If you've got frozen chicken and no time to thaw it, the air fryer is your best version. Cooking frozen chicken in your air fryer is super easy, and the result is delicious. Depending on the cut of chicken, it's done in between 4 and 30 minutes. Here you'll find cooking times and recommendations for multiple cuts and types of chicken!
What Type of Chicken Can I Cook From Frozen
The short answer; any kind you like! But I wouldn't recommend a whole chicken; that's better to thaw before cooking. But other than a whole chicken, any cut of chicken will work.
You can also use chicken that has been prepared (or not) in a variety of ways. It can be raw or pre-cooked, breaded and seasoned or plain - it doesn't matter.
The cooking method will mainly depend on if your chicken is seasoned or not. If it's not, you need to season it before cooking.
Below you'll find specific guides for different types of chicken.
How to Cook Raw, Un-Seasoned Frozen Chicken
- Place frozen chicken in air fryer basket
- Air fry 5 minutes to thaw, then brush with olive oil on all sides
- Season on all sides
- Air fry again. The total time will depend on the cut and size of the chicken and your air fryer; see the guide below for recommended times. Flip the chicken halfway for an even cook.
How to Cook Pre-seasoned And/or Breaded Chicken
- Brush the air fryer basket with a little bit of olive oil
- Place the chicken in the basket
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) until done, flipping once halfway. See the box below for recommended cooking times.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer?
The exact cook time will vary with the cut of chicken, but also the size of the specific chicken pieces, and your air fryer.
Breaded chicken can take slightly longer to cook than non-breaded, but not more than a minute or so.
I always recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is sufficiently heated. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption (even if it was cooked before freezing!).
The following are good times to start with (click the links for detailed guides to air frying this specific cut of chicken from frozen):
- Chicken fries: 3-5 minutes
- Chicken nuggets: 6-8 minutes
- Popcorn chicken: 7-9 minutes
- Chicken wings: 10-15 minutes
- Chicken tenders: 10-15 minutes
- Chicken patties: 16-18 minutes
- Chicken drumsticks: 15-20 minutes
- Chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes
- Chicken legs: 25-30 minutes
Tips & Tricks for the Juiciest Result
- Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket - cook chicken in a single layer.
- If chicken pieces are frozen together, air fry a few minutes first and then separate them as soon as they are thawed.
- Adjust cook time depending on the size of the chicken pieces - this can vary a lot, even with the same cut.
- Seasoning is important if your chicken is already seasoned. Use your favorite chicken seasoning or try my Air Fryer Drumstick seasoning.
- Oil is not necessary but I recommend using a little bit for best results. You can use olive oil, neutral cooking oil, or cooking spray.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.
I don't recommend freezing leftovers.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for a few minutes, until heated through.
More Guides to Air Frying Frozen Food
Recipe
Air Frying Frozen Chicken
Print RateIngredients
- 1 piece frozen chicken
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
- chicken seasoning optional
Instructions
Un-seasoned chicken
- Place frozen chicken in the basket and air fry 5 minutes at 390°F (200°C) to thaw.1 piece frozen chicken
- Bring out the air fryer basket and brush the chicken with olive oil, and season as desired. Place back in the air fryer and air fry again at 390°F (200°C) for 5-25 minutes, depending on the cut of chicken (see recommended times below)1 teaspoon olive oil, chicken seasoning
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through and internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) , then serve.
Pre-seasoned and/or breaded chicken
- Place frozen chicken in the basket and air fry at 390°F (200°C) 4-25 minutes depending on the cut of chicken (see recommended times below).
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through and internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) , then serve.
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
Notes
- If chicken pieces are frozen together, air fry a few minutes first and then separate them as soon as they are thawed.
- Adjust cook time depending on the size of the chicken pieces - this can vary a lot, even with the same cut.
- Seasoning is important if your chicken is already seasoned. Use your favorite chicken seasoning or try my Air Fryer Drumstick seasoning.
- Oil is not necessary but I recommend using a little bit for best results. You can use olive oil, neutral cooking oil, or cooking spray.
- Chicken fries: 3-5 minutes
- Chicken nuggets: 6-8 minutes
- Popcorn chicken: 7-9 minutes
- Chicken wings: 10-15 minutes
- Chicken tenders: 10-15 minutes
- Chicken patties: 16-18 minutes
- Chicken drumsticks: 15-20 minutes
- Chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes
- Chicken legs: 25-30 minutes
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.
- I don't recommend freezing leftovers.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for a few minutes, until heated through.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
tomás
😀 when i was a kid we always had to thaw the chicken for dinner… for me, now i don't always plan my evening meal sometimes i want chicken but going out and buying fresh is crazy. now i keep a variety of cuts in the freezer, if i want chicken for dinner… it takes half an hour all in! i love my air fryer! usually it's just for sides but chicken is amazing in the af! i spritz some avocado oil on top and season they half way through flip, oil and season… I'll keep this chart handy for different cuts!! but usually i go 385 for like 20-25 minutes… its perfect!
Emmeline Kemperyd
Hi Tomás! Isn’t the air fryer amazing?! I always forget to take food out in the morning, so I’m so happy I figured o it it works to just cook from frozen in the air fryer! /Emmeline