Frozen Chicken Breast Air Fryer – Easy Cook Guide

Cooking frozen chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that yields juicy, tender chicken with a crispy exterior. Simply season the frozen chicken breasts with your choice of spices or marinade, then place them in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. The result is perfectly cooked chicken that retains moisture and flavor, without the need to thaw. This method is ideal for busy days, providing a hassle-free and healthy meal in under 40 minutes.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 400mg (may vary depending on seasoning)
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

 Prep Time

• 5 minutes

 Active Time

• 25 minutes

 Resting Time

• 5 minutes

 Total Time

• 35 minutes

 Servings

• 2 servings

 Cuisine

• American

 Course

• Main Course

Equipment:

• Air Fryer (basket or tray-style)
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Small bowl (for mixing spices)

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray oil)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for variety

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps achieve an even cook and a slightly crisp exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Place the frozen chicken breasts on a clean plate or tray. Brush or spray both sides lightly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote a golden finish.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you desire. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the frozen chicken breasts.

Step 4: Place in Air Fryer

Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overcrowd to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry

Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs to flip safely.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C). If not, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes and recheck.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Step 8: Serve

Slice and serve as desired. Great for salads, wraps, rice bowls, or as a standalone main dish.

Tips and Variations:

• Herb Lovers: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra aroma.
• Crispy Finish: Increase temp to 390°F for the last 2 minutes.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Meal Prep: Cook multiple breasts and refrigerate for use in lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.