Air Fryer Chicken: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken pieces, but how long they take depends on the type of chicken, the size of the pieces, and the temperature of the air fryer.

Chicken breast bites or chunks take 10-12 minutes at 375-400°F. If you're cooking chicken breast slices, 10 minutes at 415°F should be enough. For chicken legs, 18-20 minutes at 400°F is recommended.

The size of the chicken breasts also makes a difference. Small breasts (5-7oz) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10oz) 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11oz or more) 12-16 minutes.

How long to air fry chicken pieces at 400°F

The length of time it takes to air fry chicken pieces at 400°F depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer.

Air Frying Small Chicken Pieces

Small chicken pieces (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 10 minutes to cook at 400°F.

Air Frying Medium Chicken Pieces

Medium chicken pieces (8-10 ounces) will take 7 to 12 minutes to cook at 400°F.

Air Frying Large Chicken Pieces

Large chicken pieces (11 ounces or more) will take 10 to 16 minutes to cook at 400°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How long to air fry chicken pieces at 375°F

To cook chicken pieces in an air fryer at 375°F, you'll need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

For small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces), cook for 7 to 10 minutes. Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) will need 10 to 12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

It's important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help keep it juicy.

If you're using frozen chicken, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply preheat your air fryer to 360°F, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season as desired, and air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once.

For a simple seasoning blend, you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other dried herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.

How long to air fry chicken pieces at 415°F

Air frying chicken pieces at 415°F is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken. The high temperature and airflow of an air fryer can cook chicken pieces in as little as 10 minutes, but the timing may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.

Preparation

Before air frying, it is important to prepare the chicken pieces properly. Start by thinly slicing the chicken breasts into flat pieces. This will ensure even cooking and maximize the surface area for the seasoning to adhere to. Pat the chicken breasts dry if they have excess moisture.

Next, toss the chicken pieces with your desired spices and a small amount of oil, such as avocado or olive oil. Ensure that each piece is well-coated. You can also marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for extra flavour, but it is not necessary.

Cooking Time

Preheat your air fryer to 415°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper airflow. Air fry the chicken pieces for 10 minutes for thin pieces, and up to 13 minutes for larger or thicker pieces. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

For best results, flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can affect the airflow and impact the cooking time and evenness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Tips

• To prevent the chicken from drying out, remove it from the air fryer as soon as it reaches the desired internal temperature.
• For frozen chicken, it is best to thaw it first before coating with spices and cooking in the air fryer.
• If using an air fryer that only goes up to 400°F, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two.

How to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer

Overcrowding your air fryer can lead to disappointing results, as it impedes airflow and traps steam, leaving your food soggy instead of crispy. Here are some tips to prevent overcrowding and ensure your food cooks evenly and efficiently:

Plan Your Batches

Cooking in batches is essential to prevent overcrowding. Air fryer baskets typically have enough room for two servings of meat or fish, or four servings of vegetables. Plan your cooking accordingly, and don't be tempted to stack or squish food together. Cooking in smaller batches will also allow for better airflow and faster cooking.

Arrange Food in a Single Layer

When placing food in the air fryer basket, make sure the items are in a single layer and not touching each other. This ensures that the hot, dry air can circulate around all sides of the food. If you're cooking larger pieces of food, such as chicken breasts, you may need to cook them one at a time to avoid overcrowding.

Allow for Proper Airflow

The air fryer relies on convection, so it needs adequate space and airflow to function effectively. Make sure your air fryer has at least five inches of space on all sides when in use. This will help ensure proper airflow and prevent your food from steaming instead of crisping.

Choose the Right Air Fryer Size

If you frequently cook for a large household, consider investing in a larger air fryer. Air fryers come in various sizes, and you can choose one that best suits your needs. As a rule of thumb, aim for one quart of capacity per person. For example, a family of four should consider a four-quart air fryer.

Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and recommendations on how much food to load into the air fryer. Different models may have varying capacities and guidelines. Following the manufacturer's instructions will help you avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal cooking results.

How to prevent chicken from drying out

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, but it can be easy to overcook it and end up with dry, tough meat. Here are some tips to help prevent that from happening:

Brine the Chicken

Brining is a process where you soak the chicken in a saltwater solution before cooking. This helps the meat retain moisture and improves its texture, making it juicier and more tender. You can also add other ingredients like herbs and spices to the brine for extra flavour. The ideal brining time depends on the size of the chicken pieces: boneless pieces should brine for 30 minutes, bone-in pieces for 1-2 hours, and a whole chicken for 4-12 hours.

Use a Little Oil

Air fryers don't require oil to cook food, but adding a small amount of oil to the chicken before air frying can help keep it moist and improve the texture. For most recipes, 1-2 teaspoons of oil should be enough, but for breaded meats or crispier results, use 1-2 tablespoons.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the chicken ensures that the food starts cooking as soon as it goes in, helping to create a crispy texture and preventing overcooking.

Check the Temperature

Not all air fryers maintain the correct temperature, so it's a good idea to check the temperature with a thermometer at least once every six months. If your air fryer is running hot, it could be why your chicken is drying out. Adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly.

Adjust the Cooking Time

Air fryers usually come with cooking charts that specify the ideal temperature and cooking time for different foods. However, because temperatures can vary between air fryer models, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, if your air fryer runs hot, the standard cooking time of 20 minutes for chicken breasts or thighs may be too long, leading to dry meat.

Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the safe temperature of 165 ºF (73.8 ºC) without overcooking it. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch any bones. This will help you monitor the temperature and prevent overcooking, keeping your chicken moist and juicy.

Frequently asked questions