Air Frying Skinless Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, especially if you want to avoid the mess and inconvenience of deep-frying. They can also be healthier, as they require much less oil than deep-frying, and are quicker than cooking chicken in an oven.

You can cook chicken breasts or thighs in an air fryer, and you can use frozen chicken, although it's best to defrost it first. You can also brine or marinate the chicken before cooking to add moisture and flavour.

Most recipes suggest seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, but you can also add other dried herbs such as oregano, parsley, thyme, or chilli powder. You can also bread the chicken before cooking for a crispier texture.

Cooking times and temperatures vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces, but most recipes suggest cooking chicken breasts for around 10 minutes at 375-390°F, and chicken thighs for around 15 minutes at 380-415°F.

How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts. For example, small breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

It's important to note 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 as it cooks to ensure it doesn't dry out.

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

Additionally, it's recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Brining the chicken beforehand can help keep it moist and juicy.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken as this can lead to dryness.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
• Preheating the air fryer is not necessary for cooking chicken breasts, as it can cause the outside to cook faster than the inside, leading to dryness.
• For frozen chicken breasts, it's best to thaw them first and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
• You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to flavour your chicken, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Air Fryer Settings:

The ideal temperature for air frying chicken is 375°F (190°C). At this temperature, the chicken will cook evenly and retain its moisture.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

• Cooking time is reduced compared to using an oven or stovetop.
• It's convenient and easy to clean, as you only need to wash the air fryer basket.
• It's a healthier option, as you use less oil compared to deep-frying on the stovetop.
• It's economical, as it uses less oil and electricity than other cooking methods.
• Versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, vegetables, and even baked goods.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The ideal temperature to set your air fryer to for cooking chicken will depend on the type of chicken you are cooking, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired level of crispiness.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a temperature between 360°F and 390°F is recommended. Cooking at 360°F for 9 minutes on each side or 375°F for 6-8 minutes on each side should be sufficient. If you are using an air fryer that only goes up to 350°F, you can also cook the chicken at this temperature for a slightly longer time.

For breaded chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

If you are cooking chicken thighs, a temperature of 380°F is recommended. Cook the thighs for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the doneness of the chicken with a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.

How to bread the chicken

There are two ways to bread chicken for the air fryer:

• Bread the raw chicken breast in seasoned dried breadcrumbs, along with some oil that is drizzled directly over the chicken. This oil will help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispy texture.
• Use the traditional way of breading chicken by using the egg and flour method.

Please ensure that the coating (breadcrumbs and flour) is seasoned as that is where most of the flavour comes from.

• Mix the dried breadcrumbs with your chosen spices in a semi-shallow dish.
• Drizzle the chicken with one tablespoon of oil and distribute it evenly with your hand.
• Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumbs mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Transfer your chicken to the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you can add more or fewer pieces at once.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes. After the first 8-10 minutes, you can open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken. Use tongs to flip the chicken as the basket can be too hot. Air fry for 5 more minutes.

Tips:

• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it is cooked and safe to eat.
• Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket.
• Always flip whatever you are cooking in the air fryer or shake the basket to ensure even cooking.

Should you marinate or brine the chicken?

Marinating and brining are two different processes, but both are used to add flavour and moisture to the chicken.

Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a seasoned liquid, such as Italian dressing, buttermilk, or a yoghurt-based marinade. Marinades can be used to add flavour to the chicken, and some sources suggest that they can also tenderise the meat. Marinating chicken can be done in as little as 10 minutes, but for stronger flavour, it can be left for up to 24 hours.

Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, which flavours the meat and helps it to retain moisture. Brining can be done in as little as 30 minutes, but for best results, it should be done for at least 2 hours.

Some sources suggest that brining is unnecessary for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but it is a good way to ensure the meat is juicy and well-seasoned. However, it is important not to over-brine the chicken, as this can make the texture mushy.

If you are short on time, a dry brine can be an effective alternative to a wet brine. This involves sprinkling the chicken with salt and leaving it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Whether you choose to brine or marinate your chicken, it is important to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to avoid undercooking.

How to make unbreaded chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• Seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, oregano, etc.)

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken into an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and place in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you are not dry brining, skip this step.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take around 3 minutes.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, with the smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over with tongs.
• Continue cooking for 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 155-160°F (68-71°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Brining the chicken beforehand is recommended to make it tender and juicy. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt).
• Do not overcook the chicken as it will become dry.
• The amount of time needed to cook the chicken will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will take around 8 minutes, while larger ones may need 14 minutes or more.

Frequently asked questions