Air Fryer Chicken: How Long Until It's Done?

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and air frying is one of the most convenient methods. Air-fried chicken is juicy and tender, with a roasted texture and a nice golden brown crust. It is also energy-efficient, as you don't need to heat up your entire oven, and it takes less time to cook than traditional oven-baked chicken.

The cooking time for air-fried chicken depends on the size and type of chicken pieces. For example, small boneless chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 7 to 10 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will need 12 to 16 minutes. Bone-in chicken breasts (10 ounces) will take around 10 minutes, and chicken thighs (bone-in, 5-6 ounces) will be ready in 7 to 10 minutes.

To cook chicken in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 360-400°F. Brush or drizzle olive oil on the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping the pieces halfway through.

Chicken breast pieces coated in spices, brown sugar and cornstarch

Chicken breast pieces coated in spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps.

Firstly, cut the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. For a one-pound package, this could mean cutting each breast into 3-4 thin pieces. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they are particularly moist.

Next, coat the chicken with your chosen spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Toss the spices together in a bowl first, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken pieces. Add oil and toss again. You can let the chicken sit with the spices for up to 24 hours in the fridge, but it's best to wait to add the cornstarch until just before cooking.

Now you're ready to air fry! Preheat your air fryer and place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Air fry at 415°F for 10 minutes. If your chicken pieces are larger, you may need to cook for up to 13 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Your chicken breast pieces are now ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy!

Chicken breasts in an air fryer take 10-14 minutes

To get the best results, it's important to pound the chicken breasts lightly to flatten them before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy. It's also crucial to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-415°F, before adding the chicken.

When it comes to seasoning, a simple mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can do wonders. You can also experiment with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. Don't forget to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

By following these tips, you can achieve juicy and tender air-fried chicken breasts in just 10-14 minutes!

Chicken bites in an air fryer take 10 minutes

Before cooking, coat the chicken pieces with oil and your choice of seasonings. Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil are all good options, and you can use a variety of spices like salt, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add a little brown sugar and cornstarch for extra flavour and crispiness.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the chicken pieces inside in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, they will take around 10 minutes to cook. For smaller pieces, check after 7 minutes, and for larger pieces, you may need to add a few extra minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! In just 10 minutes, you'll have delicious, juicy chicken bites that are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Enjoy!

Chicken breasts in an air fryer: the prep

Choosing the Right Chicken

Air fryer chicken breast is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken. The key to this recipe is choosing the right size of boneless, skinless chicken breasts — about 7 ounces. Larger breasts will take an additional 1 to 4 minutes to cook. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenders, which are often not as thick as chicken breast and may be done cooking in 9 minutes.

Brining the Chicken

Brining the chicken is an optional step, but it can help to improve the texture and flavour of the meat. To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with salt and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. This step is especially recommended if you are not using any other seasonings.

Preparing the Chicken

Before cooking, lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. This will ensure even cooking and help to tenderize the meat. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can also slice them into thinner pieces before cooking. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and make sure it is well coated.

Seasoning the Chicken

A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can add wonderful flavour to plain chicken. You could also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or a blend of your choice. Toss the spices together in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken, rubbing it in with your hands.

Cooking the Chicken

Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes (or more for larger chicken breasts). The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts:

• 6 to 7-ounce chicken breasts: about 10 to 11 minutes total
• 8 to 9-ounce chicken breasts: about 11 to 12 minutes total
• 10-ounce or larger chicken breasts: about 13 to 14 minutes total

It is important not to overcook the chicken, as this will dry it out. An instant-read thermometer can be helpful to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for chicken breasts.

Reheating air fryer chicken

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to crisp up your leftovers. It is simple, but there is a trick to it so the chicken doesn't dry out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (182°C) for a few minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Brush your chicken with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add a little extra seasoning at this point, if desired.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for optimal airflow.

Step 4: Reheat the Chicken

Place the basket into the air fryer and reheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. For smaller or thinner pieces, start with 5-6 minutes, and for larger or thicker pieces, go for a longer time.

Step 5: Turn the Pieces

After the initial heating phase, carefully turn the chicken pieces with tongs to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Step 6: Continue Reheating

Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 2-5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). This is important for food safety.

Tips for Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to create an ideal environment for crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the chicken in a single layer to ensure proper airflow.
• Use a light coating of oil to help restore crispiness.
• Monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking.
• If the chicken seems dry, add a small amount of liquid or sauce to the air fryer basket to add moisture.
• Allow the reheated chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.

Frequently asked questions