Air-Fried Chicken: Baking Without An Oven

Baked Chicken in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens as they cook food faster and yield crispier results. They are essentially compact countertop convection ovens that rapidly circulate hot air to cook food. This makes them perfect for baking chicken, which usually requires a long time to roast.

How to Bake Chicken in an Air Fryer

Baking chicken in an air fryer is easy. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the chicken in the fryer basket, and let the appliance do the work. It is important to flip the chicken partway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, whether it has bones, and other factors. For example, boneless chicken breasts should be cooked at 400°F for 10 minutes on the first side and 5–8 minutes on the other, while a whole chicken will take 30 minutes on the first side and 12–22 minutes on the other.

Tips for Baking Chicken in an Air Fryer

- Marinating or brining the chicken before cooking will add flavour and make it juicier.

- Pat the chicken dry after marinating or brining to achieve crispier results.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

- While a little oil can be used to make the chicken crispier, it is not necessary as the air fryer will yield crispy results without it.

- Do not stack chicken in the air fryer as this will limit air circulation and result in uneven cooking.

- Air fryers typically hold 2–4 servings of food, or about one pound of meat.

How to prep the chicken

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is simple and will result in juicy, tender chicken breasts.

First, decide whether you want to brine or marinate your chicken. A brine will make the chicken extra tender and juicy, while a marinade will add flavour. If you decide to brine your chicken, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you decide to marinate your chicken, add your chosen marinade to a Ziplock bag, add the chicken, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Next, take your chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Then, pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Finally, coat the chicken in oil and sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the chicken. You can also mix your oil and seasonings in a bowl and then toss the chicken in the mixture.

How to cook the chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you want to marinate or brine your chicken, now is the time to do it. A brine will make your chicken extra tender and juicy, while a marinade will pack in some extra flavour. If you're short on time, don't worry—a marinade can be as quick as 10 minutes! Just be sure to pat your chicken dry before adding it to the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

If you haven't already done so as part of your marinade, now is the time to season your chicken. You can use your favourite blend of herbs and spices, or keep it simple with salt and pepper. Olive oil will help your seasonings stick to the chicken and keep it moist.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces aren't overlapping.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

How long you cook your chicken for will depend on its size. Small chicken breasts (around 5-7oz) will take 7-10 minutes, while larger breasts (11oz or more) could take up to 16 minutes. Flip your chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Your chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help keep the chicken juicy.

Step 6: Serve!

Your chicken is now ready to be devoured!

Tips and Tricks

• For the juiciest chicken, brine your meat for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you want to get crispy chicken skin, you can add a little oil to your chicken before placing it in the air fryer.
• Don't stack your chicken in the air fryer—this will limit air flow and result in unevenly cooked meat.
• If you're cooking frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes and make sure to flip the chicken halfway through.
• If you're cooking a whole chicken, you'll need an air fryer that's large enough to accommodate it. As a rule of thumb, your air fryer should be at least one quart larger than the weight of the chicken.

How long to cook the chicken

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on their size, whether they are boneless, and other factors. Here are some general guidelines for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer:

• Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (6 to 8 ounces): 10 to 15 minutes
• Large breasts (9 to 12 ounces or more): 12 to 20 minutes

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the number of chicken breasts you are cooking at once. It is always best to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F before consuming it.

Some additional tips for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer include:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chicken.
• Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation.
• Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juices.

What temperature to cook the chicken at

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that the temperature may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer being used. For example, if you are cooking small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces), the recommended temperature is 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 10 minutes. For medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces), cook at the same temperature for 10 to 12 minutes. Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will require a longer cooking time of 12 to 16 minutes. It is always advisable to use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, as overcooking can lead to dry and rubbery meat.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that different air fryer models may have varying preheat functions and temperature settings. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others recommend adding the chicken to a cold air fryer and letting it heat up together. It is crucial to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model to ensure optimal cooking results.

How to use the cooked chicken

There are endless ways to use your cooked chicken, from adding it to salads, sandwiches and wraps, to getting creative with curries, stir-fries, and pasta bakes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Chicken is a great addition to a salad, bulking it out and adding protein to make it a more filling meal. Try a green salad with lettuce, apple, celery, and cucumber, or a chicken Caesar salad with croutons and Parmesan. For something a little different, combine chicken with nectarine, avocado, and spinach.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Chicken sandwiches and wraps are a great option for a quick and easy lunch. You could make a simple chicken sandwich with salad and mayo, or get creative with a chicken Caesar wrap, or even a chicken and tzatziki wrap.

Pasta

Chicken goes well with a variety of pasta dishes. Try a creamy chicken and bacon pasta bake, or a chicken and spinach pasta with crème fraîche. For something with a kick, a chicken jalfrezi is a great option, or you could make a Thai-inspired chicken and peanut noodle dish.

Curries

Chicken is a versatile meat that works well in a variety of curries. Try a chicken tikka masala, a chicken korma, or a chicken jalfrezi. For something a little different, a Thai green curry with chicken and bamboo shoots is a delicious option.

Stir-fries

Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to use up leftover chicken. Try a chicken and cashew stir-fry with peppers and onions, or a chicken and broccoli stir-fry with soy sauce and ginger.

Casseroles and Bakes

Chicken casseroles and bakes are a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a comforting, hearty meal. Try a chicken and stuffing bake, or a chicken and broccoli casserole. For something a little different, a chicken pot pie with a biscuit crust is a delicious option.

Frequently asked questions