Air Fryer Raw Chicken Breast: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be made in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer cooks the chicken by circulating hot air around it, which results in juicy and tender chicken. The best temperature to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time depends on the size of the breasts. Small breasts will take around 7-10 minutes, while large breasts can take up to 14 minutes. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are many different ways to season chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer. Some common seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative and use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or even a spice blend like Cajun seasoning.

One popular recipe for air fryer chicken breasts involves coating the chicken with a mixture of spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch. The chicken is then air-fried at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, resulting in juicy and golden-brown chicken with a delicious crispy exterior.

Another tip for ensuring juicy chicken breasts is to brine the chicken before cooking. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking, which helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in more flavorful and moist chicken.

How to season chicken breast for the air fryer

How to Season Chicken Breasts for the Air Fryer

Preparation

Firstly, ensure you have the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should be around 7 ounces. Larger breasts will take longer to cook. If you're using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to let them defrost in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.

Seasoning

For the seasoning, you can use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You could also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. Mix the spices together in a small bowl and set aside.

Brining (optional)

One user suggests brining the chicken before cooking. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). The brining process improves the texture and flavour of the meat, making it juicy, plump, and seasoned throughout. However, if you're short on time, this step can be skipped.

Coating the Chicken

Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the large bump on one end. Drizzle oil over the chicken and ensure it is well coated. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands.

Cooking

Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook for around 10 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. For 6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts, cook for about 10 to 11 minutes total. For 8 to 9-ounce breasts, cook for about 11 to 12 minutes total. For 10-ounce or larger breasts, cook for about 13 to 14 minutes total. Cook the chicken smooth side down first and then flip it over halfway through the cooking time.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the air fryer. The carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature by several more degrees. Serve the chicken with your favourite sides and enjoy!

How to cook chicken breast in the air fryer

How to Cook Chicken Breasts in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional:

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Avocado oil
• Oregano
• Thyme

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound the chicken breasts into an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to one day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to add.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (this should take around 3 minutes).
• Place the chicken breasts smooth side down in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over with tongs.
• Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F to 160°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F, but removing it from the heat a few degrees early and letting it rest will allow the chicken to finish cooking without drying out.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts (around 6 ounces) will take around 8 minutes in total, while larger breasts may need 14 minutes or more.
• You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to defrost them first and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
• If you want a crispy breading texture, try coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before air frying.

How to store leftover chicken breast

If you have leftover chicken breast, it is important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover chicken breast:

Step 1: Cool the Chicken

If you have just cooked the chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. You can place the chicken in a bowl and rest it in an ice bath to speed up the cooling process.

Step 2: Portion the Chicken

To store leftover chicken breast, it is best to cut it into smaller pieces or slices. This will help the chicken cool down faster and also make it easier to store and reheat.

Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Container

Use an airtight container, such as a zip-top bag or plastic wrap, or a covered storage container. Make sure the container is the right size for the amount of chicken you have. A container that is too large will allow for excess air circulation, which can increase moisture and encourage bacterial growth.

Step 4: Refrigerate the Chicken

Place the chicken in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leftover chicken should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back, on the lowest shelf. Make sure to use the chicken within the recommended time frame, which is generally 3 to 4 days for cooked chicken and 1 to 2 days for raw chicken.

Step 5: Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you want to keep the chicken for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Label the bag with the date, and use the chicken within 3 to 6 months for best quality.

Step 6: Reheat Safely

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover chicken breast, make sure to reheat it properly. It is best to reheat chicken in the oven or on the stovetop rather than the microwave, especially if you want to maintain a crispy crust. Always ensure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria.

How to reheat chicken breast

Yes, you can cook raw chicken breast in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer:

• If your chicken breast is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps it heat more evenly.
• Optionally, brush the chicken with a bit of oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for airflow.
• Set the air fryer at 350°F and reheat. Flip after 6 minutes. Continue heating, checking the internal temperature after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, increase the heat to 400°F for the last minute.
• The time needed to reheat chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on factors like the thickness of the chicken, the starting temperature, and the model of the air fryer. Here is a general guideline:
• Smaller pieces: 6-10 minutes
• Larger pieces: 10-15 minutes
• Very large or bone-in pieces: 15-20 minutes
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.

Tips for Reheating Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven reheating.
• If your chicken breast is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken breast pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated to 165°F.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to your reheated chicken breast.

How to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer

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

How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Make a rub for the chicken by combining paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper with olive oil to form a paste.
• Coat the frozen chicken breasts with the paste.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook for 25-35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Ensure the frozen chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Be generous with the seasonings.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

Variations:

• Experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or lemon pepper.
• Instead of brown sugar or honey, use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative.
• Substitute olive oil with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over the chicken breasts during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary with the seasonings.

Frequently asked questions