Yes, you can absolutely put frozen pre-cooked chicken in an air fryer. Air frying frozen chicken is a quick and easy way to reheat and crisp up chicken that has already been cooked. The circulating hot air in an air fryer will help refrigerated or frozen chicken come up to a safe internal temperature while also producing a crispy exterior.
Can frozen cooked chicken go straight in the air fryer?
Frozen pre-cooked chicken can go straight into an air fryer with no thawing required. The frozen state will help keep the chicken from overcooking as the exterior gets hot and crispy. Air fryers are designed to cook frozen foods quickly, so there is no need to thaw frozen chicken before air frying.
Make sure the pieces of frozen chicken are not stuck together. Break them apart if needed so the hot air can circulate evenly around each piece. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – leave some space between pieces.
How long does it take to air fry frozen cooked chicken?
The amount of time needed to air fry frozen cooked chicken depends on a few factors:
- Size of the chicken pieces – Larger pieces like breasts or thighs will take longer than smaller pieces like tenders or nuggets.
- Amount being cooked – Cooking a larger batch will increase cook time.
- Doneness – Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Air fryer settings – Higher temperatures will decrease cook time.
For guidelines based on the size and amount of chicken:
| Chicken Pieces | Amount | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 breasts | 15-20 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 4 thighs | 12-15 minutes |
| Chicken tenders or nuggets | 1 pound | 10-15 minutes |
Check the chicken occasionally and add more time if needed. The cook times will vary based on the model and power of the air fryer being used.
Tips for the best results
Follow these tips for crispy, delicious air fried frozen chicken:
- Use chicken that is already fully cooked – Raw or partially cooked chicken is not safe to just air fry frozen.
- Pat off any ice crystals or moisture before air frying.
- Preheat air fryer before adding chicken.
- Brush or spray chicken with a little oil to promote browning and crispness.
- Flip chicken halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
- Adjust cook time as needed to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Seasoning and sauce ideas
One benefit of air frying pre-cooked frozen chicken is you have a chance to add more flavor. Try these easy seasoning and sauce ideas:
- Season with Cajun, lemon pepper, ranch, or bbq seasoning before air frying.
- Toss in buffalo, bbq, teriyaki, or other prepared sauce during last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Drizzle with ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or other sauce after cooking.
- Make chicken tacos by topping with salsa, cheese, and avocado after air frying.
- Make chicken sandwiches by air frying breaded frozen chicken patties or fillets.
Food safety tips
When reheating any cooked food, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Only reheat fully cooked chicken that was stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Do not air fry chicken that has been left out at room temperature.
- Discard any chicken that has been refrigerated for over 3-4 days.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any bacteria that may have grown during storage.
- Eat reheated chicken immediately or refrigerate leftovers – do not leave at room temperature.
Storing and freezing cooked chicken
To have cooked chicken ready to easily air fry later, follow these storage tips:
- Let chicken cool completely after cooking before storing.
- Store chicken sealed in airtight containers or bags.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximim.
- Freeze for longer storage – up to 2-3 months.
- Portion chicken into smaller pieces before freezing for easier reheating.
- Wrap chicken pieces individually or separate with parchment before freezing.
Conclusion
Air frying makes enjoyingbudget-friendly frozen chicken easy and quick on busy nights. Pre-cooked chicken can go straight from freezer to air fryer for a quick reheating and recrisping. Follow cook time guidelines based on amount and size of chicken pieces, and always cook to 165°F. With a few simple flavor additions, air fried frozen chicken can make for delicious tacos, sandwiches, entrees, and more.