Air Fryer Chicken: Safe To Cook Raw?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular for cooking chicken, with many people opting to use them for meal prep. They are essentially small, high-powered, countertop convection ovens that blow hot air down and around the food to cook it. They are versatile, easy to use, and can cook food quickly. Air fryers can be used to cook raw chicken, including chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the cut of chicken and the desired level of doneness, but it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked safely.

Chicken preparation

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook chicken in an air fryer:

• Brining (optional): Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. It helps to keep the chicken moist and allows the salt to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more thoroughly seasoned piece of chicken. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you decide to brine, let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Pounding: To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken to a uniform thickness. Cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them gently.
• Marinating (optional): Marinating the chicken can add extra flavour. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. Try marinating the chicken in Italian dressing, or use a blend of spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. If you decide to marinate, let the chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Seasoning: If you choose not to marinate, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper or your preferred blend of spices.
• Oil: Before adding seasonings, brush or mist the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil to ensure the seasonings stick to the meat.
• Resting: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to between 350-380°F (177-193°C).
• Prepare the basket: Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have some space for airflow. You can line the basket with aluminium foil or use a tray if the chicken is particularly saucy or cheesy.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the size and number of chicken pieces. As a general guideline, cook the chicken for 9 minutes, flip it over, and then cook for an additional 9 minutes or until the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Resting: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to retain moisture and juiciness.

You can also cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. Start by cooking at 380°F (200°C) for 15 minutes on each side and then follow the same steps as above to check for doneness and crispiness.

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy, golden brown crust. They offer convenience, ease of cleaning, and quick cooking times.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook raw chicken, and they offer a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare chicken with minimal cleanup. They are essentially small, high-powered, countertop convection ovens that blow hot air down and around the food to cook it.

There are two main types of air fryers: basket style and oven style. Basket-style air fryers tend to cook faster and more evenly, while oven-style air fryers are more versatile and can be used for toasting, baking, and roasting. The type of air fryer you have will determine the settings you use. For example, the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry 13-in-1 Air Fryer Countertop Oven has a larger capacity than most basket air fryers and can go up to 450°F, while most basket air fryers go up to 400°F.

When cooking raw chicken in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the type of chicken and your preferred doneness. For example, chicken breasts are leaner and benefit from high-temperature baking for a shorter period, while chicken thighs may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired doneness. In general, it is recommended to cook chicken in an air fryer at temperatures between 375°F and 400°F. For example, one recipe suggests cooking chicken at 375°F for 6 minutes, flipping it over, and then cooking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking chicken bites at 300°F for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is important to ensure that chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illnesses. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, inserting it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones. If the chicken is not yet at the desired temperature, it can be cooked in the air fryer for an additional 5-7 minutes at 380°F (200°C) and then rechecked.

Additionally, when cooking raw chicken in an air fryer, it is important to consider the following:

• No pan is required, as the chicken pieces go directly into the air fryer basket. However, a tray or aluminium foil can be used for saucy or cheesy dishes.
• Air fryers cook food more quickly than a regular oven, so it is recommended to set the timer for 30-40% less time than you would for a conventional oven.
• Brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking can help keep it moist and enhance its flavour.
• Flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking.

Cooking time

The cooking time for raw chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken being cooked, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired texture.

For boneless chicken breasts, cooking times range from 8 to 14 minutes. One recipe suggests cooking boneless chicken breasts at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, flipping the chicken, and then cooking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes. The chicken should then be allowed to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking boneless chicken breasts at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 14 to 18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The chicken should then be allowed to rest for 5 minutes, during which time the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken. It is important to note that the chicken should be flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For frozen chicken breasts, one source recommends adding 2 to 3 minutes per side to the cooking time. Another source suggests thawing frozen chicken breasts completely and patting them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks may take longer to cook than chicken breasts. One source recommends cooking chicken thighs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes. The chicken should then be allowed to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

It is important to ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. The internal temperature of the chicken can be checked using a meat thermometer. The chicken is considered cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Some sources suggest removing the chicken from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken during the resting period.

Chicken temperature

To ensure the chicken is cooked evenly, it is recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking. Additionally, it is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, allowing adequate space for airflow.

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. This is more accurate than relying solely on cooking time, as air fryers can vary in temperature settings and cooking times may need adjustment.

For juicy and tender chicken breasts, brining or marinating the meat before cooking can be beneficial. This involves seasoning the chicken with salt or a spice blend and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

In summary, maintaining the proper chicken temperature and following recommended cooking techniques will help ensure that chicken cooked in an air fryer is safe, juicy, and flavorful.

Clean-up

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken with minimal cleanup. The cleanup is reportedly "worlds easier" than dealing with big pots of hot oil. The non-stick coating of air fryers also makes the cleanup process faster.

However, it is important to clean your air fryer after each use, as the grease left behind can cause the air fryer to smoke, and in severe cases, it can lead to a grease fire. To clean your air fryer, you can use paper towels to wipe it down while it is still hot, so the oil doesn't pool and turn rancid. You can also use a sponge, water, and detergent to clean it.

Some people also recommend using parchment paper to avoid heavy-duty cleaning every time. Additionally, pouring boiling water into the air fryer after a few cooks can help remove any remaining oils.

It is worth noting that cooking chicken in an air fryer may require some cleanup of the surrounding area, as there may be some splatter during the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions