Air Fryer Pulled Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, thanks to their ability to cook food quickly and healthily. One dish that can be made easily in an air fryer is pulled chicken. This versatile protein can be used in various recipes, from tacos and salads to soups and sandwiches. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also produces juicy and flavorful chicken that's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Seasoning and prep

The seasoning and prep for making pulled chicken in an air fryer are simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you can follow:

Pat the chicken breasts dry: Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken breasts. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't become rubbery.

Brush with oil: Lightly brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil or avocado oil. This step adds moisture to the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.

Season generously: Season the chicken breasts with your desired spices. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper, ground mustard, or any other spice blends you prefer. Be sure to season generously on all sides of the chicken.

Place in the air fryer basket: Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the air fryer basket, placing them in a single layer without crowding the basket. If you are cooking multiple chicken breasts, you may need to cook in batches.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 370°F to 400°F, depending on the recipe you are following.

Cooking time: Air fry the chicken for the recommended time, which is usually around 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.

Check the internal temperature: To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the chicken rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.

Shred the chicken: After resting, shred the chicken using two forks, a hand mixer, a stand mixer, or your hands once it has cooled down. You can shred the chicken directly in the air fryer pan or transfer it to a cutting board or large bowl before shredding.

With these steps, you'll have perfectly seasoned and prepared pulled chicken, ready to be used in a variety of dishes!

Air fryer settings

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting is ideal for cooking chicken breasts, as it ensures they are cooked thoroughly without drying out.

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat your boneless and skinless chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step is important to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

Season the Chicken:

Brush both sides of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking. Then, season the chicken generously with your chosen spices. You can use a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or get creative with other seasonings like taco seasoning or a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.

Cook the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry the chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.

Rest and Shred the Chicken:

For best results, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking before shredding. You can use a hand mixer, two forks, your hands (once it's cool enough), or even chop it with a knife.

Serve and Store:

Use your freshly shredded chicken in various dishes like chicken salad, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, wraps, and more.

You can store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Cooking time

The cooking time for making pulled chicken in an air fryer depends on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using, as well as the temperature setting of the air fryer.

If you are using boneless chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels, then brush with olive oil and season generously on all sides. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 200C/400F. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165F. If you are using frozen chicken breasts, cook for a little longer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 75C.

If you are using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be slightly shorter as they are smaller than chicken breasts. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

For bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. You may also need to use the two-fork method for shredding the chicken instead of using a chicken shredder.

Shredding methods

Shredding chicken can be done in a variety of ways, from using a stand mixer or hand mixer, to using two forks, your hands, or even a pizza wheel. Here is a more detailed description of each method:

Stand Mixer

This method is extremely fast and easy. Place the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl of a stand mixer. Attach the paddle attachment and make sure to lock the tilt head to prevent it from bouncing up. Turn the mixer on low and you will have shredded chicken in 15 to 20 seconds.

Hand Mixer

Place the chicken in a large bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed to break the chicken into shreds. This method is especially useful when shredding a large amount of chicken.

Two Forks

Place the cooked chicken on a plate or cutting board and use two forks to pull the meat apart and shred it.

Hands

This method requires a bit of patience and some protection for your hands, as you'll need to wait for the chicken to cool down enough to handle safely. Once it's cool, gently pull the chicken apart with your fingers.

Pizza Wheel

Although not as common, some people have had success using a pizza wheel to break up the chicken breasts.

Other Options

While not technically shredding methods, you can also slice or dice the chicken, which is perfect for green salads, pasta salads, and wraps. Additionally, if you're making a very large batch, you can use a food processor to speed up the process.

Storing and reheating

Storing

To store your pulled chicken, separate it into portions before storing. This will make it easier to reheat the amount you need each time. Place the chicken in airtight containers or bags and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat your pulled chicken:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish, adding a small amount of chicken stock or water. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the oven until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Stove: Place a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of water or chicken stock. Add the chicken and stir/flip the pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger pieces around the outside. Sprinkle a few teaspoons of water over the chicken, followed by a drizzle of olive oil. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towels and microwave in intervals until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

It is important to note that chicken should only be reheated once after storing, and any leftovers should be discarded. Additionally, always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to prevent any food safety issues.

Frequently asked questions