Air Frying Uncooked Chicken: Safe?

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook chicken, with many people swearing by the method. Air-fried chicken is said to have a nice firm, yet juicy texture, similar to roasted or baked chicken, but with more browning and flavour. It is also quicker to cook chicken in an air fryer than in a regular oven, and it is more energy-efficient. You can cook chicken breasts, wings, thighs, drumsticks, and a whole chicken in an air fryer. It is worth noting that chicken strips cook faster than bone-in pieces, so you will need to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and drying them out.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for uncooked chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken being cooked, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired texture. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of uncooked chicken in an air fryer:

Chicken Breasts

For boneless and skinless chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them at 375 degrees F for 8–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees F. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, with thinner slices cooking faster. To ensure even cooking, it is advisable to choose chicken breasts of similar sizes.

Chicken Strips

Chicken strips or tenders cook faster than bone-in pieces, so they require a shorter cooking time. It is recommended to cook them at 350 degrees F for 14–16 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The target internal temperature remains the same at 165 degrees F.

Bone-in Chicken Pieces

Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or legs, may require a longer cooking time due to the presence of bones. It is suggested to cook them at 350–375 degrees F for 18–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for white meat and 175 degrees F for dark meat. Flipping the pieces halfway through ensures even cooking.

Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer takes approximately 40 minutes at 350 degrees F, which is significantly faster than cooking in a regular oven. It is important to flip the chicken halfway through and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F before serving.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings can be cooked in the air fryer at 350–375 degrees F for 20–25 minutes, or until the skin reaches the desired crispness. Flipping them halfway through ensures even cooking.

It is worth noting that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Marinades and seasonings

Marinating chicken is a great way to lock in flavours and keep the meat tender and juicy. The best marinades for chicken include a balance of acid, oil, and seasonings. Acidic components like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt add flavour and help tenderize the meat.

You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. Homemade marinades can be made with common pantry items like olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. For a simple marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. You can also add dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and dried sage. If you're using a thicker marinade, you may want to cut shallow slits in the chicken to help the flavours seep in.

Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more the flavours will infuse. When you're ready to cook, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, preheat your air fryer and place the chicken inside.

Using frozen chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer without thawing it first. This is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts. It is also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.

To cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, manually set it to 400° Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, and always arrange the meat in a single layer.

Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat once halfway through. Then, remove the chicken from the air fryer and season with oil and spices. Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will cook faster, so shoot for smaller breasts if you want them to cook in under 30 minutes.

You can use a variety of seasonings on your frozen chicken. A basic combination is olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also use dried herbs and spices such as paprika, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper. If you want to use a sauce, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce, wait to coat the chicken until it is almost done cooking to prevent the sauce from burning.

Brining

To make a brine, fill a large bowl with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup of kosher salt, stirring to dissolve. You can also add other seasonings to the brine, such as smoked or sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley. It's important to use kosher salt or another salt with lower sodium content, as table salt will make the brine too salty.

Once the brine is ready, add the chicken breasts and let them sit for 1 to 2 hours. Any longer, and the chicken may become too salty. If you're in a hurry, even 30 minutes of brining can make a difference. After brining, remove the chicken from the water, pat it dry, and season it with olive oil and your desired spice rub.

If you're using an air fryer to cook chicken breasts, the cooking time will be around 10 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. It's important to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking with or without oil

Yes, you can cook uncooked chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great option as it has a nice firm, yet juicy texture, much like roasted or baked chicken. It also takes less time to cook than in a regular oven, and it's more energy-efficient.

Now, when it comes to cooking with or without oil in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, air fryers circulate hot air at high temperatures to cook food, and this can be done with or without oil. Some people prefer to use a light coating of oil, especially when cooking meat, as it can help prevent sticking and ensure the food doesn't dry out. A light spray or spritz of oil can be used directly on the food or in the air fryer basket. This can also enhance the browning and crisping of the food, creating a more fried-like texture and appearance.

However, it is not necessary to use oil when cooking with an air fryer. You can simply season your chicken or vegetables, place them in the air fryer basket, and set the desired temperature and time. The high heat and circulating air will still give your food a crispy texture without the addition of oil. Just be sure to shake the basket a few times during cooking to prevent sticking.

Additionally, when cooking chicken in an air fryer, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking can help keep it moist and flavourful. Secondly, it's important not to overcook the chicken, as this can lead to dryness. An instant-read thermometer can help you determine when your chicken is done, which is when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Finally, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking.

Frequently asked questions