Tender frozen chicken breast in the air fryer; these golden chicken pieces are easy to make and ready to serve in no time.
Forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer? No worries! This recipe for air fryer frozen chicken breast will save the day. Or at least dinner! Frozen chicken breast in the air fryer is my most-cooked air fryer recipe and probably my most-cooked recipe overall.
You can also cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer or make Air Fryer Frozen Wings.
Readers say:
Brian: "This is the best recipe for frozen chicken breasts! The chicken breast is so juicy and tender. I love this recipe and the bake times are perfect.
When I serve it I feel so good about it.... Really perfect!"
Christine: "This is a great technique! Chicken turned out perfectly. It took longer in my air fryer so I do suggest using a meat thermometer as directed. This is a life changer.Thank you!"
Jump to recipe
Recipe ingredients
You will only need three ingredients: the frozen chicken breasts, a little bit of oil, and some spices (salt, pepper, and whatever else you like).
My basic seasoning is salt, pepper, and sweet paprika powder, but the possibilities are endless. Try other sorts of paprika (smoked or hot), garlic powder, and curry powder.
Try other spice mixtures like lemon pepper, ras el hanout, or sumac for an oriental touch, any chicken seasoning of your liking, Cajun spices, and so on. You can try this Dry Rub for Chicken Wings or the Peri Peri Seasoning (hot!).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to air fry frozen chicken breast?
Step #1: Spray or rub the frozen breasts with oil and season them on both sides.
Step #2: Cook the frozen meat for 10 minutes in the preheated air fryer.
Step #3: Flip and cook for a further 5 minutes or until cooked through.
Step #4: Check internal temperature (165°F/74°C) and increase the cooking time if the breasts are not done yet.
How long to cook frozen chicken breast?
Generally, cook about 15 minutes per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of thickness. Cooking time depends more on thickness than weight.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and basket size. Adjust as needed and use an instant-read thermometer (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab); the internal temperature measured by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat should be 165°F/ 74°C.
Always check the thickest part to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Undercooked chicken is unsafe.
General cooking times
- ½ inch/ 1.2 cm thick: 10 minutes
- 1 inch/ 2.5 cm thick: 15 minutes
- 1 ½ inches/ 4 cm thick: 20-22 minutes
- 2 inches/ 5 cm thick: 28–30 minutes
How to store and reheat?
This is also a great recipe for meal prep. You can cook 2 or 3 pieces of chicken breasts, refrigerate them airtight once cool, and use them for different meals during the following days.
Refrigerate leftover chicken breast for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat for a few minutes in the air fryer or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
You can also serve the leftovers cold; you can make sandwiches or salads.
Frozen Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts Note 1
- oil spray or 1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika powder Note 2
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer according to its instructions, mine needs 3 minutes to achieve a temperature of 360°F/ 180°C
- Season chicken: Spray or rub the chicken with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the spices of choice. Place it in the basket.3 chicken breasts + oil spray or 1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil + ½ teaspoon sweet paprika powder + ½ teaspoon fine sea salt + ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F/ 74°C If the chicken breast pieces are thinner or thicker, adjust the cooking time. ½ inch/ 1.2 cm thick: about 10 minutes1 inch/ 2.5 cm thick: about 15 minutes1 ½ inches/ 4 cm thick: about 20-22 minutes2 inches/ 5 cm thick: about 28–30 minutes
Notes
- Chicken breasts: Total weight of about 500 g/ 1.1 lbs, each breast should weigh about 5.5-6 oz/ 150-170 g and be about 1 inch/ 2.5 cm thick. If the thickness of the breasts is different, please adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Seasoning: Use any spices you like; this is just basic seasoning. You can add garlic powder, use any other sort of paprika (smoked or hot), or any spice mixture you like.
Roland says
Another quick and healthy one. Really nice : )