There’s nothing quite like a quick and easy dinner that still delivers on flavor and tenderness. If you’re in a time crunch and craving a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast, the air fryer is here to save the day! Frozen chicken breast in the air fryer is a game changer. You can take your frozen chicken straight from the freezer, toss it in the air fryer, and end up with a delicious, moist chicken dinner in less than 30 minutes.
I love how convenient and versatile this recipe is. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or need to throw together a quick lunch, this air fryer method guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time. No thawing, no mess, just simple, straightforward cooking. Plus, the air fryer ensures a golden, crispy outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Frozen Chicken Breasts: These are the star of the dish. You can use any kind of frozen chicken breast, whether boneless or bone-in. Just make sure they are frozen solid. The air fryer will cook them evenly and quickly without needing any prior preparation.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the chicken breast crisp up nicely on the outside while locking in moisture. It also adds a subtle flavor that enhances the taste of the chicken. You can substitute it with avocado oil if you prefer.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic base to the chicken. Its rich flavor is perfect for creating a simple but delicious seasoning.
Onion Powder: Onion powder gives the chicken a slight sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the garlic powder perfectly. Together, they form the essential flavor duo.
Paprika: Paprika brings a mild, smoky heat to the dish. It’s a great addition for adding a touch of warmth without overwhelming the chicken’s natural taste.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for bringing out all the natural flavors of the chicken and the spices. Be sure to season it well before cooking!
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. It’s a must-have for seasoning.
Lemon (optional): For a burst of freshness, a squeeze of lemon at the end is the perfect finishing touch. It brightens up the chicken and adds a little zest.
Ingredients List
- 2 frozen chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon (optional)
How to Make Frozen Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Place the frozen chicken breasts on a plate. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides of the chicken. You don’t need to thaw the chicken before this step, as the seasoning will stick to the surface just fine.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping so that the air can circulate around them and cook them evenly. Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it’s fully done. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for added freshness. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your perfectly cooked, air-fried chicken breasts!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook the chicken breasts in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Season Well: Make sure to coat the chicken breasts evenly with oil and spices to maximize flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Since chicken breasts can vary in size, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Air Fryer Size Matters: Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook the chicken breasts in batches if they don’t fit comfortably in the basket.
- Add More Flavor: Experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, chili powder, or a bit of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen chicken breasts with the skin on in the air fryer? Yes! You can cook chicken breasts with skin on. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to get the skin nice and crispy.
Can I marinate the chicken before freezing it? Absolutely! Marinating the chicken before freezing it is a great way to add more flavor. Just be sure to freeze it flat to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
What side dishes go well with this chicken? This air fryer chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or rice. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ for extra flavor.
How long will the cooked chicken last in the fridge? Once cooked, the chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I cook more than two chicken breasts at once? Yes, you can cook multiple chicken breasts at once, but be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If needed, cook them in batches for the best results.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a simple, flavorful, and juicy chicken dinner made in no time using the air fryer!