Air-Frying Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, yielding crispy, juicy, and tender results. They are essentially compact countertop convection ovens that cook food faster than a typical oven by rapidly circulating hot air. This means you can achieve the level of crispiness of a deep fryer without the excess oil.

Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air frying, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. They can also be sliced thinly to ensure even cooking and more flavour. It is recommended to pound the thicker side of the chicken breast to ensure an even thickness throughout, which helps the chicken cook evenly.

Chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, depending on their size. It is important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to make sure the chicken is cooked.

Air fryers are also versatile and can be used to make healthier versions of fried foods, roast vegetables, and cook juicier proteins.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can bake chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and whether they are boneless or not.

For boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time will vary depending on their weight. Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes, medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) will take 10 to 12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes. It is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For bone-in chicken, the cooking time will also depend on the cut of meat. Whole chickens will take around 45 minutes, bone-in chicken thighs will take 25 to 30 minutes, and chicken drumsticks will take 20 to 24 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can improve its texture and flavor. However, this is not necessary, and the chicken can be seasoned with a simple mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

How to prep chicken for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, yielding crispy and caramelized meat without the need for excess oil. Here are some tips on how to prepare your chicken for the air fryer:

Brining and Marinating

You can brine or marinate your chicken before cooking to add flavour and make the meat juicier. Brining involves covering the meat with salt and letting it rest, while marinating involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of ingredients like Italian dressing, garlic, lemon, herbs, or wine. If you decide to brine or marinate, be sure to pat the chicken dry before placing it in the air fryer.

Spices and Seasonings

A variety of spices and seasonings can be used to add flavour to your chicken. Some common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or try a pre-made seasoning blend like McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning.

Oil

Coating your chicken in oil will help the seasonings stick and ensure the meat stays moist. Olive oil or avocado oil are good choices. Make sure to coat the chicken with oil before adding any seasonings.

Pounding and Slicing

To ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to the desired thickness. You can also slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces before cooking for more even cooking and more flavour.

Temperature and Timing

The cooking time for your chicken will depend on the size and weight of the breasts. Smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take 6-10 minutes to cook, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) may take up to 14-20 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is around 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting

Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking will help keep the meat juicy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.

How to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 360-400°Fahrenheit. Even if your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, you can manually set it to this temperature to preheat for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your frozen chicken breasts out of the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast. You can add a light coating of olive oil or avocado oil to the chicken and season as desired. Alternatively, you can simply season the chicken with salt before cooking and add other seasonings later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take around 18-20 minutes in total, while larger breasts may take up to 30 minutes or more. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit (74°Celsius). If the chicken has not reached this temperature, cook it for a few minutes more and check again.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, tender air-fried chicken!

How to know when chicken is cooked in an air fryer

Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To check the temperature, you can use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the bone.

If you are cooking chicken breasts, it is recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 155-160°F. During the resting period, the temperature will continue to rise, and the chicken will be cooked perfectly.

6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts: about 10 to 11 minutes total

8 to 9-ounce chicken breasts: about 11 to 12 minutes total

10-ounce or larger chicken breasts: about 13 to 14 minutes total

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the chicken breasts. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the temperature of your chicken to ensure it is cooked properly.

What to serve with air fryer chicken

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli
• Rice bowls or salads
• Pasta, such as a veggie pasta dish or creamy kale pasta
• Sandwiches or wraps, such as a chicken Caesar wrap or avocado grilled cheese sandwich
• Dips, such as a gochujang dipping sauce made with mayo, gochujang sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar
• Potatoes, such as roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
• Green vegetables, such as avocado kale Caesar or a simple green salad
• Tacos, such as chicken tacos or chicken tortilla soup
• Corn, such as creamy corn
• Quiche, such as a crustless quiche

Frequently asked questions