Frying Chicken Breasts In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts. Not only is it a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but it also helps to retain the moisture in the chicken, ensuring that it is tender and juicy. The high temperature and short cooking time help to create a crispy, golden brown crust, while keeping the meat succulent.

There are a variety of ways to season and flavour the chicken, from a simple mix of salt and pepper to more complex blends including paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cumin, and onion powder. You can also marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or a blend of spices and herbs for added flavour.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken breasts, an air fryer is definitely worth considering!

Brining and seasoning

Brining:

Before brining, it is important to note that boneless, skinless chicken breasts do not necessarily require brining. However, if you want to take your chicken to the next level, brining can help enhance both its texture and flavour.

Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. There are two common methods: wet brining and dry brining. For wet brining, create a saltwater solution by dissolving salt in water. Submerge the chicken in this solution and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. For dry brining, simply sprinkle salt over the chicken and let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to a day.

Seasoning:

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can use a simple blend of spices or get creative with herbs and other ingredients. Here are some options:

• A basic blend of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the blend.
• Try a blend of seasoned salt, which includes salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Experiment with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley.
• Marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking, but be sure to pat it dry before air frying.
• For a unique flavour profile, try a marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, or sesame oil.

Remember, the key to successful brining and seasoning is giving the chicken enough time to rest and absorb all the flavours. Now you're ready to move on to cooking your juicy and delicious air fryer chicken breasts!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried chicken breasts depend on the size of the breasts and the model of the air fryer.

Chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). An instant-read thermometer can be used to check this.

For a standard 8-oz chicken breast, the cooking time is typically around 8 minutes. However, the size of the chicken breasts will determine the exact cooking time. Here is a general guide:

• Small breasts (5-7 oz): 6-8 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 oz): 7-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 oz or more): 10-16 minutes

It is important to note that the air fryer cooks by circulating hot air, so ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the basket. They can touch but should not overlap.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 360-375°F (180-190°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400-415°F (200-210°C) for a shorter time to prevent the outside from drying out before the inside is cooked.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking 7-oz chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes on one side and an additional 3 minutes on the other side. This results in a total cooking time of 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

Another recipe cooks 4-6 oz chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes on each side, resulting in a total cooking time of 8 minutes.

It is important to not overcook the chicken breasts, as this will result in dry meat.

Resting the chicken

The ideal resting time depends on the size of the chicken. For smaller cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts, 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient. For a whole chicken or a large roast, a longer resting time of up to 15 minutes or more is recommended.

While resting the chicken, it is best to loosely cover it with foil to retain heat. This ensures the chicken stays warm without drying out. Additionally, resting the chicken on a wire rack or a cutting board allows the air to circulate, preventing the chicken from overcooking.

Furthermore, resting the chicken makes the carving process easier. When the chicken has rested, the juices have redistributed, making the meat more tender and easier to slice.

In conclusion, resting the chicken is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures the chicken is juicy, tender, and safe to consume. By allowing the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, you will be rewarded with delicious and perfectly cooked meat.

Reheating tips

Yes, you can reheat chicken breast in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken breast is moist and tender:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before reheating chicken breast. The ideal temperature is 350-375°F (177-190°C). Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.

Allow Chicken to Reach Room Temperature

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps the chicken reheat quicker and prevents moisture release.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer Basket

When placing the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensure the pieces aren't overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Flip the Chicken Halfway Through

For even reheating, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. This helps ensure both sides are crispy and prevents drying out.

Brush with Sauce or Oil

Brushing the chicken with a sauce or oil adds moisture and flavour. You can use a low-sugar barbecue sauce or a bit of olive or coconut oil.

Reheating Time

The reheating time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of air fryer. Small to medium breasts will take around 4-5 minutes, while large to extra-large breasts will take 5-8 minutes. Bone-in chicken may take longer.

Check the Internal Temperature

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat.

Don't Overcook

Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this will dry it out. Keep an eye on the chicken during the reheating process, and remove it from the air fryer once it's warmed through.

Using frozen chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breast in an air fryer! Here is a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen chicken breasts (or 3 frozen chicken thighs)
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, black pepper)

Method:

• Remove the chicken from the freezer and season both sides with salt and your choice of spices. Then, top with olive oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F.
• Cook the chicken breasts for 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check when they are cooked. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Once the chicken has reached 165°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• You can serve the chicken with a variety of sides, such as salad, sheet pan veggies, pasta, or in sliders.
• If you are using chicken thighs, it is best to use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.

Frequently asked questions