Air Fryer Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be used to make juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts, but it usually takes around 10-15 minutes. The key to getting juicy chicken is to brine it before cooking, and you can also pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer.

Chicken Breasts

Small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 10 minutes to cook. Medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 7-12 minutes. Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10-16 minutes.

Whole Chicken

A 5-pound whole chicken will take around 65 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Chicken Tenders/Strips

Chicken tenders or strips will take 18-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to prep chicken for an air fryer

Preparing chicken for an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of chicken you want to cook. Chicken breasts are a popular choice, but you can also use chicken thighs, tenders, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. If you are using chicken breasts, it is recommended to pound the chicken lightly to ensure an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and result in a juicier outcome.

Next, you can brine the chicken. Brining is the process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). Brining helps to keep the chicken moist and allows the salt to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavourful chicken. The chicken can be brined for as little as 30 minutes, but it can also be left for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

After brining, you can move on to seasoning the chicken. You can use any combination of herbs and spices that you like. A simple seasoning blend could include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add olive oil to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

Once the chicken is seasoned, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-415 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is space for air to circulate around the chicken. Cook the chicken for the recommended time, which will vary depending on the size and type of chicken. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 7-10 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) may take up to 16 minutes. It is important to note that you may need to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps, you can easily prepare chicken for cooking in an air fryer, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.

What temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, as they can make the outside crispy and the inside juicy. They are also more energy-efficient than a conventional oven, as they are smaller and take less time to heat up.

Temperature and Timing

The best temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer, whether it is a whole chicken, chicken breast, thighs, or drumsticks, is between 360°F and 400°F.

The timing will depend on the size of the chicken and whether it has bones. For example, a whole chicken weighing 5 pounds will take 45 minutes on one side and 20 minutes on the other. A boneless chicken breast will take 10 minutes on one side and 5-8 minutes on the other. Bone-in chicken thighs will take 15 minutes on the first side and 10-15 minutes on the other. Finally, chicken drumsticks will take 10 minutes on the first side and 10-12 minutes on the other.

Checking for Doneness

Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with an instant-read thermometer.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Air circulation is important to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.
• Pat the chicken dry before cooking for the best crispiness.
• You can use oil to make the chicken even crispier, but it is not necessary.
• You can marinate or brine the chicken before cooking to add flavour and make it juicier.

How to make juicy chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Other seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, thyme, etc.)

Method

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• Brine the chicken (optional). Sprinkle salt all over the chicken and place in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (or 400°F). Place the chicken smooth side down in the air fryer and cook for 6-7 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and flip the chicken over with tongs. Continue cooking for 2-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. The chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but removing it a few degrees early and letting it rest will allow the chicken to finish cooking without drying out.
• Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Smaller chicken breasts will take less time to cook, while larger breasts will take longer.
• Avoid lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper, as this can affect the cooking process and the taste of the chicken.
• If you don't have a meat thermometer, insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

What to serve with air fryer chicken

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Coleslaw
• Tater tots
• Asparagus
• Rice
• Salad
• Pasta
• Vegetables with cheese sauce
• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Gluten-free biscuits
• Garlic shells
• Gluten-free cornbread
• Angel hair pasta with garlic and herbs
• Garlic-butter roasted mushrooms
• Marinated vegetable salad
• Mediterranean orzo salad
• Roasted spaghetti squash
• Gluten-free focaccia

Frequently asked questions