Air Fryer Half Chicken: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Cooking a half chicken in an air fryer is a great way to save time and money. It takes around 20 minutes, compared to the 45 minutes it takes to roast or bake a whole chicken. It's also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, and you can get the skin nice and crispy.

The length of time it takes to cook half a chicken in the air fryer depends on the weight and size of the chicken, as well as the type of air fryer you have. On average, it takes 35 to 40 minutes, but the most important thing to look out for is the internal temperature, which should be 165°F / 74°C.

How long to cook half chicken in an air fryer

Air-frying half a chicken is a great way to make a quick, easy, and tasty meal for one or two people. The cooking time will depend on the size and weight of your chicken, as well as the power of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 30-40 minutes to cook half a chicken in an air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the chicken and that the skin crisps up nicely.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Brush the chicken with oil and season generously with salt and your choice of spices. You can use a simple salt and pepper seasoning, or try something more complex like a spice rub, spice mix, or seasoning blend. Some popular options include Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Marinate (Optional)

For best results, wrap the seasoned chicken in plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This step is optional, but it will greatly improve the flavor of your chicken.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (180°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy skin.

Step 5: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, skin side up. If you're cooking vegetables with your chicken, add them to the basket first, then place the chicken on top.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 15-20 minutes. For a 3-pound chicken, the total cooking time will be around 30-40 minutes. However, the exact time will depend on the size and weight of your chicken, so it's important to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Check the Internal Temperature

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until it's done.

Step 8: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender result.

Tips and Tricks

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• If you're cooking a very large chicken, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• You can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it's best to thaw it properly in the refrigerator beforehand for even cooking.
• To reheat leftovers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the chicken for about 10-15 minutes.

Cooking half a chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and juicy meal. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection every time. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy a tasty treat!

How to get crispy skin on air fryer half chicken

If you're looking to cook a half chicken in an air fryer and want to achieve crispy skin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get that perfect crispy skin:

Preparation:

Firstly, you'll want to ensure you have the right ingredients and tools for the job. For a basic air fryer half chicken with crispy skin, you'll need:

• Half a whole chicken (around 1.5-2 pounds for a half broiler)
• Cooking oil with a high smoke point (e.g. light olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• A meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the half chicken dry with a paper towel. This will help the oil and seasonings adhere better to the skin. Then, drizzle or spritz the chicken with your chosen cooking oil. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken and the area around the wing.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Now it's time to season your chicken. A simple option is to just use salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with other seasonings, spice rubs, or spice mixes that pair well with chicken. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Remember to season both sides of the chicken and the area around the wing.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F to 360°F (depending on your recipe of choice). You can also spray the air fryer basket with a bit of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned half chicken in the air fryer, breast side down, and cook for 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the power of your air fryer. A good rule of thumb is around 10 minutes per half-pound of chicken.

Step 5: Check Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, check that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F or higher. You can use a meat thermometer for this, or simply stick a knife into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure the juices run clear. If the chicken isn't done yet, cook in additional 5-minute intervals until it reaches the correct temperature.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, which will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier, more flavorful chicken. Finally, carve and serve your delicious air fryer half chicken with crispy skin!

Tips for Crispy Skin:

To achieve that perfect crispy skin, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Use a little oil: A light coating of oil on the chicken skin will help it crisp up nicely during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure there's enough space in the air fryer for hot air to circulate around the chicken. Cooking a half chicken is ideal, as it leaves plenty of room.
• Flip the chicken: Be sure to flip your chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crisping on both sides.
• Rest the chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meal.

How to store and reheat air fryer half chicken

Storage

Allow your air fryer half chicken to cool to room temperature. This should take around 30 minutes from the end of the cooking time.

Once your chicken has cooled, wrap each piece individually in heavy-duty foil or a reusable food wrap. You can also use an airtight container, but be sure to use a shallow dish that will minimise empty space.

Get your chicken into the refrigerator within 2 hours of finishing cooking. It will stay good to eat for up to 5 days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your air fryer half chicken is in the oven or in an air fryer.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fit a wire rack inside a baking sheet and arrange the chicken on the rack in a single layer.

Pop the chicken in the oven and bake until the skin feels hot and crispy (around 15 minutes).

Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for about 4 minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with air fryer half chicken

There are a variety of side dishes that can accompany an air-fried half chicken. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great option to serve with your air-fried half chicken. You can roast them together with the chicken in the air fryer or cook them separately. Some vegetables that go well with chicken include:

• Potatoes (cubed, home fries, French fries, wedges, Parmentier potatoes, loaded baked potato rounds)
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes (fries)

Salad

A fresh and healthy option to balance out your meal is a salad. You can customize it with your choice of greens, vegetables, and dressing.

Gravy

For an extra indulgent touch, serve your air-fried half chicken with gravy. You can make a simple gravy using stock or try something different like homemade tarragon butter.

Rice

Fried rice is another option to consider. It can be a filling side dish and pairs well with the chicken.

Drinks

To complement your meal, you can serve a variety of drinks. For adults, a Jalapeño Margarita can add a spicy kick to your dinner.

In summary, there are numerous side dishes that can be served with air-fried half chicken to enhance your dining experience. Feel free to experiment with different options and create your own combinations!

How to prepare half chicken for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare half chicken in an air fryer:

• Half a chicken (with a whole wing, a chicken quarter, and half of the whole chicken breast)
• Olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper)
• Vegetables of your choice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the Chicken: Start with a clean, spatchcocked half chicken. Pat the chicken dry to remove any moisture, which will ensure that the seasoning sticks better.
• Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring it penetrates well into the skin and meat. You can also wrap the chicken in plastic wrap after seasoning. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, for the best flavour infusion.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (177-180°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for the chicken and promotes even cooking.
• Prepare the Vegetables (Optional) : If you plan to cook vegetables alongside the chicken, chop them into 1" pieces and parboil them to reduce cooking time in the air fryer. Place the parboiled vegetables in a large mixing bowl and toss with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings.
• Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the half chicken to the bowl with the vegetables (if using). Coat the chicken thoroughly with the remaining oil and spices. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes.
• Transfer to Air Fryer: Transfer the chicken and vegetables (if using) to the air fryer basket. Place the chicken breast side down on top of the vegetables.
• Cooking Time: Cook at 350-360°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the power of your air fryer.
• Check Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Alternatively, stick a knife into the thickest part; if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
• Resting: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Tips:

• If you are in a hurry, you can skip the marinating step, but the chicken will have better flavour if it is marinated.
• Always ensure your air fryer basket is clean and large enough to accommodate a half chicken.
• To make the chicken skin extra crispy, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating it with oil and spices to remove any excess moisture.
• If you are cooking a very large chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions