Air Frying Chicken: Overlapping For Faster Cooking?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for those wanting to cook fried foods in a healthier way. They work similarly to convection ovens, using a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior. Due to the mechanics of air fryers, overcrowding the basket should be avoided, but can you overlap chicken in an air fryer?

Stacking chicken in an air fryer

When stacking chicken, such as breasts or thighs, their sides will be flush against each other, preventing the centre pieces from getting any exposure to the hot air. This will lead to uneven cooking, sogginess, and possibly even food safety issues. Even with shaking and moving the pieces during cooking, they may still stick together and produce undesirable results.

However, there are some exceptions. Chicken wings and drumettes can be stacked into two layers and shaken periodically for more even cooking because their irregular shape allows pockets of air to remain between them. Additionally, using a rack system can help separate the chicken pieces and improve airflow, but it is still important to flip and rotate the meat for even cooking.

Therefore, while it is technically possible to stack chicken in an air fryer, it is generally not advisable due to the high risk of uneven cooking and food safety concerns.

Chicken wings can be stacked

However, chicken wings are an exception to this rule. Their irregular shape means that pockets of air remain between them when stacked in layers. It is recommended to stack them into two layers at most, and to shake them every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you are looking to fit a maximum number of wings into your air fryer, it is recommended to line them up along the sides of the fryer, standing upright, and to flip them halfway through cooking.

Chicken breasts cannot be stacked

Even if you were to shuffle the stack around during the cooking process, you would still end up with chicken breasts that are stuck together, unevenly cooked, and possibly even soggy. This is not ideal, especially when it is so easy to avoid this issue.

Instead of stacking chicken breasts, it is better to cook them in a single layer. This will allow the hot air to reach all sides of the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. If you need to cook more chicken than your air fryer basket can fit in a single layer, consider cooking in batches or investing in a larger air fryer.

If you are set on stacking food in your air fryer, there are some foods that can be stacked successfully. Small, firm, or unevenly shaped pieces of food can be stacked without racks, as they allow for proper airflow. Foods such as french fries, chicken wings, and croquettes can be stacked directly in the basket, but it is important to shake the basket during the cooking process to ensure even cooking. For stacking larger pieces of food, such as meat, it is best to use racks to separate the food and allow for proper airflow.

Using a rack to stack chicken

Firstly, it is important to note that while you can stack chicken in an air fryer, it is not recommended. The mechanics of an air fryer circulate hot air around the food, and if the airflow is compromised, the chicken will be poorly cooked or even half-raw. Therefore, it is best to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

However, if you are intent on stacking chicken, it is best to use a rack. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Clean the rack with a paper towel.
• Brush some oil onto the rack.
• Place the rack inside the air fryer.
• Lay the chicken on the rack, ensuring it lays evenly.
• To avoid flying food remnants and oil splatters, place another rack on top of the chicken.
• Repeat the process, stacking the racks on top of each other, until you have added all your chicken.

It is important to note that the thickness of each layer will depend on the size of the chicken. Generally, you can fit 2-3 pieces of chicken in one layer. Additionally, make sure to turn all the pieces at least twice throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Using stackable racks in an air fryer is a great way to cook multiple pieces of chicken at once, but remember to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

How to stack chicken tenders in an air fryer

Stacking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a great way to cook multiple pieces of chicken at once. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

Before you start stacking the chicken tenders, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the chicken and the air fryer:

• Place your chicken tenders in a bowl and add a little cooking oil. You can also marinate the chicken tenders in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey, or other spices and sauces of your choice.
• Dip the chicken tenders in water for about 30 seconds, then rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F.

Stacking the Chicken Tenders:

Now you are ready to start stacking the chicken tenders in the air fryer:

• Place a piece of aluminium foil in the air fryer basket. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and burning.
• Place your chicken tenders in the basket. You can stack them in two or three layers, depending on the height of your basket. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces for airflow.
• Cover the chicken tenders with another piece of tin foil, ensuring that each tender is covered.
• Slide the basket into the air fryer and select the appropriate settings.

Alternatively, you can place 3 or 4 chicken tenders at the top of the basket and 2 or 3 at the bottom, depending on the height of your basket. You can also use a rack to elevate the chicken tenders and improve airflow.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders:

Once you have stacked the chicken tenders, it's time to start cooking:

• Cook the chicken tenders for about 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders:

• Brine the chicken tenders before cooking to add moisture and improve juiciness.
• Pat the chicken dry after brining and before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• Use enough cooking spray or oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary.

Frequently asked questions