Not sure if you can air fry frozen chicken? Yes, you can! Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy chicken meal without having to let it thaw first. Whether you have frozen chicken breasts, tenders, nuggets or popcorn chicken, your air fryer can do it all!.
We’ll show you how to air fry frozen chicken and give you some tips on how to reach your goals.
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to make foods crispy and delicious using little to no oil. One of the most common things people like to make in air fryers is chicken breast fillets. The Tyson brand offers high-quality, consistent chicken breast fillets that are perfect for cooking up in your air fryer. With just a few simple steps, you can have tender, juicy chicken breast with a crispy breaded exterior in no time.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken Breast Fillets
When you buy Tyson chicken breast fillets, try to find ones that are all the same size and shape, with no marks or imperfections. This helps ensure even cooking. The fillets can be used fresh or frozen. If you use frozen, make sure to let them thaw all the way in the fridge before cooking.
Once thawed pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Getting rid of any extra fat or connective tissue can also help them cook more evenly. You might also want to season or marinate the chicken at this point to make it taste better. It works great with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Let it marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
Setting the Air Fryer Temperature
Most air fryer manufacturers recommend cooking chicken breast between 360°F and 400°F Setting it in the range of 375°F to 385°F generally gives the best results Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes ensures it reaches the proper temperature before cooking.
Air Frying Times for Tyson Chicken Breast Fillets
- Fresh fillets, 1-inch thick – Cook at 385°F for 12-14 minutes
- Frozen fillets, 1-inch thick – Cook at 385°F for 14-16 minutes
- Smaller or thinner fresh fillets – Cook at 385°F for 9-11 minutes
- Smaller or thinner frozen fillets – Cook at 385°F for 11-13 minutes
These times are based on a whole chicken breast that weighs 5 to 6 pounds. Check the temperature inside with a meat thermometer all the time to make sure it reaches 165°F. If not, cook for a few more minutes or until it’s done.
Flipping the fillets halfway through promotes even cooking on both sides Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking
Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Tyson Chicken Breast Fillets
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Tyson chicken breast fillets in your air fryer:
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Pat dry fresh or thawed frozen Tyson chicken breast fillets with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or connective tissue. Season or marinate if desired.
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Pre-heat air fryer to 385°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
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Air fry for half the recommended time (see times above based on thickness and whether fresh or frozen).
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Flip fillets and air fry for the remaining recommended time.
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With a meat thermometer, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F on the inside. Cook longer if needed.
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Allow fillets to rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
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When cooking frozen fillets, ensure they are fully thawed before air frying.
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Brushing fillets lightly with oil helps make the exterior extra crispy.
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Flipping halfway through is key for even cooking and browning.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for optimal texture.
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Let chicken rest before serving so juices can redistribute and finalize cooking.
Common Problems and Solutions
Undercooked chicken: If chicken isn’t cooked through, place back in air fryer and cook for a few more minutes until 165°F.
Overcooked chicken: Avoid cooking too long. Brush with sauce or marinade before serving to add moisture to dried out chicken.
Uneven cooking: Ensure you flip halfway and don’t overcrowd. Cook similar sized pieces together.
Soggy coating: Pat fillets very dry before cooking. Make sure basket isn’t overfilled.
Burnt coating: Brush with oil instead of drizzling to prevent burning. Lower temperature slightly if needed.
Alternative Cooking Methods to Try
While air frying is quick and easy, you can also cook Tyson chicken breast fillets using these alternative methods:
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Oven baking: Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes based on thickness.
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Grilling: Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Watch for charring.
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Sous vide: Cook 1-inch fillets at 145°F for 2-4 hours depending on thickness.
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Poaching: Gently simmer in broth or poaching liquid until 165°F is reached, about 10-15 minutes.
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Pan frying or sautéing: Cook in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat for 6-10 minutes per side.
Fun Air Fryer Recipe Ideas
The simplicity of air frying makes Tyson chicken breast fillets the perfect canvas for all kinds of delicious recipes:
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Breaded Parmesan Chicken: Coat fillets with egg and parmesan breadcrumbs before air frying.
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BBQ Chicken: Brush with your favorite bbq sauce and air fry until caramelized.
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Jerk Chicken: Rub fillets with a jamaican jerk seasoning blend before air frying.
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Chicken Fajitas: Season with fajita seasoning and serve with sauteed peppers and onions.
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Chicken Parmesan: Top breaded fillets with marinara and mozzarella after air frying.
So try out these tips and recipes for making tender, juicy, and crispy Tyson chicken breast fillets in your air fryer! With minimal effort you can enjoy a quick and easy chicken dinner your whole family will love.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts and Thighs
You can use frozen chicken breasts and thighs with or without bones. A quick air fry will get them ready to season and cook to perfection!
You’ll Need:
- Air Fryer
- 1-2 frozen chicken breasts or thighs
- Cooking oil
- Chicken seasoning
- Lightly spray your air fryer layer with cooking spray.
- Do not season the chicken yet. Put no more than two frozen chicken thighs or breasts in the basket at a time.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping it over halfway through.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the basket. Now, it should be thawed or almost thawed.
- Cover the chicken lightly with cooking oil and the seasoning rub you want to use.
- The chicken should then be put back in the air fryer and cooked at 390–400°F for 10–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- When it reaches 165°F, take it out of the air fryer and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Cook time may vary depending on the brand and size of your frozen chicken, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
Need more inspiration on how to cook frozen meals? Learn more about air frying techniques and how to elevate your frozen food game.
Easy Frozen Chicken Recipes
- Mini Chicken and Waffle Bites: These mini chicken and waffle bites are a fun and tasty snack for any time of the day. They get perfectly crisp in the air fryer.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw and Pickles: These tasty BBQ chicken sliders are quickly cooked in an air fryer and topped with crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles for the best flavor combination.
- Beef and BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: The air fryer makes the outside of these beef and BBQ chicken quesadillas so crispy, and the cheese inside melts.
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders – How To Cook Tyson Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
FAQ
How long to cook Tyson chicken breast fillets in the air fryer?
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 18 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How to cook Tyson chicken breast fillets?
Conventional Oven Instructions:Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place frozen fillets on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn fillets halfway through heating time.
Can you cook chicken breast fillets in an air fryer?
step 2. Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning and put in your air fryer basket. Cook at 180C for 18-20 mins, turning after 10 mins.