Air Fryers And Raw Chicken: A Healthy, Quick Option?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for cooking chicken, with many recipes available online. Air fryers are essentially small, high-powered convection ovens that cook food by blowing hot air down and around it. They can be used to cook raw chicken, including chicken breasts, chicken wings, chicken thighs, and even a whole chicken. The main difference between cooking chicken in an air fryer and a regular oven is that air fryers do not require the use of a pan, and they tend to cook things more quickly.

Air fryer chicken breast recipes

Air fryers can be used to cook raw chicken, and they are particularly good for cooking chicken breasts. Chicken breasts have a reputation for being dry and boring, but when cooked in an air fryer, they can be tender and juicy.

Chicken breast is lean, so it benefits from high-temperature baking for a short period of time, and the air fryer is perfect for this. The air fryer uses convection heat, so you don't need to set it as high as you would a regular oven.

There are numerous recipes for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer, and the method is usually very similar. Firstly, slice the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. Then, toss the chicken with spices, salt, and oil. You can let the chicken sit with the spices for an extended period of time—up to 24 hours in the fridge—but for the best results, wait to add the cornstarch until just before cooking. Spices could include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, or for a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper. You could also add a little brown sugar. Leave the chicken to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to between 300 and 380 degrees F. When ready, place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing some space for airflow. Then, cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. You can serve the chicken hot or cold, in salads, wraps, sandwiches, stir-fries, or pasta dishes.

Marinades and brines

Marinating chicken breasts before air frying is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. You can use any marinade you like, whether it's homemade or store-bought, and marinating the chicken for 20 minutes to 12 hours will help the flavors infuse.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic granules
• Herbs de Provence
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic granules, Herbs de Provence, salt, and black pepper.
• Remove any unwanted fat from the chicken breasts and transfer them to 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.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F-390°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and place the chicken breasts inside in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Spray each breast with olive oil.
• Place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F-165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Another option is to brine your chicken before air frying. Brining is the process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). Brining helps keep the chicken moist and allows the salt to flavor the meat throughout.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for raw chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the size of the pieces. Chicken breasts, for example, have different cooking requirements than chicken thighs.

Chicken is considered cooked at an internal temperature of 165 °F. However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer at around 155-160 °F, as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period. This helps ensure the chicken is juicy and not dry.

For chicken breasts, it is recommended to pound the meat to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking. The cooking time is typically around 20 minutes at 360 °F, flipping the chicken halfway through. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, with smaller breasts requiring less time and larger breasts requiring more.

For chicken thighs, a temperature of 300 °F for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F is recommended.

It is important to note that air fryers cook food more quickly than conventional ovens, so the cooking time for chicken in an air fryer will be shorter than in a regular oven. It is also important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect cooking times and results.

Additionally, brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can help add flavour and moisture, but it is not required.

Using an instant-read thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is an inexpensive tool that can help you check if your chicken is cooked. Chicken is considered cooked at 165 °F. However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 155-160 °F and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook and reach the safe temperature of 165 °F.

To use an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn't touch any bones. The thermometer should read at least 165 °F for the chicken to be considered safe to eat. If the temperature is below 165 °F, it is recommended to leave the chicken in the air fryer and continue cooking until it reaches the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time for chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked properly. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Some air fryers may have inaccurate timers, so it is recommended to use a separate digital timer, such as the one on your phone or microwave, to ensure accurate timing. This is especially important when cooking chicken, as the meat can dry out quickly if left in the air fryer for too long. By using an instant-read thermometer and a separate timer, you can ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Air fryer accessories and kits

Air fryers can be used to cook raw chicken, and there are several accessories and kits available to enhance your air frying experience.

When cooking raw chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe for consumption. This can be checked using an instant-read thermometer. To achieve a crispy texture, the chicken should be cooked at 380°F (200°C) for 15 minutes on each side and then finished off at 400°F (220°C) for a couple of minutes.

Now, let's talk about some accessories and kits to elevate your air frying:

• Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers can make cleanup a breeze. It catches any drippings or grease and saves you time on scrubbing the air fryer basket.
• Oil Sprayers: Oil dispensing sprayers are a great way to ensure a light and even coating of oil on your chicken or other foods. This helps to achieve that crispy texture without overdoing the oil.
• Cooking Pans: While air fryers typically don't require the use of pans, certain dishes with sauces or cheese might call for one. Air fryer manufacturers offer a range of pans, including muffin and cupcake pans, that are specifically designed to fit your air fryer.
• Aluminum Foil: If you don't want to invest in a separate pan, aluminum foil can be a great alternative. Simply fold up the edges to create a makeshift pan. However, make sure to follow any tips or guidelines provided by the air fryer manufacturer when using foil.
• Cooking Tongs: Tongs are a handy tool for safely placing and removing food from the air fryer basket, especially when dealing with juicy chicken pieces.
• Thermometer: As mentioned earlier, an instant-read thermometer is essential for ensuring your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Accessory Kits: Air fryer manufacturers often sell accessory kits that include a variety of pans, racks, or other tools specifically designed for your air fryer model. These kits can be a great way to get a collection of useful accessories in one purchase.

These accessories and kits can be found at various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and specialty kitchen stores. They are designed to make your air frying experience easier, cleaner, and more versatile, allowing you to get the most out of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions