Air Fryer Chicken Fillets: Can You Do It?

Chicken fillets can be cooked in an air fryer and the process is simple and quick. The result is juicy, tender chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes. The key to achieving this is to cut the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows for more surface area to be coated in seasoning, resulting in a better ratio of tasty outside coating to tender inside meat. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the chicken breasts, but on average, it takes around 8-15 minutes in an air fryer set to 360-415 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken fillets in an air fryer: cooking times and temperatures

Chicken fillets can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, depending on the size of the fillets. The air fryer is a great way to cook chicken fillets, as it can make them juicy and tender, with a crispy outside.

Cooking temperatures

The best temperature to cook chicken fillets in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is lower than the temperature you would use in a regular oven, as the air fryer uses convection heat.

Cooking times

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken fillets. Here is a general guide:

• Small fillets (5-7 ounces): 6-10 minutes
• Medium fillets (8-10 ounces): 7-12 minutes
• Large fillets (11 ounces or more): 10-16 minutes

It is important to note that chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.

Tips for cooking chicken fillets in an air fryer

• Ensure there is enough space between the fillets in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Do not line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, as this can affect how evenly the chicken cooks and its taste.
• For best results, bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking.
• Brining the chicken before cooking can help to improve its texture and flavour, making it juicy and well-seasoned throughout.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as this can dry it out.

Storing and reheating chicken fillets

Cooked chicken fillets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to prepare chicken fillets for an air fryer

Preparing chicken fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken fillets dry. Then, place them on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness. This step helps ensure even cooking and improves the texture of the meat.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken (Optional)

Brining is not mandatory, but it can help improve the taste and texture of your chicken. To dry brine, sprinkle salt all over the chicken and place it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. If you prefer a wet brine, you can use a saltwater solution instead.

Step 3: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, mix your desired spices. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or dried oregano. You can also add a bit of sweetness with brown sugar.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken fillets and ensure they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and rub it in evenly on both sides. If desired, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the spices to absorb.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (182-200°C). Place the chicken fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to ensure proper air circulation. For a standard 8-oz portion of chicken, cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For smaller or larger portions, adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender fillet. Finally, slice and serve your delicious air-fried chicken!

Oil and seasoning for chicken fillets in an air fryer

Oil is an important component when cooking chicken fillets in an air fryer. A light coating of oil helps to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while also preventing the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket. Healthy oils such as olive oil or avocado oil can be used for this purpose, providing flavour and texture.

If you prefer a low-fat option, air frying without oil is possible, although the chicken may not get as crispy. In such cases, thoroughly seasoning the chicken and ensuring it's not overcrowded in the air fryer basket will still yield delicious results.

A little oil also helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken breasts and keeps them moist.

• A thin layer of oil can be used to create a protective barrier that keeps the chicken moist during the cooking process.
• Oil can be combined with seasonings and rubbed onto the chicken before air frying.
• For a healthier option, use olive oil or avocado oil.
• If using frozen chicken fillets, drizzle oil over them before air frying.

Now, let's talk about seasoning. Seasoning your chicken fillets is crucial to enhancing their flavour. You can experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite blend. Here are some tips and ideas for seasoning chicken fillets in an air fryer:

• A simple seasoning blend could include onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• For a smoky flavour, add smoked paprika to your seasoning blend.
• Other spices you can use include cumin, thyme, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavour profile.
• You can also try marinating the chicken fillets before seasoning and air frying. A simple marinade could include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

How to store chicken fillets cooked in an air fryer

Chicken fillets cooked in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. To store them, follow these steps:

• Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature.
• Place the chicken fillets in an airtight container.
• Put the container in the refrigerator.
• Consume the chicken within four to five days.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken fillets for longer-term storage. To freeze them, follow these steps:

• Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature.
• Place the chicken fillets in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
• Put the container or bag in the freezer.
• Consume the chicken within two to three months for the best quality.

Chicken fillet alternatives in an air fryer

While chicken fillets are a great option to cook in an air fryer, there are several other alternatives that you can try. Here are some ideas for chicken fillet alternatives that you can cook in your air fryer:

Pork Chops

Pork chops are a juicy and tasty alternative to chicken fillets. They are a great source of protein and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your preference. You can rub them with your favourite herbs and spices or try a marinade for added flavour.

Tofu

Tofu is a versatile and healthy option that can be cooked in an air fryer. It has a neutral flavour, so it can take on the taste of whatever seasonings or sauces you use. You can marinate it beforehand or toss it with spices and oil before air-frying for a crispy texture.

Salmon

Salmon is another healthy protein option that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and has a rich flavour. You can season it with a simple blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, or get creative with other seasonings of your choice.

Chicken Thighs

If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken fillets. They have a juicy inside and can get a crispy outside texture when cooked in an air fryer. You can season and cook them similarly to chicken fillets, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time depending on their size.

Chicken Tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are smaller pieces of chicken that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a good option if you want to avoid slicing chicken breasts into thinner pieces. You can follow a similar recipe as chicken fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated with spices and oil for the best flavour and texture.

With these alternatives, you can explore different flavours and textures while still enjoying the convenience and health benefits of using an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions