Air Fryer Chicken: Marinade-Friendly?

Marinated chicken can be cooked in an air fryer, and it's a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender chicken. You can use any cut of chicken and any marinade you like, although it's recommended to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours. When you're ready to cook, drain the chicken and discard the marinade, then cook it in the air fryer for around 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of the air fryer.

Marinating the chicken

Once you have your marinade ready, pour it over the chicken in a large bowl or plastic bag. Massage the marinade gently into the chicken until it is well coated. Make sure to get all the pieces coated if using a bag. You can also use a Ziploc bag for this step. Cover or seal the container or bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavor will be. However, do not marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the meat will start to break down.

When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes recommend different temperatures, ranging from 360°F to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't reach 400°F, you can use the highest temperature available. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, then place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overlap or stack the chicken pieces. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Air fryer temperature

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken in an air fryer. The air fryer is a handy appliance that can cook most proteins, including chicken. The key to getting juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken is to ensure it is not overcooked.

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is between 375°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer. For example, smaller breasts (about 6 ounces each) will take around 8 minutes to cook, while larger ones may need 14 minutes or more. It is important to note that the chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Additionally, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process will help it cook evenly.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F/198°C for 3-5 minutes and then cooking the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It is also recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook chicken with various marinades and seasonings. For example, a garlic marinade can add tons of great flavour to the chicken. Other seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper can also be used to create a delicious and flavourful chicken dish.

Chicken preparation

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken is flavourful and juicy. You can use any marinade you like, from a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs to a more complex blend of Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and various seasonings. If you want a more "fried" texture, you can even coat the chicken with a mixture of parmesan cheese, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before air frying.

For the best results, it is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, with some sources suggesting up to 12 hours in the fridge. This allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavours. One source recommends marinating the chicken at room temperature to reduce the cooking time.

When you're ready to cook, drain the chicken and discard the marinade. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 360°F to 400°F depending on the type of meat and your air fryer model. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F/195°C for 3-5 minutes and spraying the basket with cooking oil before placing the chicken inside.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap or stack. Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut slits lengthwise down the chicken breasts or pound the thicker end to create an even thickness.

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you are using. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook for around 12-14 minutes without turning. For bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 10 minutes per side. Smaller breasts may only need 6-7 minutes per side.

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.

You can serve air-fried chicken with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Cooking time

The cooking time for marinated chicken in an air fryer depends on the cut and thickness of the chicken. For example, the cooking time for white meat differs from that of dark meat. Similarly, the cooking time for boneless chicken will differ from that of chicken with bones.

It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge. However, it is important to note that marinating for longer than 24 hours may cause the meat to break down.

When cooking marinated chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is in a single layer and not overlapping or stacked. This is to ensure even cooking and to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.

For white meat chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360°F. For dark meat chicken, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

The cooking time for marinated chicken breasts in an air fryer can range from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the size. For large breasts, cook for 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total). For medium breasts, cook for 8 minutes per side (16 minutes total). For small breasts, cook for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total). It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For other cuts of marinated chicken, such as thighs, legs, or drumsticks, the cooking time may vary. It is important to follow the specific instructions for the particular cut of chicken being cooked.

Serving suggestions

Marinated chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. It is also a great meal prep option and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

You can serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, such as roasted turnips, stir-fried spinach with garlic and Parmesan, garlicky green beans, or barely-cooked asparagus with lemon-mustard vinaigrette. If you're in the mood for something lighter, a salad can be a perfect side dish. Try an avocado tomato salad or a simple side salad with your favorite dressing.

For a heartier meal, serve the chicken with rice, mac and cheese, or glazed carrots. If you're looking for a low-carb option, the air fryer marinated chicken is a good main dish for any low-carb, keto, or low-glycemic diet. It can also be served with broccoli mac and cheese or stir-fried with vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

If you're serving a larger group or want to make sure you have leftovers, consider making an entire air-fried whole chicken. You can soak it overnight in a marinade first and then cook it in the air fryer.

Finally, don't forget that the chicken itself can be customized to your taste. You can use any cut of chicken, including boneless, skinless breasts, thighs, legs, or drumsticks, and white or dark meat. You can also experiment with different marinades, such as garlic, lemon pepper, or teriyaki sauce.

Frequently asked questions