Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer butterfly chicken is a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in under an hour. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, with smaller chickens taking less time to cook than larger ones. The air fryer's high-heat circulation ensures the chicken is cooked evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a golden, crispy skin. The butterfly technique involves removing the chicken's backbone so that it can lay flat, allowing for faster and more consistent cooking.

How long to air fryer butterfly chicken

Butterfly chicken breast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• Butterfly the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board and holding your knife parallel to the board. Slice through the thickest part of the breast horizontally, keeping one edge intact so that the breast remains attached, then open it up like a book.
• Lightly drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts to help the seasonings adhere and add moisture to the meat.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the quantity of each seasoning according to your taste preferences or get creative with other spices or herbs.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
• Serve your delicious butterfly chicken breast with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Tips

• Marinating the chicken breast before cooking is optional but recommended to enhance flavor and tenderness. You can use your favorite spices, herbs, and sauces for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• You can brush or spray a small amount of oil on the chicken breast before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy texture, but avoid using too much to prevent greasiness.
• It is recommended to flip the chicken breast during cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

How to butterfly a chicken

Now that you know how long it takes to air-fry a butterfly chicken, here's a step-by-step guide on how to butterfly a chicken:

Step 1: Place the chicken breast-side down

Turn the chicken over so that its breasts are facing downwards. You should now be able to see the chicken's backbone.

Step 2: Cut along the backbone

Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. You can start cutting from either the top or bottom of the chicken. Remember, you are cutting beside the backbone, not through it.

Step 3: Remove the backbone

Once you have cut all the way up one side of the backbone and then the other, remove it and set it aside. The backbone can be used later for making chicken stock.

Step 4: Flip and press the chicken

Flip the chicken over so that the breasts are now facing upwards. Use your hands to open the chicken slightly, then press down firmly on the breast meat, right over the breastbone. You may hear a crunching sound. The goal here is to flatten the chicken so that the breasts and thighs are at roughly the same level.

Step 5: Tuck the wings (optional)

The tips of the wings tend to cook quickly and burn during cooking. Tuck them behind the body of the chicken to slow down their cooking and protect the tips.

Step 6: Roast or grill

Your chicken is now butterflied and ready to be cooked! You can either roast it in a roasting pan or grill it. If roasting, rub the chicken all over with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place it in the oven and roast at 450°F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F in both the thighs and the breast.

Butterflying a chicken ensures even cooking, perfect seasoning, lots of crispy skin, and easier serving. It is a simple technique that will make you feel like a boss in the kitchen!

How long to cook butterfly chicken

Butterfly chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, but generally, you can expect it to take between 45 minutes to one hour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook butterfly chicken and some tips to ensure perfect results every time.

Preparing the Chicken

Before cooking, you'll need to butterfly the chicken. This involves slicing a whole chicken or chicken breast in half horizontally so that it can lay flat. This technique ensures even cooking and gives you that gorgeous crispy skin. If you're butterflying a whole chicken, you'll need to remove the backbone. You can do this with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking butterfly chicken at temperatures between 350°F (176°C) to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately and helps to achieve that crispy exterior.

Cooking Time

Now, for the main event: how long to cook that delicious butterfly chicken! For a whole chicken, the cooking time will depend on its size. A smaller chicken will take less time, while a larger chicken may need up to an hour. As a guide, a 2kg whole chicken will take around 50 minutes at 180°C or 356°F.

For butterfly chicken breasts, the cooking time is generally shorter. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Checking for Doneness

It's important to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, usually the thigh or breast. Your chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Resting the Chicken

Once your chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This resting period, of at least 15 minutes, allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.

And that's it! You now know how long to cook butterfly chicken in an air fryer. So, get your ingredients ready, preheat that air fryer, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

What temperature to cook butterfly chicken

Butterfly chicken, also known as spatchcock chicken, is a great way to cook a whole chicken in your air fryer. This method involves removing the chicken's backbone so that it can lay flat in the air fryer, ensuring even cooking and a juicy texture.

When it comes to the temperature, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350°F or 176°C. However, one recipe suggests a higher temperature of 400°F or 200°C for a crispier exterior.

The ideal temperature to cook butterfly chicken in the air fryer seems to be around 350°F or 180°C. At this temperature, your chicken will cook through evenly, with a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. It's important to note that the size of your chicken will affect the cooking time. A larger chicken will take longer to cook than a smaller one, so adjust your timing accordingly.

To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the chicken, usually the thigh, should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F or 74°C. This is crucial for food safety and will ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

In summary, for the best results when cooking butterfly chicken in an air fryer, preheat your device to around 350°F or 176°C, and then cook the chicken at this temperature for a juicy and crispy outcome. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken, and always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.

How to serve butterfly chicken

Butterfly chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and flavours. Here are some ideas on how to serve butterfly chicken cooked in an air fryer:

Side Dishes

Butterfly chicken pairs well with a range of side dishes, including:

• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, onions, potatoes, and other root vegetables can be roasted to complement the chicken.
• Salad: A fresh salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables can provide a crunchy and healthy contrast to the chicken.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with chicken.
• Roast potatoes: For a more rustic option, roast potatoes until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
• Gravy fries: For a indulgent and tasty side, serve crispy fries with a generous helping of gravy.
• Bread: Turkish garlic bread, garlic pizza bread, or garlic ciabatta can be great for soaking up juices and sauces.

Flavours and Seasonings

When it comes to flavours and seasonings, there are several options to enhance the taste of butterfly chicken:

• Herbs: Italian herbs, rosemary, thyme, or basil can add a fragrant touch to the dish.
• Spices: Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder can provide a kick of flavour.
• Sauces: Before cooking, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce for an extra punch of taste.
• Marinades: Marinating the chicken before cooking can enhance its flavour and tenderness. Try a lemon herb mix, honey lime marinade, or your favourite combination of spices and sauces.

Presentation

Butterfly chicken can be presented in a variety of ways:

• Whole chicken: Cooking a whole butterfly chicken in an air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Cut into pieces: For easier serving and eating, you can cut the chicken into pieces before serving. This also allows guests to choose their preferred portion size.
• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme sprigs can be used to garnish the dish, adding a pop of colour and flavour.

Accompaniments

Butterfly chicken can be served with a range of sauces and dips:

• Gravy: A rich and flavourful gravy can complement the chicken, especially if it is served with roast potatoes or gravy fries.
• Salsa: For a fresh and tangy accompaniment, serve the chicken with a tomato-based salsa.
• Yogurt dip: A cool and creamy yogurt dip can provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Barbecue sauce: A classic barbecue sauce can be a great dip for those who want an extra punch of flavour.

Frequently asked questions