Air Fryer Chicken: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook chicken breasts, and for good reason. They're a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they're also more energy-efficient than using an oven. But how long should you air fry chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit? Well, it depends on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller chicken breasts (4-5oz), you'll want to air fry for 10-12 minutes. Medium-sized breasts (6-8oz) will need 13-15 minutes, and larger breasts (9-12oz) could take up to 20 minutes. It's important to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, so always check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

How long to cook chicken breast in a Power XL air fryer

The cooking time for chicken breasts in a Power XL Air Fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. However, here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook juicy and perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. This can be done by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board, covering them with plastic wrap, and using a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten any thicker parts.

In terms of seasoning, you can brush or spray both sides of the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can also marinate the chicken breasts beforehand by placing them in a Ziplock bag with your preferred marinade, such as Italian dressing, for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours. Remember to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

For optimal results, it is recommended to preheat the Power XL Air Fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chicken breasts. The ideal temperature can vary, but it is generally suggested to cook chicken breasts at temperatures between 360°F and 400°F.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is a general guideline for cooking times at 360°F:

• Small chicken breasts (4-5 oz): 10-12 minutes
• Medium chicken breasts (6-8 oz): 13-15 minutes
• Large chicken breasts (9-12 oz): 16-20 minutes

However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of the Power XL Air Fryer and the thickness of the chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Breasts

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken breasts can touch but should not overlap.
• Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juiciness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you can cook delicious and juicy chicken breasts in your Power XL Air Fryer every time.

How to make air fryer chicken breasts

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon of oil (canola, olive, or avocado)
• Salt
• Dried parsley
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Optional ingredients:

• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Meat thermometer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, turn it to 400°F for 8-10 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub with oil.
• In a small bowl, combine the salt, dried parsley, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over both sides of the chicken.
• Lightly spray the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts inside, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Set the cook time for 12 minutes (add or subtract a couple of minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts).
• Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should have reached 165°F. If it hasn't, return it to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, use a rolling pin or a flat meat mallet to flatten any thicker parts of the chicken breasts.
• If you want to add a bit of sweetness to your chicken, include some brown sugar in the spice mix.
• For extra crispiness, toss the chicken with avocado oil and your chosen spices.

Tips for making air fryer chicken breasts

Prep the Chicken

Before seasoning the chicken, it's a good idea to pound the breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure they are of an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and avoid undercooked or overcooked sections.

Seasoning

A simple seasoning of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can be used, or you can get creative with other herbs and spices. You can also try a dry brine by sprinkling salt over the chicken and leaving it to rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavour.

Oil

A light coating of oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken. You can brush or spray the chicken with olive oil or another oil of your choice.

Temperature and Timing

Preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but generally, it will take around 10-20 minutes at this temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Make sure there is space between each chicken breast in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.

Resting

Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This will help keep the juices locked inside, resulting in juicier meat.

Don't Overcook

The key to juicy air fryer chicken breasts is to avoid overcooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F.

How to store and reheat air fryer chicken breasts

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden brown crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook, store, and reheat chicken breasts using an air fryer.

Cooking Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry and rubbing them with a light coating of oil. Season the chicken with a blend of salt, parsley, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also use other seasonings or marinades of your choice.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place the chicken breasts inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the cook time for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storing Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:

It is important to store leftover chicken breasts properly to maintain their quality and safety. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cool Down: After cooking, allow the chicken breasts to cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
• Portion: If you have a large batch, divide it into smaller portions.
• Storage: Transfer the chicken breasts to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date of storage.
• Refrigerate: Place the containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Breasts:

You can easily reheat your cooked chicken breasts in the air fryer without drying them out. Here's how:

• Preheat: Set your air fryer to 350°F. Preheating is important to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Arrange: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Reheat: Cook for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
• Optional: For crispier skin, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last minute of cooking.

By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and tender air fryer chicken breasts, whether freshly cooked or reheated!

Sides to serve with air fryer chicken breasts

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and tasty meal. While the exact cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the air fryer, cooking chicken at 400 °F for 10-15 minutes should be enough to get a nice golden colour and ensure the meat is cooked through.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

• Lyonnaise Potatoes with caramelized onions
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Homemade Mac and Cheese
• Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
• Creamy Garlic Shells
• Gluten-Free Cornbread
• Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs
• Garlic-Butter Roasted Mushrooms
• Steamed veggies with Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce
• Marinated Vegetable Salad
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Roasted Spaghetti Squash
• Gluten-Free Focaccia
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes
• Salad, such as Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
• Pasta, such as Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Brown Butter
• Pizza, such as Buffalo Chicken Pizza
• Stir Fry, such as Vegetable Lo Mein
• Sandwiches or wraps, such as Chicken Caesar Wrap or Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Herbed Goat Cheese and Garlic

Frequently asked questions