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Learn how to make frozen chicken thighs in air fryer! You’ll love using the air fryer as a quick way to defrost and cook frozen chicken. This air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe has a simple BBQ seasoning and crispy skin. It makes a great protein-packed main dish for family dinners, and is keto, low carb, and gluten free. Use the principles you learn here to make frozen chicken breast in the air fryer as well!
This was incredibly good! Perfect directions! Thank you! 
– Wren
Sometimes I’ll spring for a big pack of chicken thighs or chicken breasts at a bulk store like Costco. Since I have a small family, anything more than a pound or so of chicken ends up in the freezer. The issue then becomes remembering to thaw chicken well before dinnertime.
Well, that problem is a thing of the past after I learned how to cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. That’s right folks, you don’t have to thaw chicken before air frying.
I’m going to show you how to cook bone in skin on chicken thighs in the air fryer. However, you could also air fry frozen chicken breast and frozen chicken tenderloins. Smaller pieces of chicken and chicken without skin and bones will simply take less time.
You’re getting time and temperature estimates below to air fry all of your favorite types of frozen chicken. We’re going to be getting a homecooked meal done and on the table fast tonight!
⭐ Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Ingredients
To make frozen chicken in the air fryer, you need:
- 1½ lbs bone in, skin on chicken thighs (680 grams)
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning (I LOVE this one)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
Get a printable recipe card at the end of the post!
I used four chicken thighs that were 6 ounces (170 grams) each for this recipe. That is 1.5 lbs. (680 grams) of chicken thighs in all.
The size of the chicken thighs you use will impact the cooking time. I also tested 8-ounce chicken thighs (227g), but they took longer to cook and dried out easier along the edges.
Try to use chicken pieces with a similar size, weight, and thickness. You also want to use pieces that are uniformly thick for more even cooking. (Sometimes chicken breasts and thighs are thin along the edges and thicker in the middle.)
For chicken that is extra tender and juicy, I highly recommend keeping the skin on your chicken. The skin provides a protective barrier to help keep the chicken from drying out while it air fries. (Plus, it just tastes good!)
A meat thermometer is the best way to make sure your chicken was cooked properly. I would not try to guess whether your chicken is done based on appearance alone.
You can air fry frozen chicken with your Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Philips, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Power Air Fryer, or other air fryer. However, air frying times may vary a bit between air fryer brands. If your air fryer basket is very small, you may only be able to cook 1-2 pieces of chicken at a time.
➕ How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to air fry frozen chicken thighs:
Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190C) for 5 minutes. Mix the barbecue seasoning and baking powder together in a small bowl. Set the seasoning aside.
Put your bone-in chicken thighs (skin side up) in the hot air fryer basket. It’s OK if the pieces are stuck together initially, you just don’t want them stacked on each other.
Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil spray. Put the tray with the chicken in the top rack position if you have an air fryer oven.
Hot tip! Some say that some water or bread in the drip pan can help stop the air fryer from smoking while cooking greasy foods. I’ve never had this issue, but it’s worth mentioning.
⏲ Frozen Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Temperature and Time
How long to air fry frozen chicken? What temperature do you air fry chicken thighs? Air fry frozen chicken thighs for a total of 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190C).
Start by air frying for 5 minutes to defrost the chicken. Then remove the chicken from the air fryer and separate the pieces (if they were frozen together).
Flip the chicken over so it is skin side down. Be sure to keep the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry for 10 minutes at 375F/190C (top rack).
Take the chicken out of the air fryer and pat away moisture with paper towels. Flip the chicken so it’s skin side up. Blot the skin with paper towels and spray the skin with cooking oil spray.
Sprinkle the chicken skin with the BBQ seasoning and baking powder mixture. Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes at 375F/190C (top rack for air fryer ovens).
Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reached the minimum safe internal temperature of 165F (74C). You may need to extend the cooking time if it’s not at a safe temperature. Smaller chicken thighs and boneless chicken thighs will take less time to cook.
Let the air fryer chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
🍗 Fresh and Frozen Chicken Time and Temp Chart
Here’s an air fryer time and temperature chart for various types of chicken. Please remember that these are estimates that may need to be adjusted for your air fryer:
| Type | Fresh or Frozen | Air Fryer Temp | Air Fryer Time (minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | Fresh | 350F (175C) Preheat air fryer | 15-20 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
| Bone in skin on chicken thighs | Fresh | 375F (190C) Preheat air fryer | 22-25 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | Frozen | 375F (190C) Preheat air fryer | 25-28 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
| Bone in skin on chicken thighs | Frozen | 375F (190C) Preheat air fryer | 30 | Details in recipe card below |
| Breaded chicken thighs | Frozen | 350F (175C) Preheat air fryer | 20 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | Fresh | 350F (175C) Preheat air fryer | 20-22 | Marinate chicken, flip halfway through cooking time |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | Frozen | 375F (190C) Preheat air fryer | 25-30 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
| Chicken drumsticks | Frozen | 350F (175C) Preheat air fryer | 25-30 | Flip halfway through cooking time |
🌡️ Chicken Thigh Recipes Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for longer storage. If storing in the freezer, use a vacuum sealed bag or freezer bags with the air pressed out.
Use your leftover chicken in salads, soups, stews, casseroles, stir fry, chicken salad sandwiches, pasta… It’s a wonderful way to add lean protein to just about anything!
🧂️️ Chicken Thigh Seasoning
What are some good seasonings for chicken? If you don’t like my suggestion to use BBQ seasoning, no worries. Here are some other herbs and spices you can use on chicken:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Jerk seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Salt and pepper
FAQs
Should you rinse chicken before cooking?
No, you should not rinse raw chicken before cooking. According to the USDA, doing so can spread harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of food poisoning. If you want to get moisture off raw chicken, pat it dry with paper towels that will be discarded.
Can you air fry frozen skinless chicken thighs?
You can cook frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer as well. Try cooking them in an air fryer preheated to 375F/190C for 25-28 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking time, and ensure they’ve reached the minimum safe temp of 165F/74C after cooking.
How do you cook frozen chicken thighs in a microwave?
According to the USDA, you should not cook chicken from frozen in the microwave. That’s perhaps for the best, since your chicken skin will not crisp up with microwave cooking.
How long can I let raw and frozen chicken thaw out on the counter?
According to the USDA, you should never leave poultry in the food safety danger zone (40-140F/4-60C) for more than 2 hours. Chicken can be thawed in the fridge, in cold water, and in the microwave. Don’t leave frozen chicken out to thaw at room temperature.
Can you cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
The USDA says you should not cook frozen chicken in an Instant Pot or Crock Pot using the slow cooker setting. You can pressure cook frozen chicken as long as it reaches a safe internal temp of 165F/74C.
Watch How to Make It!
Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe (Crispy Skin!)
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs frozen chicken thighs (680 grams; 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs)
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- cooking oil spray (non-aerosol)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Mix the BBQ seasoning and baking powder together in a small bowl. Set the seasoning aside.
- Put your chicken (skin side up) on a hot air fryer tray or hot air fryer basket. It’s OK if the pieces are stuck together initially, you just don’t want them stacked on each other.
- Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil spray. Put the tray with the chicken in the top rack position if you have an air fryer oven.
- Air fry for 5 minutes to defrost the chicken. Then remove the chicken from the air fryer and separate the pieces (if they were frozen together). Flip the chicken over so it is skin side down. Be sure to keep the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F/190°C (top rack).
- Take the chicken out of the air fryer and pat away moisture with paper towels. Flip the chicken so it’s skin side up. Blot the skin with paper towels and spray the skin with cooking oil spray.
- Sprinkle the chicken skin with the BBQ seasoning and baking powder mixture. Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes at 375°F/190°C (top rack for air fryer ovens).
- Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reached the minimum safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C). You may need to extend the cooking time if it’s not at a safe temperature. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). Chicken is a nutritious whole food with many benefits. It’s packed with high-quality protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin and vitamin B12. It’s the type of main dish that will nourish you and help keep you full. Additionally, this easy 4-ingredient recipe is low carb, keto, gluten-free, Paleo, and dairy-free. Sometimes simple recipes are best to fit everyone’s diet preferences and to avoid the major allergens. The nutrition information for this recipe is likely an overestimate that doesn’t account for cooking losses. That said, skin on chicken thighs are not the leanest chicken option to be found. You can lower the fat and calories of this entrée by using chicken breasts rather than chicken thighs. If you are on Weight Watchers (WW) or otherwise need a lower calorie option, you can also remove the skin. I don’t usually see bone in skinless chicken thighs sold in the stores around here. You may have to get boneless chicken thighs if you want them without skin. That will alter the cooking times (refer to the cooking time chart I provided above). When I get chicken thighs, I usually feel like getting them with the skin is worth it. The bit of seasoned crispy chicken skin might just be my favorite part, plus it helps keep the chicken from drying out during air frying. Nutrition information is for one serving. This nutrition information is for a 6-ounce chicken thigh and will vary depending on the size of your portion. Sodium content will also vary depending on the brand of BBQ seasoning you use.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🔥 How to oven bake frozen chicken?
Here’s a cooking times and temps chart for oven baked frozen chicken thighs. Remember to check and make sure they reach a safe temp of 165F/74C after cooking. (Convection ovens can follow the air fryer recipe directions, with adjustments as needed.)
| Type | Oven Temperature | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs | 375F (190C) | 50-60 |
| Bone in Skin on Chicken Thighs | 450F (232C) | 40-55 |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 425F (218C) | 45 |
👩🏻🍳 More Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Recipes
Want more easy recipes for cooking frozen chicken in the air fryer? Here are a few more air fryer recipes you may enjoy:
🥗 Side Dishes for Chicken Thighs
What to serve with air fryer frozen chicken? Chicken goes with pretty much everything! Here are a few side dishes for chicken you might enjoy:
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- Rice or Costco Cauliflower Rice
- Air Fryer Whole Carrots
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables (Roasted Veggies)
- Frozen Diced Hash Browns in Air Fryer
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂
Just learned the hard way: do NOT put the rack on the top shelf of the air fryer oven, because all that happens in the skin (and the dry rub) gets burned to a crisp.
Glad i wasted only 3 thighs and not the whole batch.
Hi Trevor, I’m sorry to hear that. Which air fryer was it (size/brand)? Since all air fryers built a little different, some might have the upper rack too close to the top and you’d have to use a lower rack in that case. Definitely move the chicken down if it looks like it’s going to be too close! There was enough room in my Kalorik 10qt to use the upper rack.
SO GOOD! I used Slap Ya Mama Cajun srasoning in place of BBQ since it went better with with the rest of the meal I had planned. Cruspy skins and oh so juicy!!! Perfect!
Hi Jessi, so glad you liked it! The Cajun seasoning sounds great! Thank you so much for the feedback 🙂
This was incredibly good! Perfect directions! Thank you!
Hi Wren, thank you so much for leaving a rating! So glad you liked it 🙂