Emilie Meyer
Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for a quick, easy, and juicy meal. Cooking chicken breast on the bone helps keep the meat moist, tender, and full of flavour, while the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying. The entire process, from preparation to serving, can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 20-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 360-385°F |
| Skin | Crispy |
| Meat | Juicy |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, jerk seasoning, Chinese 5-spice, etc. |
| Sides | Air fryer pita chips, napa cabbage slaw, haricot verts, air fryer cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, salad, etc. |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the chicken breast
Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. The bone and skin help keep the meat juicy and full of flavour, while also being more cost-efficient than boneless chicken breasts.
When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless! You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with different blends. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Lemon pepper
- Jerk seasoning
- Barbeque
- Cajun seasoning
- Chinese 5-spice
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dry rub with chilli powder, cumin, and oregano
- Herbs
You can also make your own seasoning mix by combining ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
To ensure the seasoning sticks to the chicken, start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Then, drizzle or rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken. Next, sprinkle your chosen seasoning generously over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides. For extra flavour, gently lift the skin and sprinkle seasoning under it as well.
Once your chicken breasts are seasoned, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer!
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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 ensures even cooking throughout. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360 and 385 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preferences.
To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature. Most air fryers will have a preheat function, but if yours does not, you can manually set the temperature and wait a few minutes for it to heat up. It is recommended to preheat for at least 3-5 minutes, or until the desired temperature is reached. This allows the heating element to reach the set temperature and ensures that your chicken will cook evenly.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing any excess moisture from the surface of the chicken will help the seasonings stick to the meat and create a crispier skin. You can also use this time to prepare your chosen seasonings and rub them into the chicken, ensuring that all sides are coated evenly.
Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket. It is important to leave space between each piece of chicken to allow hot air to circulate around the entire surface of the meat. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
By preheating your air fryer, you create the ideal environment for cooking bone-in chicken breasts. This step ensures that your chicken will cook evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior that are hallmarks of perfectly cooked air-fried chicken.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the air fryer model. It's recommended to cook at a temperature between 360 and 385 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes.
Some recipes suggest cooking at 385 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Another recipe recommends cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, starting with the skin side down.
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, it should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked with a meat thermometer. If the chicken hasn't reached this temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook for another five minutes.
Bone-in chicken breasts are known to produce juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin. The bone and skin help keep the chicken moist while cooking. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, so it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly.
Additionally, preheating the air fryer can help achieve a crispier exterior and more even cooking. Seasoning the chicken before cooking can also enhance the flavor and crispiness of the skin.
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Resting the chicken
After removing the chicken from the air fryer, loosely tent it with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. The exact resting time will depend on the size of the chicken breast and the desired level of doneness. For larger breasts, or if you prefer your chicken well done, let it rest for up to 10 minutes.
During this resting period, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. This step is especially important for bone-in chicken breasts, as the bone can affect the distribution of heat during cooking, resulting in some parts of the meat being cooked more than others. By allowing the chicken to rest, you give the juices time to balance out, creating a more consistent and delicious end product.
Additionally, resting the chicken gives you the opportunity to finish preparing any side dishes or sauces that you may be serving with your meal. This ensures that all components of your dish are ready at the same time, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.
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Storing leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool: Before storing, it is important to let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Do not leave it out for more than two hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
- Store in an airtight container: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the chicken fresh for longer.
- Refrigerate: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for 2-3 days or up to 4-5 days. Check the chicken for spoilage before consuming it after storing it for a more extended period.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you don't plan on eating the leftover chicken within a few days, you can freeze it. Wrap the chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label the package with the date, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Air fryer: For the best results, reheat the leftover chicken in the air fryer basket. This helps retain the crispy texture.
- Microwave: You can also use a microwave for a quick reheat. However, the chicken's skin may not remain as crispy as when it was first cooked.
- Oven: Another option is to reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
Remember, when reheating leftover chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safely cooked. Additionally, leftovers should only be reheated once, and any remaining food after reheating should be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to cook bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 360-385°F.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F to be fully cooked.
