Air Fryer Chicken: Safe To Put Raw Chicken?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and you can put raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, you can even put frozen raw chicken in an air fryer. The air fryer's hot air circulation technology ensures that the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

To cook raw chicken in an air fryer, you should first pat the chicken dry to avoid excess moisture. Then, season the chicken with oil and herbs or spices of your choice. You can also coat the chicken in flour or cornstarch for a crispy texture. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or on a rack, making sure the pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, typically between 350-400°F for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it is cooked safely.

Cooking times and temperatures for different cuts of chicken

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook chicken, as it has a nice firm, juicy texture, similar to roasted or baked chicken.

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This temperature range allows for even cooking and promotes a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Whole Chicken (3-4 lb.)

Cook at 360°F for 12 minutes.

Boneless Chicken Breast (8 oz.)

Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.

Bone-in Chicken Breast (10 oz.)

Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.

Boneless Chicken Thigh (4-5 oz.)

Bone-in Chicken Thigh (5-6 oz.)

Drumstick (5 oz.)

Leg Quarter (1 lb.)

Wings (5 full wings, cut into 2 pieces each)

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

• Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at your desired cooking temperature.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• Marinate or season the chicken before cooking to enhance its flavour and juiciness.
• Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a crispier texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't skip the preheat step, as it ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dryness and toughness.
• Refer to the proper cooking temperatures and times for the specific cut of chicken you're preparing to avoid uneven cooking.

How to ensure chicken is cooked through

Yes, you can put raw chicken in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is cooked through:

Timing and Temperature

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes. You should also flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

The best temperature for air frying chicken is 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking for Doneness

Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160 degrees Fahrenheit and let it rest, as the residual heat will bring it to temperature.

Brining

Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. It helps to keep the chicken moist and flavoursome. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).

Avoid Overcooking

Overcooking is a common cause of dry chicken. It is important to keep an eye on the chicken and use a thermometer to check for doneness.

Other Tips

• Use olive oil to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist.
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or your choice of seasonings.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking.
• Lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• You can cook raw frozen chicken in the air fryer, but the results may not be as juicy. Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How to brine chicken

Brining is a technique where chicken or other meat is soaked in a brining solution for a period of time before it is cooked. This process adds flavour, moisture and tenderness to the chicken.

Firstly, you will need to make the brine solution. A basic brine solution contains only three ingredients: salt, sugar and water. For this solution, you will need:

• 1/2 cup of kosher salt (use 1/3 cup if using regular table salt)
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat

You can also add other ingredients to the brine solution to enhance the flavour. For example, dried sage, dried basil, garlic, peppercorns, honey, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemons, bay leaves and ground pepper are all ingredients that can be added to the brine solution.

Next, you will need to mix the ingredients together:

• Whisk together the salt, sugar and water until the salt and sugar have dissolved in the water
• Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the brine solution over it
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to six hours

Finally, before cooking the chicken, be sure to rinse it well and pat it dry.

Tips for Brining Chicken:

• It is important to refrigerate the chicken during brining to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
• Do not reuse the brining solution as it can contain harmful bacteria from the raw chicken
• Brining times can vary depending on the size and type of chicken. A whole chicken can be brined for up to eight hours, while bone-in pieces can be brined for up to four hours
• If you are brining chicken breasts, a dry brine is less messy and just as effective as a wet brine

How to cook frozen chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take the desired number of frozen chicken breasts out of the freezer. If they are stuck together, run the package under warm water for about 5 minutes to easily separate them. Place them on a plate and sprinkle both sides with salt.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning

Prepare your desired seasoning by mixing spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper in a small bowl. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (some recipes recommend 400°F) for at least 3-4 minutes. You can also spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Initial Fry

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and have some space between them. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This step helps the chicken thaw without drying out.

Step 5: Season and Second Fry

Take the chicken out of the air fryer and rub it with olive oil or avocado oil. Then, coat the chicken with the prepared seasoning mix. Place the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. You can pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a healthy meal.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, as it is the best way to ensure it is fully cooked without overdoing it.
• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will take around 20 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 30 minutes or more.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite flavors.
• If you want to add a sauce, brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Enjoy your juicy and delicious air-fried frozen chicken!

How to season chicken for the air fryer

Yes, you can cook raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and energy-efficient way to prepare chicken with a nice firm, juicy texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the chicken into smaller pieces. For example, if you are cooking chicken breasts, you can cut them into thin, flat pieces. This will help ensure even cooking and more juicy chicken.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

You can season your chicken with any herbs and spices you like. Here are some popular options:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Red pepper flakes
• Poultry seasoning
• Lemon pepper
• Soy sauce

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. You can also use your hands to rub the spices onto the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate.

Cook the chicken for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes.

Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Brining the chicken before cooking can help keep it juicy. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as this will dry it out.
• If you are cooking frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about 50%.
• If you are using a sauce or cheese, place the chicken on a tray or aluminium foil to catch any drips and prevent mess.

Frequently asked questions