Ingredients
- Frozen chicken fillets
- A touch of olive oil or cooking spray (but it’s totally optional)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Maybe some garlic powder if you’re feeling fancy
- Paprika for a bit of a kick
Substitutions:
- If olive oil isn’t your thing, any cooking spray or even a light brushing of any vegetable oil works.
- Don’t like garlic powder or paprika? Swap them out for any herbs or spices you prefer. It’s all good.
Instructions
1. Preparation: Start by taking your frozen chicken fillets out of the freezer. No need to thaw; that’s the beauty of this method.
2. Washing and Drying: Typically, you don’t need to wash frozen chicken (and it’s actually recommended not to wash poultry to prevent spreading bacteria). Just make sure your chicken is free of ice crystals. Pat dry if necessary.
3. Selecting Chicken Fillets: The key is choosing fillets that are uniform in size for even cooking. If they’re too thick, consider slicing them to ensure they cook through evenly.
4. Seasoning: Lightly brush your chicken fillets with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step is optional but helps the seasoning stick and enhances crispiness.
- Simple Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the fillets.
- Advanced Seasoning: For more flavor, mix garlic powder, paprika, and any of your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub this mix onto your fillets.
5. Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment. A dash of lemon zest or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add a new dimension to your chicken.
6. Setting the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. This ensures that your chicken starts cooking at the right temperature for that perfect crisp.
7. Arranging the Fillets: Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping to allow for optimal air circulation.
8. Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fillets with kitchen tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
9. Why Temperature and Time Matter: The right temperature ensures your chicken gets crispy on the outside without drying out inside. The cooking time might vary slightly based on the thickness of your fillets, so adjust accordingly.
10. Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F. This step is crucial for food safety.
11. Serving: Once cooked, let the fillets rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain their juiciness.
12. Serving Ideas: Serve your chicken fillets with a side of steamed vegetables, over a bed of rice, or sliced atop a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Uniformity is Key: Ensuring your fillets are of even thickness will promote even cooking.
- No Overcrowding: Giving the fillets space in the air fryer basket is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Adjustments May Be Needed: Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken fillets, cooking times may vary. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures it remains juicy and delicious.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per fillet (varies by size and seasoning)
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg (varies by seasoning)
- Fat: 5g (varies by use of oil)
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22-30g (depends on the size of the fillet)
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Fillets