Air Fryer Chicken: Safe To Cook Raw?

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 chicken in an air fryer without thawing it first. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures that the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

To cook chicken in an air fryer, first pat the chicken dry if it is wet. Then, season the chicken with oil and herbs or spices of your choice. You can also coat the chicken in a breading mixture if you prefer. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature of around 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. For thicker chicken breasts, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Using an air fryer to cook chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy option. It requires less cooking time and creates delicious, juicy results.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer will depend on the cut of chicken and the size of the pieces. Here is a guide to help you get perfectly cooked chicken in your air fryer:

Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer will take around 40 minutes at 360°F. Start the chicken breast-side-down and flip it halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Boneless Chicken Breast

For boneless chicken breasts, cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the breasts. Small breasts (5-7 oz) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 oz) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 oz or more) will take 12-16 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

Bone-in Chicken Breast

Bone-in chicken breasts will take a little longer to cook than boneless breasts. Cook at 375°F for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Boneless Chicken Thigh

Boneless chicken thighs are smaller and will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Cook at 375°F for around 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Bone-in Chicken Thigh

Bone-in chicken thighs will take a little longer than boneless thighs. Cook at 375°F for up to 30 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through.

Bone-in Chicken Drumstick

Cook drumsticks at 375°F for around 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings cook quickly in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the wings for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlets are thin strips of chicken breast that cook quickly. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the cutlets for 8 minutes.

Chicken Tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are the most tender part of the chicken breast. Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

General Tips

• Always ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illnesses.
• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can help keep it juicy and flavourful.
• Pat the chicken dry before adding any seasonings or oil to ensure even cooking.
• You can cook chicken from frozen in the air fryer, but it will take longer and you may need to adjust the temperature to ensure even cooking.
• Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to get a crispy exterior on the chicken.
• If you are cooking saucy or cheesy dishes in the air fryer, it is recommended to use a tray or aluminium foil to catch any drips and mess.

Using frozen chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

First, remove the chicken from its packaging. If your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully separate the breasts with a fork or knife. You can then season the chicken with salt, or a seasoning mix of your choice.

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, manually set it to the desired temperature for a few minutes. Spray the bottom of the pan with some cooking spray.

Step 3: Air fry the chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and do not overlap. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through.

Step 4: Add oil and spices

After 10 minutes, the chicken should be fully or almost thawed. Remove it from the basket and rub it with olive oil or avocado oil, and your choice of spice mix. Place the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Check the chicken is cooked

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should be 165°F.

Tips:

• The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will take around 20 minutes, medium breasts around 25 minutes, and large breasts around 30 minutes.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
• You can experiment with different seasonings.

Chicken preparation

Defrosting and Drying

If you're using frozen chicken, it's best to defrost it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let the chicken come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning. If your chicken has a lot of moisture on it, pat it dry with a paper towel.

Slicing

For even cooking, it's best to slice chicken breasts into thinner, flat pieces. This will also help the chicken cook faster and ensure it's juicy. If you're using chicken tenderloins, remove the tendon and the thin membrane. If they are large or thick, gently pound them with the heel of your hand or a mallet to even out the thickness.

Seasoning

You can use a variety of seasonings on your chicken, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, oregano, or parsley. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken seasoning blend. If you want to add a kick of spice, add cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend.

For a simple seasoning, mix together:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For a more complex blend, try:

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil

Coat the chicken with oil and sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn't go up to this temperature, set it to 400°F and reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces to allow air to circulate. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

For larger chicken breasts, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Here's a cooking guideline:

• 6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts: about 10 to 11 minutes total
• 8 to 9-ounce chicken breasts: about 11 to 12 minutes total
• 10-ounce or larger chicken breasts: about 13 to 14 minutes total

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow carryover cooking to increase the internal temperature by a few more degrees. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and you can put uncooked chicken in an air fryer. Here are some tips and settings to help you get the best results:

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C). Some recipes might call for slightly lower or higher temperatures, but this is a good starting point. If your air fryer doesn't have an adjustable temperature setting, that's fine; just use the default setting.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you're cooking. For example, chicken breasts will take around 10-15 minutes, while chicken wings might take a little longer. A whole chicken could take around 30-40 minutes. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's cooked safely.

Preheating

It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. This will help ensure even cooking and give you more accurate cooking times. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, or you can simply turn it on for a few minutes before adding your food.

Spacing

Make sure there is enough space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, so it's important that the air can flow freely around each piece of chicken. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook your chicken in batches.

Flipping

For even cooking and to prevent drying out, it's a good idea to flip your chicken halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that both sides cook evenly and help to create a juicy, tender final product.

Oil and Seasoning

A light coating of oil on your chicken will help it cook evenly and give it a nice crispy texture. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. As for seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin. You can also try a dry brine by sprinkling salt on the chicken and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Frozen Chicken

You can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer, but it's best to thaw it first and pat it dry before adding any seasoning or oil. Frozen chicken might take a few minutes longer to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly.

Chicken types

Yes, you can cook uncooked chicken in an air fryer. In fact, cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy skin without drying out the meat.

Chicken is one of the most popular meats in the world, and different cultures use every part of the bird to create fantastic dishes. Here are some of the most common types of chicken cuts and their characteristics:

• Whole Chicken: Includes all cuts without the giblets and provides options for dishes. Can be prepared in various ways, including smoking, deep-frying, and grilling.
• Chicken Breast: Lean, mild, white meat consisting of two halves. Proper cooking is vital as it dries out when overcooked.
• Boneless Breast: A whole breast with all bones removed. The most expensive breast cut, extremely popular in the US.
• Split Breast: Cut parallel to the breastbone, similar to a bone-in breast. May include part of the ribs, helping to maintain flavour and moisture. Can also be purchased boneless.
• Airline Breast: Has the drumette part of the wing attached. Can be served bone-in or boneless, making it convenient finger food.
• Bone-in Breast: Includes all the cartilage, bones, and tissue in the breast region, making it juicier and more flavourful. Used for stuffed breasts at catered events and high-end dining.
• Chicken Tenderloin: Found under the breast cut, tenderloin meat is moister than most white meat cuts. Perfect for breading and frying for family-friendly dishes.
• Chicken Back: Extends from the base of the neck to the tail and contains the vertical ribs and hip bones. Used primarily for soup and stock.
• Chicken Wings: White meat cuts, cheaper than breasts or thighs. Juicier than breasts with a concentrated flavour, making them great for smoking.
• Whole Chicken Wing: Includes the entire limb with all muscles, bones, and skin.
• Wingtip: A rare cut, chicken wingtips are edible and delicious when prepared correctly. Makes excellent hors d'oeuvres when seasoned, baked, and broiled.
• Drumette: Resembles a mini drumstick, between the second joint and the shoulder. The thickest part of the wing and the easiest to eat.
• Wingette: The section between the first and second joints of the wing. Smaller than drumettes with a flat, thin shape that contains meat between two bones.
• Chicken Legs: Delicious and versatile, this cut includes both the drumstick and the thigh. More flavorful due to fat and bones inside. Ideal for single-person meals.
• Whole Chicken Leg: Includes the thigh and drumstick but not the chicken back portion. May also have the oyster piece of meat in front of the hip joint.
• Leg Quarter: Includes the thigh and drumstick, plus a portion of the chicken back. Some cuts also include the tail.
• Chicken Drumsticks: The lower part of the chicken leg, often served alone as finger food. Juicy and flavourful, they are prepared with strong seasoning and marinades, then grilled, baked, or fried.
• Chicken Thighs: The upper part of the leg, separated at the knee and hip joints. A favourite dark meat cut, thighs are juicier and more flavourful than chicken breasts. Commonly prepared with marinades and various cooking methods.
• Boneless Thighs: Require no additional deboning before cooking and are great for stir fry or kebabs. More expensive than cutlets.
• Bone-in Thighs: Still have the bone and skin attached to the meat. The bone creates a juicier cut of meat cheaper than a thigh fillet.

Frequently asked questions