Air Fryer Cooking: Rotisserie Chicken Breasts Perfection

Cooking chicken in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy roast chicken. The cooking time depends on the size and wattage of your air fryer, but generally, it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to cook a whole chicken. You should always rest your chicken after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat nice and juicy.

Cooking time and temperature

To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the thigh or breast, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are eliminated, making the chicken safe to eat.

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken breasts with a honey-soy glaze or brush with reserved seasoning to add flavour and moisture. This step can be repeated a couple of times to build up a delicious glaze on the chicken.

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest. Resting the chicken is essential, as it lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender final product. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack set over a sheet pan for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period also allows the chicken to cool slightly, making it more comfortable to handle and ensuring that the juices don't run out when carving.

How to prepare the chicken

To prepare the chicken, start by stuffing the chicken with onion, celery, fresh herbs (sage is recommended) and seasoning with herbamare and white pepper. Truss the chicken and season the outside. Massage the chicken all over with the rub evenly. Preheat the air fryer to 360-380ºF. Place the chicken in the air fryer breast side down and cook for 30-45 minutes. Flip the chicken so the breast side is facing up and cook for another 10-30 minutes. Baste the chicken breast with a honey-soy glaze a couple of times during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You'll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reads 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer. Make sure to check the thickest part of the thigh, and ensure the thermometer is not touching the bone. When the chicken is done, move it to a wire rack set over a sheet pan to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

How to tell when the chicken is cooked

Cooking chicken in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. However, it's important to make sure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid food poisoning. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection:

Firstly, it's crucial to preheat your air fryer oven to the correct temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken at around 360-380ºF. Once your oven has preheated, place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer and cook for 30-45 minutes.

Next, you'll need to flip the chicken so that the breast side is facing up. This ensures even cooking and helps to create a crispy skin. Cook the chicken breast-side up for an additional 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken and the wattage of your air fryer.

To check if your chicken is cooked, the best tool to use is a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165ºF or 74ºC. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria have been killed, making the chicken safe to eat.

It's important to note that the chicken's internal temperature will rise slightly as it rests, so don't be alarmed if it reaches a slightly higher temperature after removing it from the air fryer. Always allow your chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.

Resting the chicken

Depending on the size, model, and wattage of your air fryer, you may need to allow for a longer resting time. As a general rule, allow roughly between 12 and 15 minutes for each pound (450g) of weight.

By following these steps and allowing the chicken to rest, you will ensure that your rotisserie chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and remain juicy and flavorful.

What to serve with the chicken

Rotisserie chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer oven take between 45 minutes and 1 hour, so you'll want to serve them with something that's quick and easy to prepare. Here are some ideas:

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing is a classic side dish that will complement the chicken perfectly. You could also add some sliced avocado or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavour and texture.

Roasted vegetables are always a great option, and they can be cooked in the oven while your chicken is cooking in the air fryer. Try carrots, parsnips, beets, or potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could make a grain salad with quinoa, farro, or wild rice. These grains can be cooked ahead of time and then tossed with chopped vegetables, nuts, and a vinaigrette or lemon dressing.

For a heartier option, you could serve the chicken with a warm quinoa salad. Cook the quinoa according to the package directions, then toss it with sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and onions. You can also add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavour.

Finally, don't forget the condiments! A good mustard or aioli can really elevate your chicken dish. You could also make a quick sauce with yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

Frequently asked questions