Guide to Can You Air Fry Frozen Chicken Fried Steak
Short on time but craving a tasty meal? Air frying a frozen chicken fried steak is a quick fix that doesn't skimp on flavor. Here's how you can make it yourself.
Is it possible to cook frozen chicken fried steak in an air fryer?
Yes, but you need to adjust the cooking method to make it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Key Steps
Thaw first: Put it in the refrigerator to thaw the night before to avoid the outer layer getting burnt and hard while the center remains raw when frying directly. If you're short on time, use the defrost function of the microwave, but make sure to blot the exuded blood with paper towels.
Spray oil for crispness: The breading of the frozen food is prone to getting damp. Spray a thin layer of oil (olive oil or melted butter) on the surface. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C and fry for 8 minutes first.
Flip and check: Flip the steak and fry for another 5 - 7 minutes. Insert a chopstick into the thickest part and if there is no blood oozing out, it is cooked. Avoid over - drying.
Notes
Air fryers of different brands have different heating powers. It is recommended to open and check midway for the first time you make it.
If you prefer a crisper texture, increase the temperature to 200°C in the last 2 minutes for color.
Pour the accompanying sauce after taking it out of the air fryer to maintain the crispness.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for frozen chicken fried steak?
Yes, you need to preheat it. When making frozen chicken fried steak in an air fryer, preheating in advance can make the temperature more uniform and prevent the outer skin from becoming wet and soggy.
Frozen ingredients tend to form a crust on the surface when exposed to sudden heat, while the internal temperature rises slowly. Set the air fryer to 200°C and let it run empty for 3 minutes, then put in the chicken steak. This way, the hot air can circulate and penetrate the frozen layer more quickly.
However, note that the preheating time should not exceed 5 minutes. Otherwise, the frying basket may overheat, causing the breadcrumbs to turn brown too early.
If you're short on time, there's a compromise method: Put the frozen chicken steak into a cold air fryer, set the temperature to 200°C and start it immediately. The first 2 minutes are equivalent to a preheating period. During this time, open the frying basket and turn the chicken steak over once to help it heat evenly. This method is especially suitable for thin chicken steaks with a thickness of no more than 1 centimeter.
What is the best way to air fry frozen chicken fried steak to keep it crispy?
High - temperature and quick frying
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes. After putting in the chicken steak, immediately adjust the temperature to 190°C and fry for 8 minutes first. High temperature can quickly set the shape and lock in the internal moisture.
Spacing out the chicken steaks
Make sure the chicken steaks are not placed overlapping. Leave gaps for hot air to circulate. If you are frying a large number, you need to swap their positions halfway through to prevent uneven heating.
Tips for crisping up
When it has been frying for 6 minutes, pause and pull out the frying basket. Gently brush a thin layer of oil on the surface (using an oil sprayer will be more even), and then continue frying for the remaining time.
Final touch
Adjust the temperature to 210°C 1 minute before taking it out of the air fryer. This will make the outer skin more golden and crispy, and at the same time, force out the excess oil.
Notes
It is better to fry the chicken steak directly from a frozen state. After thawing, it is prone to releasing water and becoming soft.
After frying, immediately place it on a rack to cool down. Placing it on a plate will make the bottom become damp.
How does air frying frozen chicken fried steak compare to oven baking?
Crispness
The air fryer wins. The high - speed circulation of hot air can make the outer skin more evenly crispy and firm. Even when the oven is set to the fan mode, the bottom of the chicken fried steak is likely to become soft due to water vapor.
Speed
The air fryer is faster. At the same temperature of 200°C, the air fryer only needs 12 - 15 minutes, while the oven takes 25 - 30 minutes (you need to flip the steak 1 - 2 times).
Convenience
The oven is more suitable for cooking a large quantity. It can lay out multiple chicken steaks flat at one time, while the air fryer requires frying in batches.
Taste details
Air fryer: The outer skin has a crispness closer to deep - fried food, but the meat is a bit drier. You can brush some oil to make up for it.
Oven: It retains more juice inside, but the crispy skin is thinner. It is suitable for people who prefer tenderness over crispness.
Can you add seasoning to frozen chicken fried steak before air frying?
Yes, you can add seasonings, but pay attention to the method. The surface of the frozen chicken fried steak has ice crystals, and if you sprinkle powdered seasonings directly, they are likely to clump together.
It is recommended to first blot the surface moisture with kitchen paper. While the surface is still damp, immediately smear a thin layer of garlic powder or onion powder. These fine - grained spices can adhere well. For coarser seasonings such as black pepper or chili flakes, it is best to open the air fryer when the steak is half - cooked, sprinkle them on, and then continue the cooking.
If the chicken steak itself is already well - seasoned, just sprinkle a little sea salt or chopped herbs while it's still hot after taking it out of the air fryer to enhance the flavor. If you want to add more layers of flavor, you can brush a little mixed sauce (such as honey + mustard sauce) in the last two minutes, but use a small amount to avoid making the outer skin soft. Pre - seasoned chicken steaks bought from the supermarket usually have a high salt content. Taste a small piece before adding additional seasonings.
What sides go well with air-fried chicken fried steak?
My top recommendations are crispy and tender vegetables, such as asparagus tips or broccoli. Roast them in the same air fryer at 180°C for 6 minutes and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese.
For starchy side dishes, garlic - flavored potato chunks are a great choice. Cut the potatoes into small pieces, toss them with a little olive oil and rosemary, and fry them in the same air fryer in layers as the chicken steak. Put them in during the last 15 minutes. A fresh cabbage salad is also very suitable. Dress it with apple cider vinegar and mustard sauce to cut through the greasiness.
If you prefer traditional pairings, you can make a simple creamed corn: Microwave frozen corn kernels with light cream for 2 minutes and season with black pepper. Among soups, it is recommended to choose tomato soup rather than cream soup to avoid making the whole meal too heavy.
