Air-Frying Chicken: How Long Until It's Done?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be ready in as little as 8 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, but generally, it takes between 10 and 14 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer.

To make juicy and tender air fryer chicken breasts, coat the chicken with a simple spice rub and cook at 375°F for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. You can also add vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli to the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens because they cook food faster and yield crispy and caramelized results without the need for excess oil. They are also more compact, so they don't heat up the whole house like a traditional oven.

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.

Air Fryer Temperature

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken in the air fryer at a temperature between 360°F and 415°F.

Air Time

For a standard 8-ounce portion of chicken, it will take around 8 minutes to cook in the air fryer.

• Smallsection (5-7 ounces): 6 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 7-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 10-16 minutes

Additional Tips

• Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer cooks the protein by circulating hot air, so it is important that air can flow freely.
• Flip the chicken halfway through so that both sides cook evenly.
• Always use room-temperature chicken so that the cooking time is accurate and consistent.
• Don't line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. The chicken cooks more evenly and tastes better without it.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Air fryer temperature for chicken

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and can be used to make healthy, juicy, and tender chicken breasts. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in an air fryer is between 360 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness.

The recommended temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is between 360 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness. For example, small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces) should be cooked at a lower temperature (360 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit) for 7 to 10 minutes, while larger chicken breasts (11 ounces or more) should be cooked at a higher temperature (375 to 415 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 to 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken breasts. It is always best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken breasts can touch, but they should not overlap.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can add moisture and flavour. However, it is not necessary, especially if using a dry rub or seasoning blend.
• Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to create a crispy exterior.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to retain moisture.

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy and tender chicken breasts. By following the recommended temperatures and cooking times, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked safely and to your desired level of doneness. With a variety of seasoning options and serving suggestions, air fryer chicken can be a versatile and delicious addition to your meal prep routine.

Air fryer chicken prep

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to bake chicken in the air fryer:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Preparation

Before you start baking the chicken, there are a few preparation steps you should follow:

• If your chicken breasts are frozen, make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
• Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the thickness. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Create a seasoning blend by mixing your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can also add oil to the spices to create a paste.
• Coat the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend or paste, making sure to cover all sides evenly. You can also marinate the chicken in the spice blend for extra flavour.
• If desired, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the spices to absorb into the meat.

Cooking

Now you are ready to start cooking the chicken in the air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (most recipes recommend around 370-400°F).
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook the chicken for the recommended time based on the size of your chicken breasts. For example, small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 6-10 minutes, while larger breasts (10 ounces or more) may take up to 18 minutes.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F, but you can remove it from the air fryer a few degrees early and let it rest, as the residual heat will continue to cook the meat.

Tips

• Avoid stacking the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. This can limit air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper air flow.
• Pat the chicken dry after marinating or brining to achieve crispier results.
• You can add a little oil to the chicken before cooking to enhance crispiness and moisture.
• If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes per side.

Air fryer chicken cook times

The air fryer is a great way to cook chicken breasts, giving them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Here is a general guide to air fryer chicken cook times:

Boneless Chicken Breasts:

For boneless chicken breasts, preheat the air fryer to between 370-400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 minutes on the first side, and then 3-8 minutes on the other side, depending on the size of the breasts. The total cook time will be:

• Small breasts (5-7 oz): 10-11 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-9 oz): 11-12 minutes
• Large breasts (10 oz or more): 13-14 minutes

Bone-in Chicken Breasts:

For bone-in chicken breasts, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes on the first side, and then 5-8 minutes on the other side. The total cook time will be around 15-20 minutes.

Whole Chicken:

To cook a whole chicken in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the whole chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes on the first side, and then 12-22 minutes on the other side. The total cook time will be around 45-50 minutes.

Bone-in Chicken Thighs:

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes on the first side, and then 10-15 minutes on the other side. The total cook time will be around 25-30 minutes.

Chicken Drumsticks:

For chicken drumsticks, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes on the first side, and then 10-12 minutes on the other side. The total cook time will be around 20-25 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness. The recommended internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

Air fryer chicken tips

The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts. For example, small breasts (5-7 oz) will take 6-8 minutes, while large breasts (11 oz or more) will take 10-14 minutes. The temperature should be set to 375°F (190°C). It is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

You can marinate or brine the chicken before cooking to add flavour and make it more tender and juicy. If you want crispy chicken, pat it dry after marinating or brining.

You can use olive oil or avocado oil to coat the chicken. This will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist.

A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can add flavour to plain chicken. You can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or a blend of spices like cumin, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to thaw the chicken completely and pat dry any excess moisture before seasoning and cooking.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for best results:

• Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and a juicy final product.
• Always use room temperature chicken for accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Do not line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, as this can affect the cooking process and the taste of the chicken.

Frequently asked questions