Air Fryer Grilled Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be used to make grilled chicken that is tender and juicy. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly and keeps it moist without drying it out. This method of cooking chicken is also very quick, with most recipes taking less than 20 minutes to cook. The chicken can be seasoned in a variety of ways, such as with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. It can be served on its own, in salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, or tacos.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results. You can swap them for chicken thighs, but the flavor will be different.

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder (optional)
• Italian seasoning or oregano (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them in a large bowl.
• Brush or drizzle both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
• In a small bowl, mix together your seasonings. Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken and rub it in to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking will improve the texture and flavor.
• If using frozen chicken, thaw it first for the best texture.
• You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for a little kick of heat.
• For a little sweetness, add a pinch of brown sugar to the seasoning mix.
• Lemon and orange zest pair well with the flavors in the seasoning mix.

What temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and it's super easy to do. You can cook chicken breasts, wings, or even a whole chicken in your air fryer. The temperature and timing will depend on the cut of chicken you're cooking, but the basic method is the same.

General Method

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating to between 360°F and 400°F. Then, rub or drizzle olive oil on the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or your choice of seasonings. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Timing and Temperature by Cut

Whole Chicken

Cook a whole chicken in the air fryer at 360°F for 30 minutes breast-side down, then flip and cook for another 12-22 minutes.

Boneless Chicken Breasts

Boneless chicken breasts should be cooked at 375°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The timing will depend on the size of the breasts. For 6-7oz breasts, cook for 10-11 minutes, for 8-9oz breasts, cook for 11-12 minutes, and for 10oz or larger breasts, cook for 13-14 minutes.

Bone-in Chicken Breasts

Bone-in chicken breasts should be cooked at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, again flipping halfway through.

Boneless Chicken Thighs

Boneless chicken thighs should be cooked at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Drumsticks

Cook drumsticks at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Leg Quarters

Leg quarters can be cooked at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Wings

Wings should be cooked at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer.

Timing

Small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) will take 10 to 12 minutes. Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

Temperature

The best temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest 390 degrees Fahrenheit or even 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other Tips

• It is recommended that you flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
• The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
• For extra flavour, you can brine the chicken before cooking.
• You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking for more even cooking.
• It is best to use thawed chicken for even cooking.

How to get grill marks on chicken in an air fryer

You can get those distinctive grill marks on chicken cooked in an air fryer by using a grill plate. This simple accessory fits right inside your air fryer and is great for searing meat.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer:

First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F.

Brush the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil.

Place the chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they're not touching. You want them spaced out slightly so the air can circulate.

Cook for 9-10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 9-10 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. Remove any chicken that has reached this temperature.

Because some pieces may be larger, not all may be done. Cook the chicken three minutes at a time until it reaches 165°F.

Allow the chicken to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

How to store leftover air fryer chicken

Air fryer grilled chicken is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender chicken breasts. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store leftover air fryer chicken to keep it fresh and tasty:

Let the Chicken Cool Down:

First, it's important to let the chicken cool down completely before storing it. This will help prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the chicken stays fresh for longer. Place the cooked chicken on a wire rack or a plate and let it cool to room temperature. Do not cover the chicken while it is still hot, as this can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Choose the Right Storage Container:

Once the chicken is cooled, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any contamination. If using a storage container, choose one that is the right size for the amount of chicken you have. You don't want the chicken to be too cramped or have too much extra space in the container.

Store in the Fridge:

Place the wrapped or containerized chicken in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leftover chicken should be stored below 40°F and consumed within 3-5 days. Make sure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature to ensure food safety.

Handle with Care:

When storing the chicken, avoid layering or piling the pieces on top of each other. This can cause the chicken to sweat and become soggy. Instead, place the pieces in a single layer, with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each piece to prevent them from sticking together.

Consume Within the Recommended Time:

Leftover chicken should be consumed within 3-5 days of cooking. After that, the risk of foodborne illness increases. If you don't think you'll be able to finish the chicken within that time frame, consider freezing it.

Freezing Leftover Chicken:

If you have a large amount of leftover chicken and don't think you'll be able to finish it within 3-5 days, you can freeze it for later. Cut the chicken into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label the packages with the date and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftover Chicken:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover chicken, there are a few recommended methods for reheating it. You can use an oven, stovetop, or even your air fryer! Just remember to reheat the chicken only once, as reheating multiple times can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions