Air Fryer Marinades: Can You Marinate Food Before Frying?

Yes, you can marinate food in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook juicy and flavourful chicken that's also healthy and low-fat. You can use a variety of marinades, from Greek yoghurt to a mix of citrus juices, and experiment with different spices and herbs. The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or for up to 24 hours for a more intense flavour. The cooking time is usually around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and whether they are boneless or bone-in.

Marinade ingredients and combinations

Marinades typically consist of oil, an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, something salty or sweet, and herbs, onions, or garlic. Here are some specific examples of marinade ingredients and combinations that you can use for your air fryer:

• Olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic granules, Herbs de Provence, salt, and black pepper.
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, balsamic or red wine vinegar, coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, dried basil or oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
• Greek yogurt, chilli flakes, paprika, garlic, mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, and rosemary), lemon, and olive oil.

Other marinade combinations include:

• Fish sauce + lime juice + palm sugar
• Garlic + rosemary + lemon
• Thyme + chile + orange
• Pink peppercorns + lime wheels + rice wine vinegar + cilantro stems
• Apple cider vinegar + onions + cumin
• Ginger + garlic + scallion + soy

Marinade timings

Marinating your food can be a great way to add flavour and moisture to your meal. The amount of time you leave your food to marinade depends on the type of food and the ingredients used in the marinade.

Chicken is a popular choice for air fryer meals and can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. It is recommended that chicken is not left to marinade for longer than 24 hours as the meat may begin to break down.

For optimal taste and tenderness, it is recommended to marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave the chicken to marinate, the more tender and juicy it will be.

Some recipes suggest marinating chicken for 4 to 12 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavours to really soak in. However, if you are short on time, a shorter marinating period will still add flavour to your dish.

It is also important to note that frozen chicken does not absorb marinades well, so it is best to defrost your chicken before marinating.

Air fryer temperature and timings

Air fryer temperatures and timings can vary depending on the type of food being cooked, the size of the food, and the brand and type of air fryer being used.

Air Fryer Temperature

As a general rule, when converting an oven-cooked recipe to an air fryer recipe, it is recommended to reduce the temperature by 25°F. Toaster-style air fryers cook at a slower rate than the more popular basket-style air fryers due to their bigger size and difference in hot air circulation.

Air Fryer Timings

Cooking times will depend on the type of food being cooked. For example, chicken will take longer to cook than vegetables. The size of the food will also impact the cooking time, with larger quantities or larger food items requiring longer cooking times. It is recommended to cook food in batches to ensure even cooking.

Most foods will need to be flipped halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcooking or burning. It is also important to preheat the air fryer before adding the food, as this will impact the cooking time and the final result.

• Chicken breasts should be cooked at 390°F/195°C for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
• Chicken thighs and legs should be cooked at 400°F for 16-18 minutes (for dark meat) or 360°F for 16-18 minutes (for white meat), flipping halfway through.
• Greek yogurt chicken thighs should be cooked at 340°F/170°C for 30 minutes, flipping after 20 minutes.
• Frozen foods, such as chicken wings, salmon, and broccoli, can be cooked in the air fryer and typically take less time than fresh foods.

Chicken types and cuts

Chicken is a versatile meat with a range of cuts, each suited to different cooking methods. Here is a guide to the different types of chicken cuts and their unique characteristics.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are lean, mild, white meat consisting of two halves separated during butchering. This cut is taken from beneath the junction of the sternal ribs and vertebrae and is more expensive than other parts of the chicken. It dries out when overcooked, so it's important to cook it properly. Boneless chicken breasts are the most popular type of breast cut. However, bone-in breasts are also available and are known for being juicier and more flavourful. Airline breasts, or Statler breasts, have the drumette part of the wing attached and can be served with or without the bone. Split breasts are cut parallel to the breastbone and may include part of the ribs.

Chicken Tenderloin

Chicken tenderloin, also known as chicken tenders, fingers, strips, or goujons, is a long and narrow muscle found beneath the breast muscle. Its finger-friendly size and shape make it perfect for breading and frying, and it's a popular choice for barbecues.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a favourite among those who crave rich flavour and juicy, tender meat. This dark meat cut is taken from the underside of the animal between the legs and wings, and has more fat, moisture, and flavour than chicken breasts. They are commonly prepared with marinades and are less expensive than breast cuts. Boneless thighs, or thigh fillets, require no additional deboning before cooking and are great for stir-fries or kebabs. Bone-in thighs, or thigh cutlets, still have the bone and skin attached, which makes the meat juicier and more affordable.

Chicken Legs and Drumsticks

Chicken legs and drumsticks are juicy, flavourful cuts of meat with a slightly higher fat content than breast meat. They are ideal for roasting, grilling, slow cooking, or baking and pair well with strong seasoning and marinades. Drumsticks are the lower part of the chicken leg, separated at the hock and knee joints, and are often served alone as finger food.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are white meat cuts that are usually served whole or divided into drumettes and wingettes (flats). They are cheaper than breasts or thighs and contain less meat, but they are still juicy and full of flavour. Wings pair well with various sauces and marinades and can be cooked at high temperatures for a short time, making them a classic choice for game day and tailgating.

Uncommon Chicken Cuts

While the above-mentioned cuts are the most common, there are some less common chicken cuts that are worth mentioning. These include the chicken back, neck, tail, giblets (heart, liver, kidneys, and gizzards), and feet. These cuts are often used in stocks, soups, and broths, or as ingredients in authentic Cajun recipes.

Chicken preparation and serving suggestions

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways and served with numerous side dishes. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions for preparing and serving chicken in an air fryer:

Marination

Marinating chicken before air frying is an excellent way to infuse flavour and keep the meat juicy. You can use a variety of ingredients for the marinade, such as olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, herbs, spices, and yoghurt. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can also leave it overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavour.

Air Frying

When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, which will depend on the type of meat you are using. For white meat, preheat to 360°F, and for dark meat, preheat to 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. Cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken is versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Cucumber apple salad
• Air fryer broccoli, carrots, or vegetable medley
• Tomato cucumber mozzarella salad
• Mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy
• Pasta dishes such as pink sauce pasta or Boursin pasta
• Rice dishes
• Salads
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Potatoes and asparagus
• Wontons, spring rolls, or pot stickers

Storage and Reheating

Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed to your liking.

Frequently asked questions