Air-Fried Chicken: Perfect Timing For Juicy Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook a whole chicken, and they can be roasted to perfection in less than an hour. The circulating heat of the air fryer keeps the meat moist, and the outside crispy. The size of the chicken and the wattage of the air fryer will determine the cooking time, but a good rule of thumb is 12-15 minutes per 500g at 180°C. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size and cut of the chicken.

Chicken Breasts

Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes.

Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) will take 10 to 12 minutes.

Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

Whole Chicken

A whole chicken weighing 3 to 4 pounds will take 45 to 60 minutes. A larger chicken (5 to 6 pounds) will take closer to 60 minutes to an hour and 5 minutes.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings will take around 20 minutes.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs will take 10 to 14 minutes.

Frozen Chicken Breasts

Frozen chicken breasts will take 18 to 20 minutes.

Tips

• It is important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
• The ideal temperature for an air fryer is 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• To ensure juicy chicken, consider brining the meat before cooking. This involves salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking.
• To achieve crispy skin on a whole chicken, cook breast-side down for the majority of the cooking time.
• For extra flavour, rub the chicken with oil and your choice of seasonings before cooking.

Air fryer chicken cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, keeping the meat juicy and tender, with super crispy skin.

Whole Chicken

For a whole chicken, you will need to cook it for around an hour, depending on the size of the bird. A 3-4lb chicken will take 45-60 minutes, whereas a 5-6lb chicken will take 60-75 minutes. The temperature should be set to between 350-360°F (180°C). You should also flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Chicken Breasts

The cooking time for chicken breasts will depend on their size. Small breasts (5-7oz) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10oz) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11oz or more) will take 12-16 minutes. The temperature should be set to 375°F. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through.

Frozen Chicken

You can also cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Checking for Doneness

Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

How to make air fryer chicken juicy

Air-fried chicken is a quick and easy meal to make, but it can be difficult to get the meat just right. Here are some tips to ensure your air-fried chicken is juicy and tender.

Brining

The number one secret to juicy air-fried chicken is brining. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, keeping it moist and flavourful. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you're short on time, even just 30 minutes of brining can make a big difference.

Don't Overcook

It's important not to overcook the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165°F, but it's best to remove it from the air fryer at around 155-160°F as the temperature will continue to rise while it rests. An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to check the temperature of your chicken.

Size Matters

The size of your chicken breasts will determine how long they need to be cooked for. Here's a rough guide:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes

Oil and Seasoning

Coating your chicken in olive oil will help the seasonings stick and keep the meat moist. You can use any herbs and seasonings you like, but a simple mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder works well.

Resting

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat instead of spilling out.

Don't Overcrowd

Make sure there is space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.

Marinating

Want extra juicy chicken? Try marinating or brining your chicken for even greater juiciness and flavour.

Temperature

Appliances can vary, so it's best to go by the temperature of your chicken rather than the time. Check the temperature earlier than you think to avoid overcooking.

How to season air fryer chicken

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and the best part is that you can season your chicken in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips and tricks to help you season your air fryer chicken like a pro!

Brining

The secret to juicy and flavourful air fryer chicken is brining. Brining is a simple process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt on the meat). The salt draws out moisture from the meat, and when the meat is cooked, the juices are retained, resulting in juicy and tender chicken. Brining also helps the salt and other seasonings penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring your chicken is seasoned all the way through.

Seasoning Blend

When it comes to seasoning your air fryer chicken, the possibilities are endless. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with various herbs and spices. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
• Orange pepper rub
• Cilantro lime and garlic rub
• Mushroom umami rub
• Coffee barbecue seasoning
• Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices

Oil

Using oil is an essential step when seasoning your air fryer chicken. Olive oil is a popular choice as it helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist. It also helps to crisp up the skin. You only need a small amount, and it's best to rub the oil onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.

Fresh Garlic

Although fresh garlic is a great seasoning option, it can sometimes burn in the air fryer. If you want to use fresh garlic, it's recommended to mix it with other spices or herbs to reduce the risk of burning.

Timing

The timing of when you season your chicken can also impact the final result. For the best results, season your chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. You can also season the chicken right before placing it in the air fryer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the seasonings don't burn.

Customization

The beauty of seasoning air fryer chicken is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices, or even try marinades to add extra flavour to your chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Once your chicken is cooked, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Now that you know the basics of seasoning air fryer chicken, it's time to get creative and experiment with different flavours. Remember, brining is the key to juicy chicken, and don't be afraid to mix and match seasonings to find your perfect blend!

How to serve air fryer chicken

Air fryer chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salads

Air fryer chicken is a great addition to salads. You can dice, slice or shred the chicken and add it to your favourite green salad, such as a spinach and strawberry salad. It also goes well with a simple crustless quiche.

Sandwiches and Wraps

The chicken can be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Try a chicken Caesar wrap or add it to an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with herbed goat cheese and garlic for some extra protein.

Pasta

You can also add air fryer chicken to pasta dishes. It will go well with a veggie pasta, such as Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.

Pizza

Stir Fry

Vegetable Lo Mein would be delicious with some air fryer chicken added to it.

Sides

As for sides, roasted potatoes and carrots are a great option to serve with air fryer chicken. You can also pour the chicken drippings over veggies like asparagus or cauliflower and cook them in the air fryer while the chicken rests.

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftovers, air fryer chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F.

There you have it! Plenty of ways to serve and enjoy air fryer chicken.

Frequently asked questions