Air Fryer For Chicken: Is It Worth The Hype?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and can be used to make a variety of dishes, from fried chicken to chicken breasts. Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens that use hot air to cook food, and they offer a number of benefits over traditional frying methods. Firstly, they are healthier, as they use a fraction of the oil required for deep frying or pan frying. This also makes them less messy and easier to clean. Secondly, they are more versatile and can be used to make a wide range of dishes, from healthy versions of fried foods to roasted vegetables and juicier proteins. Finally, air fryers are very convenient as they reduce cooking time and are easy to use.

How to prepare the chicken for the air fryer

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, decide on the type of chicken you want to cook. You can use either a whole chicken, cutting it into pieces yourself, or opt for chicken breasts, tenders, or wings. If you're using chicken breasts, it is recommended to slice them into thinner, flat pieces for more even cooking and better flavour absorption.

Once you've selected your chicken, it's time to season it. You can use a dry brine or wet brine to add flavour and moisture to the meat. For a dry brine, sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you prefer a wet brine, create a saltwater solution and let the chicken soak in it for at least 30 minutes. You can also add other herbs and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavour.

After brining, pat the chicken dry and coat it with oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral-flavoured high-heat oil. Then, apply your chosen seasonings generously to the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-415°F, and place the chicken inside. Cook times will vary depending on the size and type of chicken, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes for chicken breasts and tenders, and slightly longer for larger pieces. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy delicious, juicy air-fried chicken prepared to perfection.

The best temperature and time to air fry chicken

Yes, you can use an air fryer for chicken!

The best temperature to air fry chicken depends on the type of chicken and the desired level of crispiness. Air frying at a higher temperature will result in crispier chicken, while a lower temperature will produce a juicier chicken.

For boneless chicken breasts, a temperature of 360-375°F for 7-16 minutes is recommended. For chicken thighs, air fry at 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes. If you're cooking chicken strips or tenders, air fry at 390°F for 12-14 minutes. Whole chicken can be cooked at 350-400°F for 30-40 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Additionally, some recipes suggest brining the chicken before air frying to ensure juiciness and enhance the flavour. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking, which helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more seasoned and moist final product.

How to store and reheat air-fried chicken

When storing air-fried chicken, it is important to let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Consume leftover chicken within four days, although it is best to eat it as soon as possible after cooking.

To reheat air-fried chicken, it is not recommended to use a microwave as this can make the exterior soft and soggy. Instead, the best methods are to use an oven or an air fryer.

To reheat air-fried chicken in an oven, follow these steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place an oven-safe rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lay the chicken in a single layer.
• Let the chicken sit for 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature.
• Place the chicken in the oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked and the skin is crispy.

To reheat air-fried chicken in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and work in batches if needed.
• Spray or brush the chicken with olive oil for extra crispiness (optional).
• Reheat for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.

The best types of chicken to use

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, but which types of chicken are best suited for this cooking method? Here are some recommendations and tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer and ensure juicy, tender, and flavourful results.

Bone-in Chicken

Using bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts can lead to delicious results in the air fryer. The bones help keep the meat moist and juicy, and the skin can get nice and crispy. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can remove the skin before cooking.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a versatile option for the air fryer. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches, and are perfect for meal prep. When using chicken breasts, it's important to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. You can also marinate or brine the breasts before cooking to add extra flavour and moisture.

Chicken Tenders and Strips

Chicken tenders and strips are smaller pieces of chicken that cook quickly in the air fryer. They are perfect for snacks or appetizers and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out easily.

Marinades and Brines

Marinades and brines can add extra flavour and moisture to your chicken. You can marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce, Italian dressing, or your favourite marinade for up to 24 hours before cooking. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes, which helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the flavour.

Spices and Seasonings

Don't skimp on the spices and seasonings! A simple mixture of salt and pepper can work, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or your favourite spice blend. You can also try coating the chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch for an extra crispy texture.

Cooking Tips

When cooking chicken in the air fryer, make sure the pieces are in a single layer with a bit of space for airflow. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and type of chicken, but for most cuts, an internal temperature of 165°F is ideal.

Now that you know the best types of chicken to use, it's time to fire up that air fryer and get cooking!

Marinades and seasonings for air-fried chicken

There are many different ways to season chicken before air frying it. One option is to use a dry rub of salt and pepper, or a mixture of herbs and spices. Here are some specific examples:

• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, cornstarch, and avocado oil
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and olive oil
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and flour
• Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, mushroom powder, mojo powder, or onion/garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, smoked paprika
• Lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning and oil
• Citrus lime seasoning from Trader Joe's
• Rotisserie rub
• Applewood rub and BBQ sauce
• Guga's rub
• Curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and flour
• Shake and Bake

Another option is to use a marinade. Here are some examples:

• Buttermilk
• Olive oil and rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, and basil
• Yogurt with Indian spices

Frequently asked questions