Air-Fryer Butterfly Chicken: The Perfect Timing

Cooking butterfly chicken in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to achieve a juicy and tender dish with a crispy exterior. The high-heat circulation of an air fryer gives the chicken a golden crunch that's hard to match with other cooking methods. The butterfly technique involves slicing the chicken in half horizontally or removing its backbone, allowing it to lay flat and cook more evenly. This method also saves time, as a butterflied chicken cooks faster than a regular roast chicken.

How long butterfly chicken in an air fryer?

Butterfly chicken breast in an air fryer

Overview

Butterfly chicken is a delicious and healthy meal that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Butterflying a chicken breast involves slicing it in half horizontally, resulting in two thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly without drying out the meat. The air fryer's high-heat circulation also gives the skin a golden crunch that's hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Instructions

• Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing through the thickest part of the breast horizontally. Ensure that you don't cut all the way through, keeping one edge intact so that the breast remains attached. Open up the breast like a book.
• Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. This step will help the seasonings stick to the meat and add extra moisture.
• Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides of the chicken breasts. You can adjust the quantity of each seasoning according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs as well!
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer: Put the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken breasts for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
• Serve: Serve your delicious butterfly chicken breast with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, or gravy fries. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Marinating: While optional, marinating the chicken breasts before cooking can enhance their flavor and tenderness. You can use your favorite spices, herbs, or sauces for marination. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
• Oil usage: You can brush or spray a small amount of oil on the chicken breasts before cooking to achieve a golden and crispy texture. However, avoid using excessive oil to prevent greasiness.
• Flipping: It is recommended to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Extra flavor: You can add extra flavor by using different spices like cumin, rosemary, thyme, or basil. Additionally, brushing the chicken with sauces like barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce before cooking will give it an extra kick.

How to butterfly a chicken

Butterflying a chicken is the same as spatchcocking a chicken. This involves removing the chicken's backbone so that it can be laid flat for cooking. This method has several benefits: it cooks more evenly, is easier to season, has lots of crispy skin, and is easier to serve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Butterflying a Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. You can ask your butcher to do this for you, or you can do it yourself at home with a strong pair of kitchen shears or scissors.

Cut Along the Backbone:

Using your kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting from the tail end and working your way up to the neck. You will need to cut through the rib bones, which will require some force. Remember, you are cutting beside the backbone, not through it.

Remove the Backbone:

Once you have cut all the way up one side of the backbone and then the other, remove it and set it aside. The backbone can be used later for making chicken stock.

Flip and Press the Chicken:

Flip the chicken over so that the breasts are now facing up. Use your hands to open up the chicken slightly. Then, use the palm of your hand to press down firmly on the breast meat, right over the breastbone. You may hear a crunching sound as you do this. The goal is to flatten the chicken so that the breasts and thighs are at roughly the same level.

Tuck the Wings (Optional):

The tips of the wings tend to cook quickly and burn during cooking. To prevent this, you can tuck them behind the body of the chicken.

Season and Cook:

At this point, you can season your chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. Then, it is ready to be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or grill. For air frying, a temperature of 170°C for 25 minutes is recommended, followed by an additional 20 minutes with potato wedges.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for butterfly chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. A larger chicken will take longer to cook than a smaller one, and the size of your air fryer may also determine whether you can cook a larger chicken.

For example, a 2kg whole chicken will take 50 minutes to cook at 180 degrees Celsius, while a smaller chicken may take less time. It's important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear and are not pink. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

When cooking butterfly chicken in an air fryer, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time can range from 35 to 55 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. It's important to keep an eye on the chicken to ensure that it doesn't burn or overcook.

For a 4.5-5 pound whole chicken, it is recommended to cook the chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, it's recommended to let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the moisture to redistribute back into the meat, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.

What temperature to cook at

When cooking a whole butterfly chicken in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to 350°F or 176°C. At this temperature, the chicken will cook evenly and consistently, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a golden, crispy exterior.

For a smaller portion of butterfly chicken, such as chicken breasts, a higher temperature of 400°F or 200°C is suggested. This temperature ensures a crispy outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F or 74°C. This is a food safety precaution to avoid undercooking the chicken.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer before adding the chicken is crucial. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently from the moment it enters the air fryer.

How to serve

Now that you've cooked your butterfly chicken in the air fryer, it's time to serve it! Here are some ideas and suggestions to make your meal delicious and enjoyable:

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Think about including some tasty veggies like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus. You can roast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and your favourite herbs.
• Salad: A fresh salad can complement the chicken nicely. Try a simple garden salad or get creative with ingredients like spinach, avocado, or cherry tomatoes.
• Mashed potatoes (get the perfect mash with a stick blender): Creamy mashed potatoes are always a great side dish and can be made lower-carb by substituting with cauliflower mash.
• Fries: For a more indulgent option, serve your butterfly chicken with fries. You can even make them gravy fries for an extra flavour boost.
• Breads: Try garlic bread, garlic pizza bread, or garlic ciabatta on the side.

Presentation and Plating

• Rest the chicken: Before serving, let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and tender.
• Garnish: Add a sprig of fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of colour and extra flavour.
• Carving: Consider carving the chicken into portions before serving. This makes it easier for your guests to serve themselves and creates a nice presentation.

Sauces and Dips

• Gravy: A rich, flavourful gravy can take your butterfly chicken to the next level. Try making a red wine onion gravy or a simple chicken gravy using the juices from the cooked chicken.
• Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces on the side, such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce. These can add extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Remember, the key to serving butterfly chicken is to complement the juicy, tender meat with sides and sauces that enhance its flavour. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and combinations. Enjoy your homemade air-fried butterfly chicken!

Frequently asked questions