Air Frying Chicken: Bones In Or Out?

Cooking chicken with bones in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Bone-in chicken breasts and thighs are popular choices for air fryer recipes, as the bones help keep the meat juicy and flavourful. The skin also crisps up nicely in the air fryer, making for a tasty treat. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices and herbs, such as lemon pepper, cajun, Italian, or parmesan garlic. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken and your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes for breasts and 18 to 24 minutes for thighs.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for bone-in chicken in an air fryer will depend on the type of chicken and your preferred level of crispiness.

Chicken Breasts

For juicy and tender chicken breasts with a crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then cook the chicken for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken Thighs

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 8 to 12 minutes. The total cooking time for chicken thighs is between 18 and 24 minutes. As with chicken breasts, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want crispier skin, air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Seasoning and coating

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a variety of blends. Some people suggest a simple combination of salt and pepper, while others recommend garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, or even a store-bought blend like Montreal Chicken Seasoning. You can also coat the chicken in brown sugar for a sweet taste, or a combination of brown sugar and seasonings for a sweet and spicy flavour. If you are using a blend of brown sugar and seasonings, mix the two together in a bowl, then baste the chicken with oil and coat it with the mixture.

If you want to get creative, you can try a combination of cornstarch and your chosen seasonings. Combine the cornstarch and seasonings in a plastic sandwich bag or a container with a lid, then place the chicken pieces into the bag one by one and shake to distribute the coating evenly.

Finally, remember to season under the skin of the chicken, not just on top.

Using an instant-read thermometer

Step 1: Choose the Right Thermometer

Select a suitable instant-read thermometer for your needs. There are many options available, from analog to digital, with features like backlit displays and different probe lengths. Some thermometers can even be left in the meat while it cooks, allowing you to monitor the temperature continuously. However, most instant-read thermometers are not designed for this, so be sure to check before using it in this way.

Step 2: Prepare the Thermometer

Before using your thermometer, ensure it is calibrated correctly if it is an analog model. Digital thermometers do not usually require calibration. Also, check the battery life, especially if you are using a thermometer with your oven or air fryer for the first time.

Step 3: Insert the Thermometer

When your chicken is almost ready, open the air fryer and insert the probe of the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones or fatty areas. Ensure the probe reaches the center of the meat without touching the cooking surface.

Step 4: Wait for the Reading

Allow the thermometer to stabilize and provide an accurate reading. This usually takes just 2-3 seconds for instant-read thermometers, but it may take longer for other types of thermometers. Be patient and avoid removing the thermometer too quickly, as this can result in an inaccurate reading.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). If your chicken has reached this temperature, it is ready to be served. If not, return it to the air fryer and continue cooking, checking the temperature at regular intervals until it reaches the safe temperature.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Once your chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, making your chicken juicier and more flavorful.

Reheating and storing

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to keep it moist and juicy. It is also faster than using an oven and prevents the exterior from becoming soft and soggy, as it might when reheated in a microwave.

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, first, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces are not piled on top of each other. If desired, spray or brush the chicken with a little oil to help achieve crispiness. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 165°F (74°C) when perfectly reheated.

Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. While cooked chicken can be frozen, it is best to do so before reheating. Reheated chicken should not be frozen, as this can affect its texture and taste.

Sides and serving suggestions

There are several side dishes and serving suggestions that go well with air-fried chicken with bones. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

You can serve the chicken with air-fried vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower. You can also serve it with a green salad, a quinoa salad, or a napa cabbage slaw. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try serving it with fried cabbage or mashed potatoes.

Carbs

Some good carb options to serve with the chicken include air fryer pita chips, haricot verts, and mac and cheese. If you're looking for something more substantial, you could try crock pot chicken and potatoes or ground chicken tacos.

Dips and Sauces

If you're serving the chicken as a finger food, you can provide dips such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup. You can also serve the chicken with a side of gravy or a simple salad.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken by removing the meat from the bones and storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave, but the skin may not remain crispy.

Frequently asked questions