Air-Frying Chicken Breasts: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Chicken breasts are notorious for being dry and bland, but cooking them in an air fryer can result in a juicy, tender, and flavourful meal.

Air fryers are high-powered, countertop convection ovens that cook food by blowing hot air down and around it. This method of cooking is suitable for chicken breasts because it requires high-temperature baking for a short period.

To make juicy chicken breasts in an air fryer, you can brine the meat in a saltwater solution or sprinkle it with salt and let it rest for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also coat the chicken in olive oil and season it with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and onion powder.

When cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket and flip them halfway through. Depending on the size of the breasts, the cooking time will vary from 7 to 18 minutes at 360 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

With an air fryer, you can transform the much-maligned chicken breast into a tasty and versatile protein that can be added to salads, wraps, sandwiches, pasta, and more.

How long to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to cook chicken breasts, and it's super quick and easy. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Here's a general guide:

Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Cook for 7 to 10 minutes.

Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

Large Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Cook for 12 to 16 minutes.

It's important to note that you should flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Also, the best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F. However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155 to 160°F, as the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken.

Additionally, if you're using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. They might need a little extra cooking time, around 2-3 minutes per side.

Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook chicken breasts or thighs, as the air fryer ensures they come out tender and juicy.

There's no need to preheat the oven, and you can cook chicken in an air fryer in less time than it takes in an oven. Plus, there's less clean-up!

You can cook chicken from frozen in an air fryer, but it's best to defrost it first and pat it dry before seasoning.

If you want to ensure your chicken is super moist and tender, you can try marinating or brining it before cooking.

Why is my air fryer chicken tough?

There are several reasons why your air-fried chicken might be turning out tough and rubbery. Here are some of the most common issues and how to address them:

Overcooking

The primary culprit behind rubbery chicken is often overcooking. Chicken proteins contract with heat, squeezing out moisture and leaving the meat dry and tough. To avoid this, don't set and forget your air fryer. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), but it's best to remove it from the heat around 155°F as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Temperature Mismanagement

Air fryers vary in how they heat and circulate air, so finding the right temperature setting is crucial. A temperature that is too high can cause the exterior of the chicken to cook too quickly, forming a tough outer layer, while a setting that is too low might not cook the chicken thoroughly, leading to an uneven texture. Most chicken recipes do best at a moderate temperature of around 375°F (190°C).

Lack of Moisture

Chicken, especially breast meat, is lean and can dry out quickly in the air fryer. Moisture is essential to keeping the meat tender and juicy. You can help retain moisture by brining or marinating the chicken before cooking. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest, allowing it to absorb extra liquid and salt. Alternatively, you can create a marinade with a mix of acidity (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil, and herbs/spices. Just be cautious not to leave the chicken in an acidic marinade for too long, as this can have the opposite of the desired effect.

Choice of Cut

Not all chicken cuts are created equal when it comes to air frying. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, tend to stay juicier and more forgiving than breasts. If you prefer chicken breasts, opt for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Preparation and Timing

Before cooking, lightly pound the thicker side of the chicken to flatten and reduce the bump. Coat the chicken with oil and your chosen seasonings, rubbing them into the meat. Don't preheat your air fryer, as this can cause the exterior to cook too fast. Instead, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then flip and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. Remember to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure every bite is moist and tender.

By addressing these common issues, you should be well on your way to enjoying juicy, tender air-fried chicken.

Do you have to flip chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you do have to flip chicken in the air fryer.

While it is possible to cook chicken in an air fryer without flipping it, most recipes recommend flipping the chicken over once halfway through the cooking process. This is to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on both sides.

For example, a recipe for air fryer chicken breast recommends cooking the chicken smooth side down for 6 minutes at 375°F (190°C), and then flipping it over and cooking it for an additional 2 to 8 minutes. Similarly, another recipe for air fryer chicken breast suggests cooking the chicken for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping it over, and then cooking it for an additional 3 minutes.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. For instance, small breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes to cook, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is cooked safely. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the temperature.

Do you have to brine it?

Brining is not mandatory when cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer, but it is highly recommended. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, which flavours it throughout and helps keep it moist.

You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you're pushed for time, a dry brine is less messy and more convenient. For a wet brine, you'll need to mix together the salt and water, which can take a minute or two for the salt to dissolve.

Brining can be done in as little as 30 minutes, but you can leave the chicken in the brine for up to 12 hours. If you're brining for more than 30 minutes, put the chicken in the fridge. For less than 30 minutes, you can leave it on the counter.

After brining, remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry and discard the brine. You don't need to rinse the chicken after brining.

Frequently asked questions