Air Fryer Chicken: Bone-In Breasts, Timing Tips

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy, and tender meal. Bone-in chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes, and you can season them with your choice of herbs and spices. The key to getting juicy chicken is to avoid overcooking it and to let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.

How to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer

It is possible to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This method produces juicy chicken breasts and is a quick and easy way to prepare a homemade dinner.

Step-by-step guide:

First, preheat your air fryer to 360-400°Fahrenheit. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, manually set it to the desired temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes.

Next, add the frozen chicken breasts to the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each breast. Set the timer for 30 minutes, flipping the breasts after 15 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your chosen seasoning or sauce. For example, a simple combination of dried herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can make a sauce by whisking together avocado or olive oil, coconut aminos, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.

After the initial 15 minutes of cooking, flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast with an instant-read thermometer; the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°Fahrenheit.

Finally, brush the chicken breasts with your chosen sauce or seasoning during the last few minutes of cooking. Note that if you are using a sauce with ingredients like oil, do not brush it on too early, as it may burn. If you are concerned about this, simply brush the sauce on after the chicken is cooked.

Tips:

• If your chicken breasts are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes, then carefully separate them with a fork or knife.
• It is essential to use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked, as each breast will be slightly different and will reach the desired temperature at different times.
• Check the temperature of each breast individually and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it reaches the desired temperature.
• Insert the thermometer into the thickest section of each breast, as this part will take the longest to thaw and cook.
• If one end of the chicken breast is thinner than the other, consider cutting off the thin end to prevent overcooking.
• Watch the temperature closely towards the end of the cooking time, as the internal temperature can rise quickly.
• If you are making sauce-coated chicken breasts, it is best to wait until the very end to add the sauce to all the breasts, including any that you have already removed from the air fryer. Then, put the chicken back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to finish cooking.

Cooking time:

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take 20-25 minutes, while larger breasts may take up to 40 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

Air fryer bone-in chicken breasts go well with sides like fried cabbage, mashed potatoes, air fryer baked potato, asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and a nice salad.

How to reheat chicken in an air fryer

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to bring back the original taste and flavour of the dish. It is also healthier than using a microwave or oven, and it keeps the chicken moist and juicy.

Preparation

If your chicken is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps it reheat more evenly.

Cooking

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate effectively. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven reheating.

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes. You can skip this step, but it ensures even cooking.

Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are reheated according to your preference.

Top Tips

• If your chicken is coated in sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated to 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavour.
• If you like your chicken crispy, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time.
• Avoid reheating chicken more than once, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

How to get juicy chicken in the air fryer

There are several ways to ensure your chicken stays juicy when using an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to note that the secret to cooking juicy chicken is to cook it until it just hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest point. Overcooking chicken will result in dry meat. An instant-read thermometer can help you keep track of the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and check the temperature every few minutes.

One way to ensure your chicken is juicy is to brine it. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, which helps keep it moist and improves its texture. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).

Additionally, it is important to preheat your air fryer. This helps create a crispy exterior and jumpstart the cooking process. Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, as drying the meat will allow the seasonings to stick better. You can then sprinkle your chosen seasonings on all sides of the chicken breasts.

When cooking, place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece so that the hot air touches the entire surface. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, the cooking time will vary between 20 and 30 minutes. For smaller breasts, the cooking time will be around 7 to 10 minutes, while larger breasts may take up to 16 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Finally, once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the juices are retained within the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.

How to get crispy skin on chicken in the air fryer

To get crispy skin on your chicken in the air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Here is a detailed guide to achieving that perfect, crispy texture:

Preparation

First, you will need to gather your ingredients. For this method, you will require bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The number of chicken breasts you use will depend on the size of your air fryer; a standard 5-quart air fryer can typically fit two 12-ounce chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Once you have your chicken, remove any packaging and set the meat aside. It is recommended to use skin-on chicken breasts for this method, as the skin helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking and results in a crisp texture.

Seasoning

Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures that your chosen seasonings will stick to the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as barbeque, lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or a simple combination of salt and pepper. You can also use a premade all-purpose seasoning.

Make sure to season all sides of the chicken breasts, and don't forget to gently lift the skin and sprinkle your chosen seasonings underneath as well. This will ensure that the flavor permeates the entire surface of the meat.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-380 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. This positioning is crucial, as starting the chicken skin-side down will help render the fat and result in a crispier skin.

Cook the chicken for approximately 15 minutes on the first side. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature; insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast to get an accurate reading.

Resting

Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or serving platter. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period helps retain the juices and ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy.

Tips for Crispy Skin

• If you're using an air fryer with a basket, ensure there is space between each chicken breast so that the hot air can circulate around the entire piece of meat.
• For optimal crispiness, aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the chicken can result in dry meat and less crispy skin.
• You don't need to add oil to the chicken breasts, especially if they are skin-on. The skin will release oil during cooking, which contributes to the crispiness. However, if you prefer, you can add a small amount of oil with a higher smoke point, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
• If you're cooking frozen chicken breasts, you may not need to preheat your air fryer. Simply place the frozen chicken in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 40-50 minutes, basting with butter or oil and adding your chosen seasonings halfway through the cooking process.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to achieve crispy skin on your chicken when using an air fryer. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and serving your juicy, crispy chicken!

How to season chicken breasts for the air fryer

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