Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is convenient and can produce delicious, crispy chicken without thawing. Here’s a general guideline for cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer:
- Preparation: If the frozen chicken pieces are stuck together, gently separate them. You can also lightly coat the chicken with oil and seasonings for added flavour, though this is optional.
- Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to the temperature recommended for cooking chicken. This typically ranges from 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C), depending on the size and type of chicken pieces.
- Cooking Time: Cook the frozen chicken in the preheated air fryer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the specific model of your air fryer.
- Checking Doneness: About halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and flip the chicken pieces using tongs to ensure even cooking and browning. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Resting: Once the chicken is cooked and reaches the desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to firm up slightly.
By following these steps, you can perfectly cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces, so monitoring the chicken closely and adjusting the cooking time as needed is essential.