Air Fryer Bone-In Chicken Breast: Can You Do It?

Bone-in chicken breasts are a popular choice for air fryer enthusiasts, offering a quick, easy, and juicy meal with minimal prep time. The bone and skin help keep the chicken moist and tender, and the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option. With a wide range of seasonings and marinades to choose from, you can have a delicious and versatile weeknight dinner on the table in around 30 minutes.

Seasoning options

Bone-in chicken breasts are versatile and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The first step is to pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.

You can then choose your seasonings. Some recipes suggest a simple combination of salt and pepper, while others recommend adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and/or Cajun seasoning. For a more complex blend, you can try a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. This blend will give the chicken a sweet and spicy flavour. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can omit the brown sugar and just use the spices.

Another option is to use a store-bought seasoning blend such as Montreal Chicken Seasoning or your favourite chicken seasoning blend. You can also make your own blend by mixing different spices. Some possible spices to use include smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

If you're short on time, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you have on hand. You can also try coating the chicken in seasoned flour and spraying it with oil before cooking. This will give the chicken a crispy coating.

Finally, some recipes suggest using olive oil or avocado oil to help the skin crisp up and enhance the flavour. However, this step is optional, as the chicken will release its own oils during cooking, which will be sufficient to make the skin crispy.

Marinade

Marinating your chicken is a great way to add flavour and keep the meat juicy. A popular marinade for air-fried bone-in chicken breast is honey balsamic. To make this marinade, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add cornstarch to make the chicken extra crispy. Cut diagonal slits in the middle of the chicken breast and add it to the bowl, leaving it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for the best results, 2 hours or overnight.

Another marinade option is brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. First, baste the chicken with oil, then coat it with the brown sugar mixture. You can either pour the mixture over the chicken or toss the chicken in a bowl with the mixture.

If you're short on time, a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or smoked paprika for a grilled flavour) can be rubbed into the chicken before cooking. You can also use lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, or barbeque seasoning.

If you're cooking your chicken straight from the fridge, make sure to give it time to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more juicy and flavourful.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer being used. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for cooking this dish.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 375°F (190°C), while others suggest 360°F or 385°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps to achieve crispy skin.

Once the air fryer is preheated, it is time to prepare the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Then, season the chicken as desired. Some common seasoning suggestions include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can also create a marinade by combining balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best results.

Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the seasoned or marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer, but a good rule of thumb is to cook them for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping them halfway through. For smaller chicken breasts, 20-25 minutes may be sufficient, while larger breasts may take up to 35 minutes. It is important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

Finally, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures juicy and tender meat.

Flipping the chicken

The bone-in chicken breasts should be placed in the air fryer, with the skin side down, and cooked for about 15 minutes. After this initial cooking period, the chicken breasts should be flipped using tongs. This ensures that both sides of the chicken are exposed to the heat evenly and helps prevent one side from blackening while the other remains undercooked.

For recipes that involve coating the chicken with a brown sugar mixture, flipping is essential to achieve the desired caramelization on both sides. Without flipping, only the side facing the heating element will develop the sweet and caramelized flavour and appearance.

The cooking time after flipping will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will require about a minute or two less, while larger breasts may need an additional minute or two. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, when reheating leftover bone-in chicken breasts in the air fryer, flipping is recommended to ensure even warming. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.

Storing leftovers

If you wish to keep the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Frozen cooked chicken will last indefinitely, but it is best to use it sooner rather than later to enjoy optimal taste and texture. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chicken, simply thaw and reheat it. You can use a microwave for a quick reheat, or you can pop the chicken back into the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

It is important to note that while reheating in the air fryer will add some crispiness to the exterior, the inside of the chicken may be drier than when it was freshly cooked. Additionally, freezing the chicken may cause the crispy skin to lose its texture. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the leftovers within the first few days for the best experience.

Leftover bone-in chicken breast from the air fryer can be used in a variety of dishes. You can add it to a Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole or a Cobb Salad, or get creative with your own recipes. The options are endless!

Frequently asked questions