Broiling Chicken In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, making them tender and juicy. The cooking time depends on the weight of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) should be cooked for 7-10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) may need up to 16 minutes. It is important to note that air fryers cook chicken quickly, so it is crucial to pay close attention to the cooking time and not leave the chicken in the air fryer for too long, as it will continue to cook and dry out. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How long to broil chicken in an air fryer

Broiling chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken breasts. The air fryer's convection heat ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master this cooking technique.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before broiling chicken in an air fryer, gather the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, or a blend of your choice

Optional ingredients include:

• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Brussels sprouts or broccoli

To prepare the chicken, trim any excess fat and rinse the breasts. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness for more consistent cooking. Pat the chicken dry and rub it with olive oil to coat. In a separate small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and rub them generously on both sides of the chicken.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically between 360-415°F (180-210°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer.

For smaller chicken breasts (around 5-7 ounces), cook for 7-10 minutes.

For medium-sized breasts (8-10 ounces), cook for 10-12 minutes.

For larger breasts (11 ounces or more), cook for 12-16 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is crucial to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and juiciness.

Tips for Success

• Create space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches if needed.
• Check the temperature of the chicken earlier than you think to prevent overcooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness.
• Brining the chicken, either with a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt), can enhance juiciness and flavour.
• Marinating the chicken in your favourite sauce or spices can also add extra flavour and moisture.
• If using frozen chicken breasts, thaw them first and bring them to room temperature before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: Top your favourite salad with sliced air fryer chicken, such as a spinach and strawberry salad.
• Pasta: Toss the chicken with a veggie pasta dish, like Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.
• Pizza: Use the chicken to make a scrumptious buffalo chicken pizza.
• Stir-fry: Add the chicken to a vegetable lo mein or your favourite stir-fry dish.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Try a chicken Caesar wrap or an avocado grilled cheese sandwich with added protein.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover air fryer chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, use the air fryer or oven at a lower temperature of around 350°F (180°C) to prevent drying out the chicken.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to season chicken for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, as they can make the meat juicy and tender, with a nice, light sear on the outside. The key to a great air fryer chicken breast is in the seasoning and the cook time.

Brining and Marinades

Before seasoning your chicken, you may want to brine or marinate it. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This process helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, making it taste more seasoned and juicy. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).

Marinades are another great way to add flavour to your chicken. You can use Italian dressing, or a blend of olive oil and spices. If you're using a wet marinade, be sure to pat the chicken dry before placing it in the air fryer.

Spices and Seasonings

When it comes to seasoning your chicken, you have a lot of options. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also try a blend of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Oil

Before adding your seasonings, brush or drizzle the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and create a crispier skin.

Cooking Tips

When you're ready to cook your chicken, be sure to create space between the breasts in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Don't overcrowd the chicken, and cook in batches if necessary.

It's also important not to overcook the chicken, as this can lead to dryness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it, to allow the juices to reabsorb.

Now you know how to season your chicken to perfection, it's time to cook!

How to prep chicken for an air fryer

Preparing chicken for an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. This will ensure even cooking and enhance the flavour. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels if there is any excess moisture. You can also lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step is optional but helps the chicken cook more evenly, preventing undercooked or overcooked spots.

Step 2: Create a Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley. For a bolder flavour profile, add some onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend or marinade.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with your chosen oil (olive oil or avocado oil work well). Ensure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss again until each piece is evenly coated. You can also use your hands to rub the spices into the chicken for a more thorough coating.

Step 4: Optional Brine or Marinade

At this point, you have the option to brine or marinate the chicken for extra flavour and juiciness. For a wet brine, submerge the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to an hour. For a dry brine, simply sprinkle salt over the chicken and let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. If using a marinade, coat the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. Remember to pat the chicken dry before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-415°F. Some recipes recommend preheating, while others suggest cooking the chicken without preheating for a crispier exterior. Refer to your specific recipe for the best results.

Step 6: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Follow the cooking guidelines provided by your chosen recipe, typically cooking for 10-15 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160-165°F when the chicken is done.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, tender chicken. Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried chicken!

What temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, giving it a nice firm, juicy texture, similar to roasted or baked chicken. The air fryer's convection heat means that you don't need to set the temperature as high as you would with an oven.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. The timing depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small chicken breasts (4-5 oz): 10-12 minutes
• Medium chicken breasts (6-8 oz): 13-15 minutes
• Large chicken breasts (9-12 oz): 16-20 minutes

It is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Preheating the Air Fryer

It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer for cooking chicken breasts, as this can result in the outside cooking faster than the inside, leading to drying out. However, for recipes that require a crispy outside, such as chicken wings, preheating the air fryer can be beneficial.

Tips for Juicy Chicken

To ensure juicy chicken breasts, it is important to avoid overcooking. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F. Removing the chicken from the air fryer at around 155°F to 160°F and letting it rest will allow the carry-over cooking to bring it to the safe temperature without overcooking.

Brining, or salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking, can also help keep the chicken moist and enhance its flavour. This process can be done for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Seasoning and Marinating

A simple seasoning mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper can be used to enhance the flavour of the chicken. Other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley can also be added.

For extra flavour, the chicken can be marinated in Italian dressing or another favourite marinade for up to 24 hours before cooking. It is important to pat the chicken dry before placing it in the air fryer.

Air Frying Frozen Chicken

It is recommended to thaw frozen chicken breasts before cooking in the air fryer. This will ensure better texture and more even cooking.

How to store leftover air-fried chicken

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here's a guide on how to store leftover air-fried chicken to keep it tasty and safe to eat.

Storing Leftover Air-Fried Chicken

Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator. It's important to let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing it. You can use a clean airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. To help keep the chicken crisp, place a layer of paper towels around the bottom and sides of the container to absorb any excess moisture. Then, place the chicken in the container and cover it with another paper towel before sealing. Stored this way, the chicken should stay good for three to four days.

Reheating Leftover Air-Fried Chicken

When it comes to reheating your leftover air-fried chicken, avoid the microwave! The best options are to use an oven, air fryer, or even a deep fryer.

To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350-400°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminium foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy.

For an air fryer, preheat to 350-375°F. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer and cook for 2-5 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can deep fry your leftovers. Heat oil to 300°F and cook each piece for a couple of minutes on each side.

Now you know how to store and reheat your leftover air-fried chicken to keep it tasty and safe to eat!

Frequently asked questions