Air-Frying Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, with many recipes available online. You can cook chicken breasts, wings, drumsticks, and even a whole chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you are cooking, but it typically takes around 8 to 15 minutes for chicken breasts. You can also cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, but it is recommended to thaw it first and pat it dry before cooking. To get crispy chicken, you can bread the chicken before cooking it in the air fryer. You can also brine or marinate the chicken before cooking to add extra flavor and ensure it stays juicy.

Chicken breast preparation

Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy option for a meal, and can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken breast in an air fryer:

Step 1: Slicing the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin, smaller, flat pieces. This can be done by placing the chicken in the freezer until it is half-frozen, and then slicing it. This will help create uniform, thin slices. Slicing the chicken breast thinly will also reduce the cooking time.

Step 2: Brining

Brining the chicken is an optional step, but it can make a big difference to the flavour and juiciness of the meat. Brining involves either sprinkling salt over the meat and leaving it to rest (dry brine), or submerging the meat in a saltwater solution (wet brine). This process helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, keeping it moist and flavourful. It is recommended to brine for at least 30 minutes, but it can be done up to a day in advance.

Step 3: Pounding

To ensure even cooking, it is a good idea to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness. This can be done with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or simply using your palm.

Step 4: Seasoning

There are endless options for seasoning chicken breast. A simple and versatile option is to use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Olive oil can also be used to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist. For a sweeter option, you can coat the chicken in brown sugar and cornstarch.

Step 5: Cooking

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. For larger chicken breasts, you may need to cook for a total of 13 to 14 minutes.

Step 6: Resting

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the residual heat to continue cooking the chicken, and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier final product.

Step 7: Serving

Air fryer chicken breast can be served hot or cold and is a versatile addition to salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy juicy, tender, and golden-crisp chicken breasts cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Spices and seasonings

There are many different spices and seasonings that can be used when cooking chicken in an air fryer. A basic spice blend can be made using salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add cumin powder and dried oregano to this blend to make a taco seasoning powder. If you want to add a smokey flavour to your chicken, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. For an Indian-inspired dish, you can use a tandoori seasoning blend with ginger-garlic paste and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Mexican spices.

You can also marinate your chicken before cooking it in the air fryer. One option is to use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, gochujang, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Another option is to use Italian dressing as a marinade. Additionally, you can add a bit of brown sugar and cornstarch to your spice blend for a sweet and crispy flavour. If you want a crunchy texture, you can use panko bread crumbs instead of cornstarch.

When preparing your chicken for the air fryer, it is important to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so that they cook evenly. You should also rub the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil to help the seasonings stick and ensure the chicken gets crispy. If you want to add moisture and flavour to your chicken, you can try brining or marinating it before cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer depend on the type and cut of chicken, as well as the size and shape of the chicken pieces.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Place the chicken breasts smooth/presentation side down in the air fryer and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). It is important to note that the ideal cooking temperature for chicken is 74°C, and the chicken is considered cooked at 165°F.

For a spicier option, you can add ground cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can try a marinade or brine the chicken before cooking. It is recommended to let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking, as this helps ensure even cooking.

If you are cooking thicker, unsliced chicken breasts, it is suggested to air fry at 415°F for a minimum of 13 minutes and check the temperature to confirm doneness (165°F). For frozen chicken breasts, it is best to thaw them completely, pat them dry, and bring them to room temperature before cooking.

For chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a whole chicken, the cooking time and temperature may vary. It is recommended to refer to specific recipes or guidelines for these cuts of chicken.

Frozen vs. thawed chicken

Frozen chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer without thawing them first, which is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken. Depending on the cut of chicken, the cooking time can vary between 4 and 30 minutes. The temperature and timing can be adjusted depending on the size of the chicken pieces. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit and place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space between each breast. The chicken can be seasoned halfway through the cooking process, and sauces can be added towards the end to prevent burning.

On the other hand, thawed chicken breasts can also be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the chicken breasts and whether they are sliced thinly. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C. The air fryer basket can be sprayed with oil, and the chicken can be coated with a spice mixture before cooking for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer is a convenient option when short on time, as it eliminates the need for thawing. It is a quick and easy method to prepare juicy chicken breasts. However, cooking thawed chicken breasts in an air fryer allows for more precise control over the cooking process, as the timing and temperature can be adjusted based on the size and shape of the chicken pieces.

When cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, especially in the thickest parts. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer. It is recommended to check the chicken's internal temperature using a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165° Fahrenheit in the thickest part.

Cooking thawed chicken breasts in an air fryer allows for more flexibility in terms of seasoning and sauces. The chicken can be coated with a spice mixture or left plain, and sauces can be added without the risk of burning. This option may be preferable when seeking to incorporate specific flavours or when working with already seasoned chicken breasts.

Reheating chicken

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, first, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chills. This helps the chicken reheat more evenly. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and heat it up for a few minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If your chicken breast is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Brush the chicken breast with a little oil to help bring back the crispiness. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, leaving enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Reheat for 5-6 minutes, then turn the pieces with tongs. Continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.

The time spent reheating chicken will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, the starting temperature, and the model of the air fryer. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills any harmful bacteria that may be present. It is important to only reheat chicken in the air fryer once to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.

Frequently asked questions