Air Frying Raw Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook raw chicken. They are essentially tiny, high-powered, countertop convection ovens that cook food by blowing hot air down and around it. This means that you can cook chicken in an air fryer in a similar way to how you would in a regular oven.

The main difference is that you will not need to use a pan. The chicken goes straight into the air fryer basket. You can also use a tray if your chicken has a lot of cheese or sauce.

The other main difference is that air fryers tend to cook things more quickly. As a general rule, you can set your timer for 30-40% less time than you would for a regular oven.

You can cook any cut of chicken in an air fryer, including breasts, wings, thighs, drumsticks, and even a whole chicken.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking raw chicken in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to pan-frying or deep-frying, as it requires less oil.

The time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of the air fryer. Here is a general guide for cooking chicken in an air fryer:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes

It's important to note that you should always flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

For frozen chicken breasts, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Air fry the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

It's worth mentioning that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your chicken while it's cooking to prevent overcooking.

Air fryer temperature for chicken

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great option as it has a nice firm, juicy texture, similar to roasted or baked chicken. It also takes less time to cook, is energy efficient, and easy to clean.

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. The exact temperature depends on the cut of the chicken and whether it is breaded or not. For example, breaded chicken tenders are best cooked at 360°F for 12 minutes, whereas boneless chicken breasts are best cooked at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time will vary based on the size and cut of the chicken. For instance, small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help improve its texture and flavor.
• Do not overcook the chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• For frozen chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360°F, drizzle with olive oil, season, and then air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once.

Can you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. However, it is recommended that you defrost the chicken first for the best texture.

If you are using a raw frozen chicken breast, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Then, air fry the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping it once halfway through.

If you are using frozen chicken tenders or chicken wings, you can cook them directly from frozen. For chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping once. For chicken wings, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 minutes, flipping once, followed by an additional 8 minutes.

It is important to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked before consuming it. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

How to stop chicken drying out in an air fryer

Yes, you can fry raw chicken in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your chicken from drying out:

Brine the Chicken

Brining is a process that involves soaking meat in a solution of water and salt, with spices added to taste. The salt in the brine acts on the proteins in the meat and denatures them, meaning they improve their ability to retain moisture. The brine also causes the muscle fibres in the meat to swell, trapping even more moisture.

Use Oil

Air fryers don't need oil to cook food, but using a little bit of oil will do wonders for your chicken's texture and moisture levels. For most recipes, one to two teaspoons of oil should suffice. Spray enough oil on the chicken to coat it before loading it into the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before loading the food into it. Preheating ensures that your food begins cooking once you load it into the air fryer, contributing to its crispy, well-cooked texture.

Check the Temperature of the Air Fryer

Keep in mind that there are variations in the stated temperatures of different models of air fryers. Having the right temperature is important, and those few degrees can make or break how your food turns out. To protect against that, a manual temperature check of your air fryer is recommended at least once every six months to catch any oddities that could affect your cooking. You can carry out this manual check using a thermometer, which will give you a more precise reading of your air fryer’s temperature.

Adjust the Cooking Time

Cooking at higher temperatures for extended periods is usually the reason air-fried chicken turns out dry. Air fryers typically come with cooking charts from their manufacturers, which indicate the temperatures and air-frying times for different types of food or recipes. However, there are variations in the ideal temperatures for different models of air fryers, and these discrepancies will impact how long you should cook your chicken. The first step is to determine the appliance’s actual temperature with a thermometer at least once every six months, and then you can adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is a convenient way to prevent your chicken from drying out. It is specifically designed for food and can be used to check whether your chicken is at the USDA-recommended temperature of 165 ºF (73.8 ºC) for poultry products. This simple step guarantees your chicken is cooked well enough to be safe for consumption, and it allows you to monitor the temperature to make sure you’re not overcooking your chicken.

How to clean an air fryer

Yes, you can fry raw chicken in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the air fryer

Turn off and unplug your air fryer. Always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet to prevent any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions. Allow it to cool completely before cleaning.

Step 2: Clean removable parts

Remove the basket, tray, and pan. Wash these parts with soap and warm water in the sink. Most air fryers have dishwasher-safe pieces, but check your instruction manual for your specific model. If there are any other removable parts, clean them as well. For extra stubborn residue and stuck-on food, let the basket soak for a while before scrubbing.

Step 3: Clean the main unit

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit, including the control panel, to remove any food splatters or grease. Be careful not to damage the interior cooking surface. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to remove it.

Step 4: Check the heating coil

Inspect the heating coil of your air fryer (usually located at the top of the unit) after each use. If there is oil or residue, wipe it with a damp cloth or a soft brush after the machine has cooled down.

Step 5: Dry and reassemble

Make sure to towel-dry or air-dry all the parts completely before reassembling the air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use or every few uses to prevent greasy food buildup.
• Use liners or parchment paper to reduce mess and catch food drippings.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges/metal utensils as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• Always ensure that all components are fully dry before reassembling to avoid any malfunction.

Frequently asked questions