Marinade Chicken In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Yes, you can cook marinated chicken in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare chicken. The air fryer cooks food more evenly and distributes heat better, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.

The key to cooking marinated chicken in an air fryer is to ensure that the chicken is not overlapping or stacked in the basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating properly and lead to uneven cooking. It is also important to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours, as the meat can start to break down.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

Preparing a marinade for chicken is simple and can be done with a few basic ingredients. Here are some ideas for marinade ingredients and the steps to prepare them:

Marinade Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried herbs (e.g. basil, oregano) and/or fresh herbs (e.g. rosemary)
• Garlic (powder or freshly minced)
• Spices (e.g. paprika, cayenne, black pepper)
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Chicken broth
• Hot sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Marinade Preparation:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, spices, salt, and any other desired ingredients until combined.
• Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or a large bowl.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it gently until the chicken is well coated.
• Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

You can also use a store-bought marinade or dressing if you're short on time. Some options include Newman's Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing, Caesar dressing, ranch dressing, or Italian dressing.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for your air fryer chicken will depend on the cut of chicken you are using, the size of the pieces, and the temperature to which you want to heat the chicken.

Marinating

Ideally, you should marinate your chicken for between 30 minutes and 12 hours. The thicker the pieces, the longer it will take to flavour the meat throughout.

Cooking

If you are cooking marinated chicken breasts, you should preheat your air fryer to 390F/195C for 3-5 minutes. Then, spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for a total of 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C, flipping the chicken halfway through.

If you are cooking marinated chicken thighs, you should preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in a greased air fryer basket and air fry for 16 minutes at 350 degrees, flipping halfway through. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

If you are cooking marinated chicken breasts or thighs without a marinade, you should preheat your air fryer to 400F/204C. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes. You don't need to turn the chicken, but if you notice some edges are browning more than others, you can rotate the chicken pieces or the basket. After 12 minutes, start checking the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken needs to be cooked to 165F/75C to be safe to eat.

Chicken size

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 6 to 8 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 10-14 minutes

Reheating

You can reheat your chicken in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Chicken cuts and alternatives

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and the air fryer is no exception. You can use any cut of chicken in the air fryer, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a leaner cut and are prone to drying out, so it's important to keep them juicy. One way to do this is to use a marinade. A marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs can help keep the chicken moist. You can also try cutting slits in the chicken to help it cook more evenly and quickly. It's also important to let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking and to cook it at a high temperature.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great option for the air fryer because they are super cheap and moist. They can be cooked in a similar way to chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the meat.

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are another option for the air fryer, and they are a kid favorite. You can use the same marinade and cooking method as for chicken breasts or thighs.

Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are a good option if you're looking for something quick and easy. They cook faster than bone-in pieces, so be sure to check them frequently to avoid overcooking.

Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are a favorite for many. They cook quickly and can be made extra crispy by spraying them with olive oil before cooking.

Whole Chicken

You can even cook a whole chicken in the air fryer! It's best to cut the chicken into pieces first so that you have a mix of dark and white meat. This will ensure that all the pieces cook evenly.

Chicken Alternatives

If you're looking for a change from chicken, there are some alternative options that can be cooked in the air fryer. These include steak, shrimp, and fish.

Marinating time

Marinating chicken before air frying is a great way to ensure your chicken is tender, juicy, and packed full of flavor. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge. The longer you leave it, the more the flavors will soak into the meat.

If you're in a hurry, 30 minutes will still give your chicken a tasty boost, but if you have the time, leaving it for longer will be more beneficial. Aim for at least 4-6 hours if you can, and don't worry if you go over 12 hours—the meat won't be negatively affected.

You can also marinate frozen chicken, but it's not recommended when using a marinade as the flavor won't penetrate the meat while it's still frozen. If you do choose to marinate frozen chicken, it will take twice as long as the meat will first need to defrost.

Storing and reheating

Storing Marinated Chicken:

• Refrigeration: It is recommended to store marinated chicken in the refrigerator immediately after preparation. The ideal temperature for your refrigerator is 40°F (4°C) or below to effectively slow down bacterial growth. Place the chicken in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and spillage.
• Shelf Life: Marinated chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Beyond this period, the risk of bacterial growth increases, compromising food safety and quality.
• Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of marinated chicken, you can freeze it. Divide the chicken into meal-sized portions, seal it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and clearly label each package with the date and type of marinade. Frozen marinated chicken can last up to three months.
• Signs of Spoilage: It is important to recognize the signs of spoilage to avoid consuming unsafe food. Discard the chicken if you notice any unpleasant odors, color changes (gray, green, or unusual colors), slimy or tacky texture, or mold growth.

Reheating Marinated Chicken:

• Thawing: If you are reheating frozen marinated chicken, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheating Methods: You can reheat marinated chicken using an oven, stovetop, or microwave. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat it on medium power until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or moisture (like broth), and reheat the chicken until it is thoroughly heated.
• Even Heating: Ensure that the chicken is heated evenly to avoid any cold spots, which may harbor bacteria.

Frequently asked questions