
    • Allow the leftover air-fried chicken breasts to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, ensuring they stay crispy.
  2. Airtight Container:
    • Place the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container. Opt for a container that fits the chicken without overcrowding to prevent sogginess.
  3. Separate Layers:
    • If you have multiple layers of chicken, consider placing parchment paper or a paper towel between the layers. This helps absorb any excess moisture, preserving the crispy texture.
  4. Refrigerate Promptly:
    • Refrigerate the airtight container promptly. Leftover air-fried chicken breasts can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.
  5. Air Fryer Reheating:
    • To revive the crispiness, reheat the refrigerated chicken breasts in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer, place the chicken in a single layer, and heat for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
  6. Avoid Microwave:
    • While the microwave is an option for reheating, it may compromise the crispy texture. If using the microwave, consider placing a paper towel beneath and on top of the chicken to absorb moisture.

FAQS

WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO ENSURE THE CHICKEN BREASTS ARE COOKED PERFECTLY THE FIRST TIME?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken breasts. This foolproof method guarantees they are cooked to perfection on your first try.

CAN I USE TACO SEASONING OR A DRY RUB FOR A FLAVORFUL CHICKEN BREAST?

Absolutely! Enhance the flavor of your chicken breasts by coating them in taco seasoning or a dry rub before air crisping. It adds a delicious kick to your meal.

side view of air fryer chicken breasts on white plate with green onions

HOW CAN I REDUCE THE TOTAL COOK TIME FOR THESE CHICKEN PIECES?

Slicing chicken breasts horizontally or using smaller pieces reduces the thickness, cutting down on total cook time and making meal prep a breeze.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO COOK FRESH CHICKEN THAT ISN’T FROZEN?

For best results cook your chicken for less time than you would frozen chicken. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model.

Other Delicious Chicken Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

Yield: 2 chicken breasts

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast Recipe

top down view of frozen chicken breasts on air fryer tray

Discover the ultimate kitchen hack with our frozen chicken breast air fryer recipe. Achieve a perfect balance of crispy and succulent in minutes, turning convenience into a gourmet experience with this game-changing cooking method.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • sea salt and black pepper
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F for a few minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
  2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken breasts or use a cooking spray for an even coating. Season with your favorite blend of spices, ensuring both sides are well-covered. 
  3. Place the seasoned frozen chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation, which ensures an even cook.
  4. Cook the frozen chicken breasts for 16-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.
  5. Using a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it's fully cooked.
  6. Allow the air-fried chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a juicy interior. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 198Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 237mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 37g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *