Air Fryer Oven: Cooking Chicken The Easy Way

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and healthy way to prepare this versatile dish. Air fryers use convection heat to cook food, meaning you don't need to set the temperature as high as you would with a regular oven. This method of cooking is also more energy-efficient and can be used to create juicy, tender, and crispy chicken with minimal mess.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer Oven:

Air fryer vs. oven cooking

Air fryers and ovens are two of the most common cooking appliances, but they work quite differently. An air fryer is a compact, countertop appliance that cooks food by blowing hot air down and around it. In contrast, an oven uses radiant heat to cook food, which means that the food is heated by the hot air in the oven.

One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is that it can produce similar results to deep-frying with minimal to no oil. This makes it a healthier option than deep frying. Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than ovens, as they don't require the entire oven cavity to be heated. This also means that they can cook food more quickly and efficiently than ovens. On average, cooking time is reduced by about 20% when using an air fryer instead of an oven. For example, if you cook something at 175°C in an oven for 30 minutes, you would only need about 24 minutes in the air fryer set to 165°C.

However, ovens generally offer more space and versatility than air fryers, making them better suited for cooking larger dishes or multiple items at once. Ovens also allow for more precise control over the cooking process, as you can adjust the temperature and cooking time more easily.

When it comes to cooking chicken, both air fryers and ovens can produce delicious results. Air fryers are great for getting crispy, golden chicken without the mess of deep frying. Ovens, on the other hand, can be used to bake or roast chicken, resulting in juicy and tender meat. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken, an air fryer is a good option. However, if you're cooking for a large group or want more control over the cooking process, an oven might be a better choice.

It's important to note that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and the size of the chicken breasts. Always refer to the instructional manual or a conversion chart for the best results.

Choosing the right chicken

Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air fryer cooking because they are lean and benefit from high-temperature baking for a shorter period of time. When selecting chicken breasts, look for equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

If you prefer darker meat, boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a great option. They are usually smaller than chicken breasts and may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Chicken tenderloins are another healthy option that can be used in air fryer recipes. If they are large or thick, you can pound them gently to even out the thickness.

For a more traditional fried chicken flavour, some people prefer using skin-on and bone-in chicken pieces. These can add more flavour and moisture to the dish. However, keep in mind that bone-in pieces may take longer to cook than boneless ones.

Overall, the key to choosing the right chicken for your air fryer oven is to select pieces that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. You can use a variety of chicken cuts, from breasts to thighs to tenderloins, depending on your preference and the specific recipe you are following.

Brining and seasoning

Brining is an important step in ensuring your chicken is juicy and fully seasoned. The process involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. During brining, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, which helps to keep it moist and flavourful. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt directly onto the meat). If you're short on time, even 30 minutes of brining can make a big difference in the juiciness and flavour of your chicken.

If you're using frozen chicken breasts, you'll need to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Drizzle oil over your chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. You can use olive oil, which will help keep the chicken moist and juicy. Then, season generously with salt and pepper or your favourite combination of spices. You can also coat the chicken in bread crumbs for a crispier texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some brown sugar and cornstarch for a unique flavour profile.

It's important to note that some air fryer chicken recipes don't require any brining or marinating beforehand, so you can simply season the chicken to your liking and pop it into the air fryer. However, if you have the time, brining can take your chicken to the next level in terms of both taste and texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer oven depend on the type of chicken and the specific model of the air fryer.

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, set your air fryer timer for 8 minutes and then check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken strips cook faster than bone-in pieces, so they need to be checked frequently to prevent overcooking and drying out. The internal temperature of the chicken strips should be 165° to 170 ̊F in the thickest part.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, some sources recommend cooking for 12 minutes, checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F. If it has not, return it to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Other sources suggest cooking for 4 minutes on each side, or a total of 8 to 11 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

To reheat chicken in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F and gently rewarm the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat chicken in the oven at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes.

Reheating and storing

Air fryers are a quick and effective way to reheat chicken, keeping the outer crisp texture. The constant circulating hot air delivers even reheating from all angles of the chicken. It is also faster than a traditional oven and is well-suited to crisping up food that may have lost its crunch.

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (or 360°F). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Brush the chicken with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer tray, ensuring enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Reheat for 5-6 minutes, then turn the pieces with tongs and cook for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

When storing chicken, it is important to let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Use a clean airtight container and put a layer of paper towels around the bottom and sides to soak up any juices. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions