Air-Fryer Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and there are several ways to do it. You can cook chicken breasts, wings, thighs, tenders, or even a whole chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you're cooking, but it usually ranges from 7 to 20 minutes.

Before cooking, you can coat your chicken in a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, or brown sugar. You can also bread your chicken with flour or cornstarch for a crispier texture.

When cooking, it's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken, as they require less oil than traditional frying methods. They also save time and are easier to clean.

How to prepare chicken for the air fryer

Preparing chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy meal. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer chicken.

Choosing Your Chicken

You can use a variety of chicken cuts in an air fryer, including breasts, wings, thighs, tenders, and even a whole chicken. For juicy results, opt for chicken with the bone in and skin on. If you prefer to use boneless and skinless chicken, that's fine too, but be aware that it may turn out drier.

Preparing the Chicken

Before seasoning your chicken, it's a good idea to pound the thicker parts of the meat with a meat mallet to ensure an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and improves texture.

For extra juicy chicken, you can try brining. Brining is the process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (simply sprinkling the meat with salt).

If you're short on time, you can skip the brining process and go straight to seasoning. A simple yet tasty seasoning mix includes olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other dried herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with oil and seasoning, ensuring every bite is well-coated.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. For most cuts of chicken, you'll want to cook at this temperature for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you're using. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will need 12-16 minutes. Always ensure your chicken is cooked through by checking with a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Serve it hot or cold, sliced or diced, in sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, soups, tacos, or however you like!

Enjoy your juicy, crispy, and healthy air fryer chicken!

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking chicken in an air fryer depends on the size and weight of the chicken pieces.

Whole Chicken

For a whole chicken, set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the chicken breast side down for 30 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12-22 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer at varying temperatures, depending on the recipe. Some sources recommend setting the air fryer to 400°F, while others suggest 360°F or 375°F.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the breasts. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes. It is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, one source recommends a cooking temperature of 375°F for 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. Here is a breakdown of the cooking time:

• 6-7 ounces: about 10-11 minutes total
• 8-9 ounces: about 11-12 minutes total
• 10 ounces or larger: about 13-14 minutes total

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings can be cooked at 360°F for 12 minutes.

Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be cooked at 360°F for 15-18 minutes, while bone-in thighs may take a little longer.

Frozen Chicken

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken, but it may take 3-4 minutes longer than fresh chicken.

It is recommended to set the air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 360°F or 375°F, for frozen chicken to ensure that the outside does not cook faster than the inside. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken pieces can touch but should not overlap.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can add flavor and moisture.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F.

Air fryer chicken breast recipes

Yes, you can put chicken in an air fryer! Here are some mouth-watering air-fried chicken breast recipes to try:

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts by BBC Good Food:

This recipe will give you tender chicken breasts coated in garlic, sweet paprika, and herbs. You can also mix up the spices or keep them plain.

Ingredients:

• ½ tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 ½ tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• Salt
• Mixed herbs
• Black pepper

Method:

• Coat the chicken in oil and set aside.
• Combine salt, garlic, paprika, and mixed herbs with black pepper in a bowl.
• Roll each oiled chicken breast in the seasoning and put them in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 180C for 18-20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes.
• Check if it is cooked by piercing the chicken with a knife—the juices should run clear. You can also use a temperature thermometer, which should read 70C.
• Serve with rice and greens or a salad.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast by Well Plated:

This recipe will give you juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap.
• Lightly pound the chicken with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to make it an even thickness.
• For dry brining, sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Place the chicken in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the spice mixture. Toss to coat.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Place the chicken smooth side down in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 to 8 minutes.
• Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast by Downshiftology:

This recipe will give you tender and juicy chicken breasts in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, or other herbs
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil

Method:

• In a bowl, mix together the spices.
• Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the larger bump on one end.
• Drizzle oil over the chicken and coat well.
• Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it in.
• Add the chicken to the air fryer smooth side down and cook for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Remove the chicken and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast by Pinch of Yum:

This recipe will give you thinly sliced chicken breast pieces coated with spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch, air-fried to perfection.

Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Method:

• Cut the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces.
• Toss the chicken with spices and avocado oil.
• Preheat the air fryer and place the chicken in a single layer.
• Air fry at 415 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Slice and serve hot, juicy, and golden-browned chicken.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts by Platings and Pairings:

This recipe will give you flavorful and tender chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Method:

• In a bowl, combine salt, spices, and oil to create a paste.
• Coat chicken breasts with the paste.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees for 10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
• Tent the chicken with tin foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make air fryer chicken breast recipes!

Air fryer frozen chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation cooks frozen food without the need for thawing. It's a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. You can also coat the chicken in olive oil to help the seasonings adhere.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast.
• Cook for 18 to 35 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips:

• If you're using frozen chicken breasts, 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.
• If your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes, then carefully pry them apart with a fork or knife.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking multiple chicken breasts at once can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
• If you're cooking chicken breasts that are different sizes, consider cutting the thin ends off the larger breasts to prevent overcooking.
• If you want to add sauce or marinade to the chicken, brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.

Reheating air fryer chicken

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to crisp up your leftovers. It's simple, but there is a trick to it so the chicken doesn't dry out.

How to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer

Firstly, it is best practice to put food into a hot basket, so preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (190°C) for around 4-5 minutes.

Next, brush on a sauce or rub a little oil or spray onto the chicken to add moisture and help it crisp up.

Then, place the chicken in the basket. It is important to let the meat come to room temperature before warming, or it will take longer and won't be as crispy. Also, make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not stacked on top of each other, as this will prevent the skin from becoming crispy.

Reheat for around 3-6 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. For larger pieces of chicken, you may need 8-10 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when perfectly cooked.

Tips

• Brushing on your favourite barbecue sauce for the last 2 minutes of cooking will add flavour and moisture.
• Don't cover the chicken or add liquid—this isn't necessary in an air fryer.
• Bone-in and boneless chicken breasts take the same time to reheat.
• If you are reheating skin-on chicken breasts, you can cook them for 1-2 minutes longer to crisp up the skin.
• Don't reheat the chicken more than once, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions