Air Fryer Hack: Marinade For Better Taste

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken in an air fryer. The result is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that is packed with flavour. The chicken comes out tender, juicy, and full of flavour. The air fryer cooks food more evenly and distributes heat better.

Marinade ingredients and alternatives

Marinating chicken is a great way to keep it moist and juicy when cooking in an air fryer. You can use any marinade you like, from a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs to a more complex blend of yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings.

• Olive oil: Any other flavourless cooking oil, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, can be used.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a brightness to the marinade. You can substitute it with vinegar, such as balsamic, red wine, or white vinegar.
• Garlic: You can use garlic powder, freshly minced garlic, or jarred garlic.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning can be used.
• Salt and pepper: These are used to taste and can be adjusted or omitted according to your preference.
• Yoghurt: Greek yoghurt is recommended, but regular unflavoured and unsweetened yoghurt can also be used.

When marinating chicken, it is best to do so for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge. Do not exceed 24 hours, as the meat will start to break down. After marinating, cook the chicken in the air fryer at 390-400°F/195-204°C for 12-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74-75°C.

Marinating times

For chicken wings, it is recommended to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

For chicken thighs or legs, it is recommended to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes up to 24 hours.

It is also important to note that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the type of meat or cut. For example, white meat should be cooked at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while dark meat should be cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer temperatures and timings

Air Fryer Temperatures

As a general rule, air fryers cook at temperatures between 360°F and 400°F. Some recipes recommend cooking at 390°F.

Air Fryer Timings

Cooking times will vary depending on the type of food and the cut of meat. For example, white meat will take less time to cook than dark meat. Chicken breasts should be cooked for 12-14 minutes, whereas chicken wings will take 15-25 minutes.

It is recommended that you check the internal temperature of meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through. Chicken, for example, needs to be cooked to 165°F to be safe to eat.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer before adding food.
• Arrange food in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Flip food halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to test the doneness of meat.

Chicken cuts and preparation

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for preparing chicken cuts for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Cut

You can use any cut of chicken in the air fryer, including bone-in, boneless, skin-on, or skinless chicken breasts, thighs, legs, wings, or tenders. However, it's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the cut of chicken you choose. For example, chicken strips cook faster than bone-in pieces, so be sure to check them frequently to avoid overcooking.

Preparing the Chicken

Before cooking your chicken in the air fryer, trim any visible fat or undesirable parts from the chicken breasts. If the chicken pieces are uneven in thickness, you can slice them to ensure they cook evenly. Making short, shallow slits crosswise down each chicken breast can also help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating your chicken can help keep it moist and juicy. You can use a variety of marinades, from a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs to more complex combinations. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate it for up to 12 hours in the fridge. Be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking the Chicken

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature for your chicken cut. For white meat, a temperature of 360°F to 415°F is recommended, while dark meat should be cooked at 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap. Cook the chicken for the recommended time, flipping it halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve marinated chicken from the air fryer. Here are some ideas for serving suggestions:

Side Dishes

You can serve the chicken with a cucumber apple salad, broccoli, carrots, or a vegetable medley. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, pasta, or a side salad.

Low-Carb Options

For a low-carb option, you can serve the chicken with roasted turnips, stir-fried spinach with garlic and Parmesan, garlicky green beans stir fry, or asparagus with lemon-mustard vinaigrette.

Other Ideas

You can also serve the chicken with rice, turnip greens, or a bun and some extra sauce.

Frequently asked questions