Air Fryer Split Chicken Breast: Baking Time Perfection

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 under 30 minutes, and boneless chicken breasts can be cooked in under 10 minutes. This makes air fryers a great option for a quick and convenient meal.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to create a crispy exterior on your chicken and jumpstarts the cooking, reducing the overall time needed.

Different recipes suggest different temperatures for preheating your air fryer. Some sources suggest preheating to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest 370 or even 375 degrees Fahrenheit. One source suggests preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is for boneless chicken breasts. It is important to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, especially if it contains bones, to avoid food poisoning.

The time needed to preheat your air fryer will depend on the model you own. Most modern air fryers will have a preheat setting, which you can select before you begin cooking. If your air fryer does not have this setting, you can simply turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your chicken.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can rub your chicken with oil and season it before placing it in the basket to cook.

Season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken is packed with flavour.

Firstly, you'll want to pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken.

Next, you'll want to choose your seasoning. You can go with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or you can try something more complex. Some options include:

• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Blackened seasoning
• Barbeque
• Jerk seasoning
• Creole seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Chinese 5-spice
• Old Bay seasoning
• A dry rub with chilli powder, cumin, and oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Paprika
• Salt

You can also add olive oil to the chicken before seasoning, as this will help the skin crisp up and make the seasonings stick even better. If you're using olive oil, make sure it's a high-quality one, as this will improve the flavour. You could also use avocado oil, or a mild cooking oil.

Once you've chosen your seasoning, sprinkle it evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts. You can also gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning under it to add extra flavour.

If you want to get creative, you can mix a few different seasonings together to make a unique blend. For example, you could try mixing brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to create a sweet and spicy flavour profile.

After seasoning, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, and you're ready to start cooking!

Air fry the chicken

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for the hot air to circulate around the entire piece of chicken.

For extra crispy skin, place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking boneless chicken breasts, place them in the basket with the smooth side down first.

Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the breasts with tongs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and your air fryer, but it typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

If you are cooking boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time will be shorter. Smaller breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 6 to 8 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 7 to 10 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10 to 14 minutes.

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the temperature.

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more juicy and flavourful.

You can also add vegetables to the air fryer for the last 10 minutes of cooking time to create a complete meal.

Tips for Air Frying Chicken

• Ensure there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. The air fryer cooks the chicken by circulating hot air, so adequate space is important for even cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides cook evenly and yield a juicy chicken breast.
• Always use room-temperature chicken so that the cooking time is accurate and consistent.
• Avoid lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or tin foil, as this can affect the cooking process and the taste of the chicken.
• If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side.
• If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check the doneness of the chicken by inserting a knife into the thickest part. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken breasts are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Sandwiches or wraps: Make a chicken and avocado sandwich or wrap using your choice of bread or tortillas.
• Pasta: Slice the chicken and add it to a pasta dish.
• Pizza: Top your favourite pizza with sliced chicken for a protein boost.
• Sides: Serve the chicken with a variety of sides, such as smoked mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, curry fried rice, or a salad.

Enjoy your juicy and tender air fryer chicken!

Rest the chicken

Resting the chicken is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the meat to relax and reabsorb its juices, ensuring that your chicken breast is juicy and tender. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for resting your chicken after air frying:

Timing is Key

Let the chicken rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving it. This duration gives the juices a chance to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, preventing them from pooling on the cutting board or plate. Resting also helps the chicken retain heat, so it stays warm and inviting when served.

Tenting for Moisture Retention

Loosely tent a piece of aluminium foil over the cooked chicken to hold in the heat while it rests. This simple step helps keep the chicken warm and moist. Make sure to tent the chicken loosely, as you don't want to trap too much steam or moisture, which can make the skin soggy.

Resting Temperature

Ideally, you want the chicken to rest at a warm—but not hot—temperature. A good range is between 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). If your kitchen is particularly cold, you can turn off your oven after cooking and place the chicken inside to rest, with the oven door slightly ajar. This will provide a warm environment without continuing to cook the chicken.

Resting Surface

Place the chicken on a clean, flat surface, such as a cutting board or a warmed plate. If you're making a sauce or gravy from the pan juices, you might want to rest the chicken on a wire rack, so it doesn't sit in the juices and get soggy.

Don't Skip the Rest

You might be tempted to skip the resting step, especially if you're hungry or in a hurry. But this step is crucial to ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavourful. Cutting into the chicken too soon will cause the juices to spill out, resulting in dry meat. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooking chicken!

Serve with sides

When serving your air-fried split chicken breast, there are numerous side dishes that can complement and enhance the meal. Here are some ideas to consider:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are always a great option, and you can easily prepare them in the air fryer alongside the chicken. Consider hearty options like broccoli florets, cauliflower steaks, brussels sprouts, or carrots. Simply toss them in a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and air fry until tender and slightly charred.

Salads

A crisp, fresh salad can provide a great contrast to the juicy chicken. Opt for a classic garden salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. Or, try something fruitier like a spinach salad with strawberries, crumbled feta, and a balsamic glaze.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a perfect side for chicken. For a twist, try adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to your mashed potatoes for added flavor.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful option. Cut them into wedges, toss in olive oil and your favorite spices (cinnamon and paprika work wonderfully), then air fry until tender. They'll add a beautiful color and a touch of sweetness to your plate.

Grain Bowls

Consider serving your chicken with a grain bowl that includes quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Top it off with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of lemon tahini dressing for a hearty and healthy option.

Healthy Fries

For a fun twist on the classic, try making sweet potato fries or parsnip fries in your air fryer. Cut them into thin wedges, toss in a bit of oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Air fry until crispy, and you'll have a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries.

When plating your meal, aim for a balanced composition that includes a variety of colors, textures, and flavors. This will not only make the dish visually appealing but also provide a delightful dining experience for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions