Make Marinated Air-Fried Chicken: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare chicken. The chicken will be tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. You can use any cut of chicken and a variety of marinades. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken and the thickness of the cut. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

There are many different ways to make marinated chicken in an air fryer, and the ingredients and preparation methods vary depending on the desired flavour profile. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Marinade Ingredients:

• Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other oil that fits your dietary preferences.
• Acid: Lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, white vinegar, or yoghurt.
• Savoury: Soy sauce, coconut aminos, or chicken/vegetable stock.
• Spices: Garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or Herbs de Provence.
• Sweet: Honey.
• Optional: Chilli flakes, paprika, ground ginger, maple syrup, or coconut aminos.

Preparation:

• Prepare the chicken by trimming any unwanted fat and removing the tendon from the tenderloin (if desired). You can use any cut of chicken, but if you are using chicken breasts, consider cutting them in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
• Make the marinade by combining the ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until well blended.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl or plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will be.
• When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of chicken you are using. For dark meat, set the air fryer to 400°F, and for white meat, set it to 360°F.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique marinade!

Chicken cuts and alternatives

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and the air fryer is no exception. When it comes to air frying chicken, you have a lot of flexibility in terms of the cuts of meat you can use. Here are some options:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is a popular choice for air frying as it cooks quickly and evenly. You can cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole. They are also a good source of protein and low in fat.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are known for their tenderness and juiciness, making them a great option for the air fryer. They are also more affordable than chicken breasts and less likely to dry out during cooking.

Chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are perfect for air frying as they are already in a convenient, bite-sized shape. They cook quickly and are a great option for those who prefer white meat.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs: If you prefer dark meat, you can certainly use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs in the air fryer. Just be aware that the cooking time will be longer, and you may need to adjust the temperature to ensure the meat is cooked through.

In addition to these traditional cuts, you can also get creative and try other alternatives in the air fryer:

Chicken wings: Air fryer chicken wings are a popular choice for game days or as an appetiser. They come out crispy and juicy, and you can toss them in a variety of sauces.

Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks are a fun and easy option for air frying. They're perfect for finger food and can be seasoned in a variety of ways.

Chicken strips: If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken strips, the air fryer is a great option. You can bread them or simply season them with your favourite spices.

Whole chicken: Believe it or not, you can even cook a whole chicken in the air fryer! It may take a bit longer, but the results are delicious and juicy. You can also try spatchcocking the chicken to shorten the cooking time.

When choosing a cut of chicken for the air fryer, consider the cooking time, your preferred level of doneness, and the flavour you want to achieve. Remember that boneless, skinless cuts will cook faster, while bone-in and skin-on cuts will take longer but may have a more intense flavour.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking temperature and time for marinated chicken in an air fryer will depend on the type of chicken and the recipe used.

For example, if you are cooking chicken breasts, you should cook them for 18 to 20 minutes at 390F/195C, or 10 minutes on each side at 360F/180C. If you are cooking chicken thighs, cook them for 30 minutes at 170C/340F, flipping them after 20 minutes.

The cooking time will also depend on the size of your chicken breasts. For example, small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 8 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10 to 14 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F/74C to ensure it is safely cooked.

Storing and reheating

Storing

When storing cooked chicken, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature first. This should take about an hour. Then, wrap the chicken pieces in foil, taking care not to overlap them, and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date, and consume within 3-4 days.

Reheating

The air fryer is the best way to reheat chicken, as it can restore the crunchy texture of the coating. Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C) and place the chicken in a single layer on a rack or in the basket. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat chicken in the oven or on the stovetop. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 400°F and place the chicken on an oven-safe rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. For stovetop reheating, add oil to a heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F. Slowly add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, until crisp and heated through.

It is not recommended to reheat chicken in the microwave, as this can dry out the meat and toughen the coating.

Serving suggestions

Marinated chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried marinated chicken:

• Cucumber apple salad
• Air-fried broccoli, carrots, or a vegetable medley
• Tomato cucumber mozzarella salad
• Boursin mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy
• Pink sauce pasta or Boursin pasta
• Loaded mashed potato bowls
• Greek chicken gyros wraps
• Boursin lemon pasta
• Rice
• Noodles
• Salad
• Barbie Pasta
• Baked Mozzarella Pasta
• Confit garlic and chilli Orzo
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice
• Side salad
• Vegetables
• Tofu
• Halloumi
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer frozen onion rings
• Air fryer tomatoes
• Air fryer frozen green beans
• Peppercorn sauce without cream
• Soup maker cheese sauce
• Microwave zucchini
• Air fryer garlic mushrooms
• Air fryer breakfast potatoes
• Air fryer jacket potatoes
• Air fryer homemade chips

Frequently asked questions