Air-Fryer Chicken: Bone-In Breasts, Perfectly Cooked

Air fryer bone-in chicken breast is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer is a convenient and healthy option as it reduces the amount of oil needed and it cooks the chicken to perfection. The bone and skin help keep the chicken moist and tender, and it can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to enhance its flavour.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

Preparing the chicken before cooking is a crucial step in ensuring your air-fried bone-in chicken breast turns out juicy and flavourful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your chicken:

Defrost the Chicken (if frozen)

If you are starting with frozen chicken breasts, it is important to properly defrost them before cooking. Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight to allow it to thaw gradually. This step is important for even cooking and maintaining food safety.

Seasoning the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drying the surface of the chicken will help the seasonings adhere better. You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your chicken. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, Italian herbs, or a simple dry rub. You can also create a marinade by combining ingredients like balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a bowl or a large ziplock bag, add the marinade, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more intense flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step that should not be skipped. It helps create a crispy exterior on your chicken and ensures even cooking. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically between 360-400°F (180-200°C) for this recipe.

Oil the Chicken (optional)

While this step is not mandatory, especially if your chicken has skin on, you can choose to baste or drizzle a small amount of oil on the chicken breasts. This can help with browning and crisping up the skin. Oils with higher smoke points, such as olive oil or avocado oil, are recommended.

Apply Seasonings or Marinade

If you have not marinated your chicken, this is the time to apply your chosen seasonings. Sprinkle or rub the seasonings generously onto all sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure to get under the skin as well for maximum flavour.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Once your chicken is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure there is space between the breasts for the hot air to circulate around each piece.

Now you are ready to start cooking! Follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures, and you'll be on your way to enjoying juicy, flavourful air-fried bone-in chicken breasts.

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• Olive oil

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt, coating all sides of the chicken.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure they are in a single layer with space between them so the hot air touches the entire piece of chicken.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over.
• Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can use other seasonings such as garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, Chinese 5-spice, or a dry rub with chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
• If you are cooking more than one chicken breast, it's important to check the temperature of each one as they may not all cook at the exact same time.
• Bone-in chicken breasts typically take between 25-30 minutes to cook, but this will depend on the size of the chicken and your air fryer.
• You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but it can help to create a crispy exterior and jumpstart the cooking process.
• You don't need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking, but it will ensure even crispiness and a better presentation.
• If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to 40-50 minutes and baste with butter halfway through.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is a great way to make the most of your food and reduce waste. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat bone-in chicken breast leftovers:

Storing Leftovers:

It is important to store your leftovers properly to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your chicken. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the cooked bone-in chicken breast to cool down to room temperature.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store the chicken in the refrigerator.
• Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days.

Reheating Leftovers:

When it comes to reheating bone-in chicken breast leftovers, there are a few different methods you can use. Here are the three most common methods:

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the leftover bone-in chicken breast in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat for about 3-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Reheat in the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
• Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Microwave:

• Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
• Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• As with the other methods, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember, when reheating chicken, it is crucial to avoid overcooking or drying out the meat. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and prevent foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious and safely reheated bone-in chicken breast leftovers!

What to serve with the chicken

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried bone-in chicken breast. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

You can cook vegetables in the air fryer alongside the chicken. Some suggestions include:

• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Frozen onion rings
• Frozen tater tots
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Air fryer eggplant
• Air fryer zucchini
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Kale

Starch

Starch is a great complement to chicken. Some options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Baked potato
• Rice
• Noodles
• Potato wedges
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese

Salad

A nice salad can round out the meal.

Bread

Some bread on the side is always a good option. For example, you could make some homemade garlic bread.

The benefits of cooking chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken, especially if you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy option. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for your next chicken dinner:

Health Benefits

One of the main benefits of using an air fryer is the reduced need for oil. Air fryers require little to no oil, which means less fat and fewer calories in your meal. This is a much healthier option compared to deep frying or pan frying, which requires submerging food in oil. With an air fryer, you can still achieve that crispy, golden crust on your chicken without all the extra grease.

Time-Saving

Air fryers are incredibly convenient and save you time in the kitchen. They have a short preheating time, and cooking time is also reduced compared to traditional ovens or stovetops. You can have juicy, tender chicken on the table in less than 30 minutes! The cleanup is also a breeze, as there are no big pots of hot oil to deal with.

Juicy and Tender Chicken

Air fryers are excellent for cooking chicken evenly, ensuring your meal is juicy and tender. The high-powered, countertop convection oven blows hot air around the food, resulting in moist and flavourful chicken. The key to achieving this is to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it.

Versatility

Air fryers offer a lot of versatility in terms of cooking options and ingredients. You can use an air fryer to make healthy versions of your fried favourites, roast vegetables, or cook juicier proteins like chicken, pork chops, tofu, or salmon. When it comes to chicken, you can use an air fryer for bone-in or boneless chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or even a whole chicken.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are simple to use and perfect for beginners in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. All you need to do is preheat your air fryer, season or marinate your chicken, place it in the basket, and let it cook! You can also easily adjust the cooking time and temperature settings to suit your preferences.

Cost-Effective

Bone-in chicken breasts are generally more cost-effective than boneless chicken breasts, and they tend to come out juicier and more moist. Air fryers also allow you to cook multiple chicken breasts at once, depending on the size of your basket, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a larger group.

Frequently asked questions