Air Fryer Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and they're all the rage right now. They're essentially mini convection ovens that use hot air to cook food from the outside in, resulting in a crispy texture. The best temperature for air frying chicken is 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you're cooking. For example, small boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing 5-7 ounces will take 7-10 minutes to cook, while larger bone-in breasts weighing 11 ounces or more will take 12-16 minutes. You'll know your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F or 375°F.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Brush or mist the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle on your favourite seasonings.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping the chicken breasts halfway through.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• For juicy chicken, brine the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For extra flavour, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• For crispy skin, start cooking the chicken with the skin side down and then flip when specified.

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 of the chicken breasts and the power of the air fryer.

Small Chicken Breasts (5-7 oz)

Small chicken breasts weighing between 5 and 7 ounces will take between 6 and 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8-10 oz)

Medium chicken breasts weighing between 8 and 10 ounces will take between 7 and 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 oz or more)

Large chicken breasts weighing 11 ounces or more will take between 10 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Pre-Cooking Steps

Before cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, so they cook evenly. You can also marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or another marinade for extra flavour.

Cooking Temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
• Flip the chicken halfway through so both sides cook evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer chicken cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of the air fryer. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes.

It is recommended to cook chicken in the air fryer at a temperature of 360-400°F. The higher temperature will cook the chicken faster, but it is important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

When cooking chicken in the air fryer, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. It is also a good idea to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Some air fryers come with accessories such as trays or pans that can be used for saucier or cheesier dishes. However, for most dishes, the chicken can go directly into the air fryer basket.

• Whole chicken (3-4 lb.): 12 minutes at 360°F
• Boneless chicken breast (8 oz.): 5-6 minutes at 400°F
• Bone-in chicken breast (10 oz.): 10 minutes at 375°F
• Boneless chicken thigh (4-5 oz.): 10 minutes at 375°F
• Bone-in chicken thigh (5-6 oz.): 12 minutes at 375°F
• Chicken drumstick (5 oz.): 12 minutes at 375°F
• Chicken leg quarter (1 lb.): 20 minutes at 375°F
• Chicken wing: 20 minutes at 375°F

It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F before serving.

Air fryer chicken cooking tips

Preparation

Before you start cooking your chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure your chicken breasts are of an even thickness. You can do this by pounding the thicker end of the breast with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is level with the thinner end. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly. You should also refrain from overcrowding your air fryer basket. While the chicken breasts can touch, make sure they are not overlapping.

Marinating and Brining

You may choose to marinate your chicken in a sauce such as Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you do this, be sure to drain and pat the chicken dry with paper towels before placing it in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can brine your chicken by sprinkling it with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This process helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances its flavour.

Temperature and Timing

When it comes to cooking your chicken, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer model. As a general rule, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 6 to 10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10 to 12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes. However, it is important to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is cooked safely.

Flipping and Resting

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip your chicken breasts halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help keep the juices locked inside, ensuring your chicken is moist and tender.

Air fryer chicken recipes

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This juicy air fryer chicken breast recipe is golden and crispy on the outside, and moist and tender on the inside. It is seasoned to perfection and can be enjoyed on its own or used for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound into an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator uncovered for 30 minutes to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken evenly on both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Place the chicken smooth side down in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and flip the chicken over. Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

8-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Breast

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep. The chicken is juicy and tender, with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or a more intricate spice blend.

Ingredients:

• 4 small chicken breasts (4-6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
• Pat dry the chicken breasts and place them in a bowl. Rub the oil generously over the chicken.
• In a bowl, add the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice blend on both sides of the chicken breast fillets.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts in 10 Minutes

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is incredibly tender and juicy, with a quick 10-minute cooking process. The chicken is seasoned with a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, resulting in a delicious and healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, or other herbs
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix together the spices.
• Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the thicker side.
• Drizzle the oil over the chicken and coat well. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken and rub it in with your hands.
• Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375 degrees F.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

This air fryer chicken breast recipe is flavorful and tender, seasoned with herbs and spices. The chicken is coated in a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil, resulting in juicy and delicious chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine the salt, spices, and oil to create a paste.
• Coat the chicken breasts with the paste.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
• Tent the chicken with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions