Air Frying Boiled Chicken: Is It Possible?

Boiling chicken before air frying is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. While it is not necessary, it can be a good option for large bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, as it ensures the chicken is fully cooked without drying out. Boiling chicken also allows you to collect the chicken broth, which can be used in other recipes. After boiling, the chicken can be air-fried to add texture and enhance the flavour.

Air fryer chicken breasts: seasoning, cooking time and temperature

Seasoning

Air fryer chicken breasts can be seasoned in a variety of ways. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). You can also rub the chicken with your favourite herbs and seasonings. Here are some seasoning blend ideas:

• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
• Steak seasoning, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch
• Paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper
• Oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken breasts will depend on the size of the breasts. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees F
• Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees F
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes at 375 degrees F

It's important to note that you should flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees F, but you can remove it from the air fryer at around 155 to 160 degrees F as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Air fryer chicken: brining, marinating and breading

Brining

Brining is a great way to ensure your chicken stays juicy and tender when cooking with an air fryer. It's a simple process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt). For a basic brine solution, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water. Let the chicken sit in the brine for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have more time. If you're brining in the fridge, you can leave it for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with fresh water and pat it dry before cooking.

Marinating

Marinating your chicken is another way to add flavour and moisture to your meat. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs. For best results, marinate your chicken all day or for at least 4-6 hours. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating can make a difference.

Breading

To get that crispy texture and delicious flavour, breading your chicken before air frying is a great option. Here are two methods you can use:

• The traditional method: Use the egg and flour method, similar to the one used in the Air Fryer fish sticks recipe.
• The breadcrumbs method: Drizzle oil over your raw chicken and coat it with seasoned dried breadcrumbs. This method creates a lovely crispy texture.

Whether you choose to brine, marinate, or bread your chicken, always make sure to season your meat well. This will ensure your chicken is packed with flavour.

Air fryer chicken: reheating and serving suggestions

Reheating

If you have leftover air fryer chicken, it's best to reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and heat the chicken until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid reheating chicken in the air fryer as this may burn the exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Top your favourite salad with air fryer chicken. It goes well with a spinach strawberry salad or a simple green salad.
• Pasta: Add extra protein to a veggie pasta dish. Try tossing it with Brussels sprouts pasta and brown butter.
• Pizza: Use air fryer chicken as a topping for a buffalo chicken pizza.
• Stir Fry: Add it to a vegetable lo mein or any other stir-fry dish.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use the chicken in a chicken Caesar wrap or an avocado grilled cheese sandwich.
• Soups: Chop up the chicken and add it to soups like chicken and rice soup or creamy wild rice mushroom soup.
• Casseroles: Toss the chicken into casseroles like BBQ chicken quesadillas or chicken Caesar salad pasta.
• Rice Bowls: Slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of rice with your choice of vegetables.

Sides

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes
• Gluten-Free Biscuits
• Creamy Garlic Shells
• Gluten-Free Cornbread
• Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
• Garlic-Butter Roasted Mushrooms
• Steamed Veggies with Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce
• Marinated Vegetable Salad
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Roasted Spaghetti Squash
• Gluten-Free Focaccia

Air fryer chicken: what to cook it with

Air fryer chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and in a range of meals. Here are some ideas for what to cook with your air fryer chicken:

Salads

Air fryer chicken is a great addition to salads. Try a spinach strawberry salad, a simple side salad, or a roasted peanut kale salad. You could also add it to a Caesar salad or an avocado kale Caesar.

Sandwiches and wraps

Use your air fryer chicken to make a chicken Caesar wrap, or add it to an avocado grilled cheese sandwich. Chicken can also be used in chicken burrito bowls or tacos.

Pasta

Add extra protein to a veggie pasta dish, or try it with creamy kale pasta, mushroom gnocchi, or chicken Caesar salad pasta.

Rice

Air fryer chicken goes well with rice dishes such as chicken and rice, one-pot chicken and rice, or sesame peanut sauce noodles.

Vegetables

Serve your air fryer chicken with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus, or steamed veggies with cheddar cheese sauce. It also pairs well with avocado Caesar green beans, roasted spaghetti squash, or marinated vegetable salad.

Other sides

Try air fryer chicken with mashed potatoes, homemade mac and cheese, or baked chicken drumsticks.

Sauces

For an extra flavour boost, serve your air fryer chicken with a delicious sauce. Options include a creamy mushroom sauce, white BBQ sauce, Peruvian creamy green sauce, or lemon butter sauce.

Other meal ideas

Air fryer chicken is very versatile and can be used in soups, casseroles, and one-pot meals. It can also be added to bowls, stir-fries, or pizzas.

What not to cook it with

Avoid serving air fryer chicken with overly rich or heavy dishes as the chicken is quite tender and juicy, so it pairs well with lighter options.

In summary

Air fryer chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and meals. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourites!

Air fryer chicken: why it's a good idea

Air fryer chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. It's a great option if you're short on time or want to avoid the mess of traditional frying. Not only is it more convenient, but air frying is also healthier than deep frying or pan-frying as the chicken absorbs less oil.

Juicy and Tender Chicken

One of the best things about air fryer chicken is that it's incredibly juicy and tender. This is partly due to the high-temperature baking that an air fryer offers. By cooking at a higher temperature for a shorter period, you can ensure your chicken remains moist and flavourful.

Additionally, air fryers are great for achieving an even cook. You don't have to worry about undercooking or overcooking certain parts of the chicken as the hot air circulates all around the food. This results in chicken that is cooked perfectly all the way through.

Versatile and Delicious

Air fryer chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve it as-is for a simple and tasty meal, or get creative and add it to salads, wraps, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more. It's also a great option for meal prep as you can cook a batch at the beginning of the week and use it in different dishes throughout.

Customizable Seasonings

Another advantage of air fryer chicken is the ability to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spice blends, marinades, or breading. The high heat of the air fryer intensifies the flavours, ensuring your chicken is packed with flavour.

Tips for Success

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space for air to circulate around the chicken.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and keep it nice and juicy.
• Brining or marinating the chicken beforehand is optional but can add extra flavour and moisture.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken is a convenient, tasty, and healthy option that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With endless seasoning options and serving suggestions, you'll never get bored. So, if you're looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy way to cook chicken, give air frying a try!

Frequently asked questions