Air-Frying Chicken: Perfect Timing For Tender, Juicy Meat

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook chicken. Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, it can take as little as 10 minutes to cook chicken in an air fryer. The chicken should be cooked smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then flipped over and cooked for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. For a whole chicken, it can take up to an hour to cook.

Cooking time for chicken breasts

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the breasts and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, it is recommended to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer for 7 minutes on one side and then flip them over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C).

For larger chicken breasts, you may need to cook them for longer than 3 minutes on the second side. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.

If you are cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer, the cooking time will be longer. For a 1.4 kg whole chicken, it is recommended to cook at 200°C for 30 minutes on each side, for a total of 60 minutes. Again, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken breasts. It is always best to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the recommended temperature.

Temperature settings

The temperature settings for cooking chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken you are cooking. For example, a whole chicken weighing 1.4 kg should be cooked at 200°C for 30 minutes on each side.

Chicken breasts, on the other hand, should be cooked at a lower temperature of 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket smooth side down and cook for 7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 3 minutes (or more for larger chicken breasts). After a total of 13 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, cook for another 1-2 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken breasts. Always ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Using a meat thermometer

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a meat thermometer when cooking chicken in an air fryer:

• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. For even cooking, it's best to cook similar-sized chicken breasts together.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C) for most recipes.
• Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip the breasts over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts; larger breasts may require a few extra minutes.
• After the initial cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the meat, making sure it doesn't touch any bones, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
• The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked. If the temperature hasn't reached this point, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until it does.
• Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a clean cutting board or plate for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.
• After resting, the chicken is ready to be served and enjoyed. You can pair it with your favourite sides, use it in a salad or sandwich, or store it for later as a convenient meal prep option.

Resting time

The length of the resting time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. For smaller or thinner chicken breasts, a resting time of 2 to 3 minutes may be sufficient. However, for larger or thicker chicken breasts, it is recommended to rest for 5 minutes or more. This longer resting time helps to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly throughout and prevents overcooking.

During the resting time, the chicken should be placed on a clean cutting board or plate. This allows any excess juices to drip off, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy. It is important to note that the chicken will continue to cook slightly during the resting process due to carryover cooking. Carryover cooking occurs when the residual heat within the meat continues to raise its internal temperature even after it has been removed from the heat source.

To ensure food safety and prevent undercooking, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before serving. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). If the chicken has not reached this temperature after the initial cooking time, it should be placed back in the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, and then the resting time should be repeated.

Sides to serve with chicken

Chicken cooked in an air fryer takes around 10 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, cooking them for 7 minutes, then flipping them over and cooking for an additional 3 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

• Potatoes – roasted, mashed, boiled, or fried. For roasted potatoes, add rosemary and garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a crispy alternative, fry up some cubes of potatoes with garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Green salad – a classic side for chicken. Add some toasted nuts or crumbled cheese for extra flavour.
• Vegetables – roasted or grilled asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach or zucchini, or grilled corn.
• Green beans – garlic green beans are a tasty and healthy option.
• Macaroni salad – a cheap and kid-friendly option.

Frequently asked questions