Air-Frying Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, whether it's chicken breast, thighs, drumsticks, wings or a whole chicken. It's a healthy, quick and easy way to cook chicken, and you can even cook it from frozen. The air fryer blows hot air down and around the food to cook it, and it's versatile enough to cook a range of dishes, from healthy versions of fried favourites to chicken to add to salads, wraps and sandwiches.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice them in half. For example, if you are cooking thinly sliced chicken breasts, you won't need to brine the meat first.

If you are cooking chicken breasts, you should cook them for 10-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through. You can check if the chicken is cooked by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. If you don't have a meat thermometer, this is the best way to check the chicken is cooked.

If you are cooking chicken from frozen, you should cook the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes per side.

Can you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. You can cook the chicken from frozen and add it directly to the air fryer. The only difference is that you will need to cook the chicken for an extra 2-3 minutes per side.

An air fryer is a high-powered, countertop convection oven that blows hot air down and around the food to cook it. The flash-cooking of the air fryer prevents chicken from overdrying. It also guarantees consistent and perfect results every time.

To cook chicken in an air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with oil. Then, carefully place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Turn the chicken over halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice them in two.

To check if the chicken is cooked, insert a knife into the thickest part. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to check if chicken is cooked in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer. To check if it's cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your chicken breasts, and whether you slice them in half.

Can you brine chicken before air frying?

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer. You can cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings and a whole chicken in an air fryer. You can also cook chicken from frozen in an air fryer, but you will need to cook it for an extra 2-3 minutes per side.

You can brine chicken before air frying. Brining chicken is a good way to make the meat moist and juicy. You can make a simple brine by dissolving salt in water. You can also add other elements to your brine such as thyme, garlic and black peppercorns. Heat the brine solution with the ingredients to infuse the flavours, then let it cool down before brining the chicken. Cover the chicken with a lid or plate to ensure it stays submerged in the brine. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or overnight. Do not leave it in for longer to prevent over-salting.

If you are using thinly sliced chicken, you may not need to brine it. The flash-cooking of the air fryer prevents it from drying out. You can also add less salt, brine for less time, or soak your already brined chicken in plain cold water to draw some of the salt back out before cooking.

How to store air-fried chicken

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer. It's a great way to make healthy, juicy and tender chicken with a crispy texture.

Air-fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's a great way to meal prep, as you can make a batch and then use it in sandwiches, salads or other recipes throughout the week.

To store your air-fried chicken, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. You can also wrap the chicken in foil or cling film to keep it fresh.

It's important to note that the cooking time for air-fried chicken will depend on the size and shape of the chicken pieces, as well as the thickness. So, when storing, it's a good idea to slice the chicken into even pieces to ensure it stays moist and doesn't dry out.

If you're using an air fryer for the first time, it's a good idea to test out different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect setting for your chicken. This way, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, while still juicy and tender.

Frequently asked questions