Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

5 from 22 votes

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

These Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts are so easy to make, especially since no thawing is required! Made with a spice mixture including garlic powder and chili powder, each bite of chicken will be flavorful. Expect tender, juicy chicken breasts every time you make this recipe.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Author: Brianna May

Equipment

Ingredients

3 FROZEN boneless chicken breasts, about 1.5, 1.5-inches thick*
1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon EACH granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, thyme, & black pepper

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket or on a plate. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and all of the spices. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
3 FROZEN boneless chicken breasts, about 1.5, 1.5-inches thick*, 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*, 1/2 teaspoon EACH granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, thyme, & black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Air fry the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 14-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
Flip the chicken breasts over and continue to air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of each chicken breast has reached 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Chicken Breast: My air fryer frozen chicken breasts took exactly 23 minutes to cook, but the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the breasts. If you are using thinner chicken breasts (less than 1 inch thick), air fry them for only 8-9 minutes per side. As a note, this time frame is just an estimate based on my experience with cooking chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees to ensure it’s done before consuming it.
Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
Use chicken breasts of equal thickness and size. Ensuring you use equally sized pieces of meat when making air fryer frozen chicken breasts means you won’t have to worry about unevenly cooked breasts. This tip also ensures all chicken breasts are done cooking at the same time.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Be sure to add the chicken breasts in a single layer and avoid overcrowding when air frying. Otherwise, the chicken will cook unevenly and take longer to cook.
Season the chicken breasts well. Seasoning the breasts well is necessary to create flavorful chicken. I recommend using ½ teaspoons of the spices noted above to create a delicious-tasting recipe.
Use oil so the seasoning does not burn. Oil is the key to keeping the seasoning from burning in this recipe. It’s also the best way to keep the chicken breasts juicy as they cook.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Remember to always check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat for a more accurate reading. Chicken breasts need to have an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to be edible.
Try different spices. You don’t need to stick to the seasoning blend noted each time you make this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other spices, like lemon pepper, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, etc.
Add breading. If you prefer your air fryer frozen chicken breasts crispy, consider adding a breadcrumb layer. You can make breaded chicken breast by adding a layer of flour, lightly beaten eggs, and your breadcrumbs of choice. Then, air fry according to my recipe card for the best results.
Include a sauce. Add a bolder taste with your air fryer frozen chicken breasts, you can spread a sauce on them or add a dipping sauce to the side. A few of my favorites include BBQ, garlic parmesan, and honey mustard.

Nutrition