Oil-Less Frying: Perfect Chicken Cooking Time

Cooking chicken in an oil-less fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare chicken. The Big Easy® Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is a popular choice for this method of cooking chicken, and it can be used to cook chicken that is either fresh or frozen. The cook time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the outside air temperature, but it usually takes around 10-20 minutes per pound. To ensure the chicken is cooked evenly, it should be flipped halfway through the cooking process. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking Chicken in an Oil-Less Fryer

Cook time varies depending on cooker, air temperature, and chicken size

The cook time for chicken in an oil-less fryer varies depending on several factors, including the specific cooker being used, the outside air temperature, and the size of the chicken. For example, the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer cooks chicken in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, but other models may take more or less time to reach the desired internal temperature of 165 °F.

When cooking chicken in an oil-less fryer, it is important to consider the size of the chicken. Smaller chicken breasts, for instance, will require less cooking time than larger ones. As a general rule of thumb, smaller breasts (about 6 ounces each) will need around 8 minutes of total cooking time, while larger ones may require 14 or more minutes. Similarly, the outside air temperature can also impact the cooking time, with some recipes suggesting that the cook time varies based on weather conditions.

Additionally, the specific cooker being used can also affect the cooking time. Different models of oil-less fryers may have varying cooking times due to differences in design and functionality. For instance, the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer is designed to be powered on and off with a gas knob, and all recipes for this particular model are based on operating the fryer at full power. Other models may have different power settings or features that can impact the overall cooking time.

It is worth noting that the cooking time can also be influenced by factors such as the initial temperature of the chicken and the desired level of doneness. For example, some recipes recommend letting the chicken come to room temperature before cooking, while others suggest removing the chicken from the fryer when it reaches a certain internal temperature and allowing it to rest, letting the carryover cooking finish the job.

To ensure even cooking, it is generally recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, for frozen chicken breasts, the cooking time may be extended by a few minutes, and it is advisable to preheat the air fryer before cooking.

Brining, injecting, and seasoning the chicken

Brining the Chicken:

Brining is a process of soaking the chicken in a salt and water solution, known as a brine. Brining helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy by increasing the meat's ability to retain moisture. It also seasons the meat beyond the surface, ensuring flavor throughout. For an oil-less fryer chicken, you can use a dry brine or a wet brine.

Dry Brine:

A dry brine is a simple and effective method. It involves seasoning the chicken with salt and spices, then refrigerating it for up to two days. The salt draws out moisture from the meat, creating a flavorful brine, which is then reabsorbed, resulting in a well-seasoned chicken. For a 4-pound chicken breast, use 4 heaping teaspoons of kosher or sea salt. You can also add other spices to the dry brine, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Wet Brine:

A wet brine is a more traditional method, where the chicken is submerged in a salt and water solution. You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as sugar, to enhance the flavor. The brine time can vary from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the size of the chicken. As a reference, a whole chicken breast should brine for around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Injecting the Chicken:

After brining, you can inject the chicken with a flavorful mixture to add moisture and enhance its flavor. One recipe for the injection mixture includes Herb and Honey Wine (or Mead), salted butter, sage, rosemary, garlic powder, ground ginger, red pepper, paprika, and Everglades Fish and Chicken Seasoning. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. Inject the chicken at a 45-degree angle, about every inch to two inches, making sure to inject the breasts.

Seasoning the Chicken:

Before placing the chicken in the oil-less fryer, you can season it with a blend of spices. A simple and versatile seasoning mixture includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Additionally, a light drizzle of olive oil will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist.

Remember to always handle raw chicken with care, ensuring it doesn't come into contact with other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Now, you're ready to cook your chicken in the oil-less fryer!

Cooking methods for frozen chicken breast

There are several cooking methods for frozen chicken breasts, each with its own unique set of instructions. Here are some of the most common methods:

Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient option for cooking frozen chicken breasts. To start, preheat your air fryer to 360–375°F (around 3 minutes). Drizzle olive oil on the chicken and season as desired. Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick coating, then place the chicken in the basket, ensuring there's space between the pieces for even cooking. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The total cook time may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can also be used to cook frozen chicken breasts. Place a trivet inside the pot to prevent the chicken from boiling directly in the liquid. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth, then season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Seal the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (for 1-inch-thick chicken). Remember to allow 5 minutes for pressure release after cooking.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet, preferably with a thickness of 1 inch or less to ensure even cooking. Rub each piece with butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For thicker pieces of chicken, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Frying

Frying is a classic way to cook chicken breasts, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy meat. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is 350˚ to 365˚F. Use a skillet or a Dutch oven, filling it about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil or another oil with a high smoke point. Heat the oil until very hot, then carefully add the chicken pieces. Brown the chicken on both sides, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat, and fry until the chicken is extra crispy. Drain the excess oil on paper towels, and let the chicken cool before storing it.

Using a beer can stand to prevent soggy chicken

When cooking chicken in an oil-less fryer, it is important to keep the chicken elevated to prevent sogginess. One way to do this is by using a beer can stand. This method involves placing a beer can in the centre of a roasting pan and setting the chicken upright on top of it. The beer can supports the chicken and allows it to cook evenly, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat.

To use a beer can stand, start by opening a can of beer and pouring about a quarter of it into the roasting pan. Place the can in the centre of the pan and set the chicken upright on top, using the chicken legs to balance it. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in, ensuring that it is coated evenly. You can also sprinkle a spice rub over the chicken and massage it into the meat.

Once the chicken is prepared, transfer the roasting pan to the oil-less fryer and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the model of the fryer, so it is important to monitor the chicken to ensure it does not overcook. To check if the chicken is done, insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh—if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F/75°C.

Using a beer can stand is a simple and effective way to prevent soggy chicken in an oil-less fryer. By keeping the chicken elevated, the meat cooks evenly and the skin crisps up nicely. This method can be used with or without the beer, as the stand provides support and ensures even cooking. Whether you're cooking one chicken or two, using a beer can stand can help you achieve juicy, moist, and perfectly cooked results every time.

How to minimise chicken sticking to the basket

To minimise chicken sticking to the basket of your oil-less fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (or 360°F if cooking from frozen) for around three minutes. This is an important step to ensure even cooking. Next, lightly grease the fryer basket with a small amount of good-quality oil. You can do this by rubbing or spraying the oil onto the basket. This will create a barrier and help prevent sticking.

Now, prepare your chicken. For best results, dry the chicken first and then rub it with oil. You can also add a spice rub or seasoning blend to the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. A little olive oil will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist. Place the chicken in the fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded, as this can cause sticking. If cooking smaller pieces, like chicken wings, shake the basket every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

For larger cuts of chicken, you may need to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process, which typically takes around 6 minutes for the first side, and then an additional 2 to 8 minutes after flipping. You can use tongs to carefully turn the chicken. Finally, for delicate foods like fish, you can create a foil sling by folding a sheet of aluminium foil and placing it in the basket, which will make removing the food easier and prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions