Ella Walter
Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, giving you juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. They are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook chicken, and can be used to make a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. The time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size and type of chicken, as well as the temperature of the air fryer.
How long to cook chicken in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken type | Boneless chicken breasts, bone-in chicken thighs, chicken wings, chicken legs, chicken thigh fillets, whole chicken |
| Chicken weight | 12 oz, 4-6 oz, 1.4 kg |
| Temperature | 375-400°F, 200°C, 380-390°F, 360°F, 180°C |
| Time | 13-20 minutes, 18 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes |
| Other steps | Brining, pounding, seasoning, flipping, using a meat thermometer |
What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures for chicken breasts
The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature at which they are cooked. It is important to note that chicken is considered cooked at 165 °F (74 °C). It is recommended to remove the chicken from the heat at around 155-160 °F (68-71 °C) as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
For boneless chicken breasts, spritzing them with olive oil and seasoning them with salt, ranch powder, or seasoned salt, a cooking time of 13 minutes at 390 °F (198 °C) is suggested. It is important to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165 °F (74 °C). If it has not, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
For thicker chicken breasts, it is recommended to use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side until the breast is an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm). This will help ensure even cooking.
Another method suggests cooking the chicken breasts at 375 °F (190 °C) for 6 minutes on the smooth side down, then flipping and cooking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
One secret to juicy chicken breasts is brining, which involves salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. During brining, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, resulting in more flavorful and moist chicken.
Air Fryer Secrets: Better Taste, Better Food
You may want to see also
Cooking times and temperatures for chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, but on average, chicken thighs will take around 12-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-200 degrees Celsius). Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at this temperature before adding the chicken.
Cooking Time
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs. On average, boneless chicken thighs will take around 18 minutes to cook, while bone-in thighs can take up to 25 minutes. It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.
Doneness
Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the carryover cooking will bring the chicken to the correct temperature during the resting period.
Tips for Crispy Skin
For crispy skin, spray the chicken thighs with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. You can also sprinkle the skin with seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add extra flavor. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
Using Foil Trays in an Air Fryer: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
How to get crispy skin on air-fried chicken
To get crispy skin on air-fried chicken, you can follow a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to remove any excess liquid, ensuring that the skin becomes crispy during the cooking process. Next, season the chicken skin with salt, sprinkling it on both sides. It is recommended to only use salt as a seasoning when cooking the skin in the air fryer, as other spices and herbs added during the cooking process may burn. However, you can sprinkle your favourite seasoning on the crispy skin after it is cooked. Some seasoning options include nutritional yeast, tomato powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or freshly cracked black pepper.
Once you have prepared the chicken skin, lay three or four pieces in a single layer, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes. After 6 minutes, or halfway through the cooking process, flip the chicken skins over so they are skin-side up. Air fry the chicken skins for the remaining 6 minutes, or until they are crispy.
It is important to note that crispy chicken skin can also be cooked in the oven, and you can make a whole tray of crispy skins at once. To do this, preheat the oven to 400°F for convection bake, or 425°F for non-convection. Place the chicken skins in a single layer, skin-side down, on a stainless steel wire rack on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the chicken skins are golden brown and crispy.
Additionally, when cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is important not to overcook it, as this can lead to dry chicken. An instant-read thermometer can be useful to check the doneness of the chicken, which should be removed from the air fryer around 155 to 160 degrees F. The chicken will continue to cook due to carryover cooking, bringing it to a safe temperature of 165 degrees F.
Making Eggs in an Air Fryer: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
How to season chicken for the air fryer
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken and the temperature you set your air fryer to. For example, boneless chicken breasts will take around 13 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, while chicken wings will take 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, let's talk about how to season chicken for the air fryer. There are endless options for seasoning chicken, and you can get creative and experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favorite combinations. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you season chicken like a pro:
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. This step is important because it ensures even cooking and allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. You can also lightly pound the chicken with a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure an even thickness, which will help the chicken cook more evenly.
Brining (Optional)
Brining is an optional step, but it can make a big difference in the juiciness and flavor of your chicken. To brine, sprinkle kosher salt all over the chicken and place it in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. You can also try a wet brine by using a saltwater solution instead of dry salt. Brining helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Choosing Your Seasonings
The fun part about seasoning chicken is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or get creative with various spices and herbs. Some popular seasoning options include:
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
- Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Tandoori seasoning, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, and lemon juice for an Indian-inspired flavor
- Brazilian spice mix: oregano, paprika, cumin, black pepper, coriander, thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg
- Brewer's yeast (also known as nooch)
- Store-bought seasoning mixes: Trader Joe's coffee rub, chili lime rub, or salt-free 21 seasoning
Combining the Chicken and Seasonings
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil and your chosen spice mixture. Make sure the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the oil and seasonings. You can also try mixing the oil with the spices first, or coating the chicken with the oil before adding the spices to help the seasonings adhere better.
Marinating (Optional)
If you have the time, you can take your chicken to the next level by marinating it. Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. If you're using cornstarch to make your chicken crispy, add it just before placing the chicken in the air fryer.
Cooking the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's in a single layer with space between each piece for even cooking. Set the timer according to the type of chicken and your air fryer's temperature. For example, boneless chicken breasts will take around 6-8 minutes per side at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, while chicken thighs will take about 20 minutes at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Steps
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
And there you have it! You now know how to season chicken for the air fryer like a pro. Get creative with your spice blends and experiment with different flavors to find your favorites. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly seasoned air-fried chicken!
Air Fryer Spam Musubi: A Tasty Treat?
You may want to see also
How to avoid overcooking chicken in the air fryer
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to prepare this meat, but it can be tricky to get right. The most common reason for dry chicken is overcooking, so it's important to know how to avoid this.
Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will need around 8 minutes, while larger ones may need 14 minutes or more. It's also important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. You can spritz the chicken with oil at this point to help both sides crisp.
To avoid overcooking, it's recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise to the safe level of 165°F while the chicken rests. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
Another way to avoid overcooking chicken in the air fryer is to brine it before cooking. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest, which helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, keeping it moist and flavourful. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).
Finally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking, so it's best to cook just a few pieces of chicken at a time to ensure even cooking and avoid food poisoning. It's also best to thaw chicken before cooking to avoid uneven cooks. If you're cooking at a high temperature, you may need to lower the temperature to avoid overcooking.
Air-Fryer Diced Chicken: Perfect Timing for Tender Meat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the type of chicken and the temperature you are cooking at. For example, chicken wings take 18 minutes at 200°C/400°F, while chicken legs or thighs take about 20 minutes at the same temperature. Boneless chicken breasts take about 13 minutes at 390°F. A whole chicken weighing 1.4 kg takes an hour at 200°C.
The temperature depends on the type of chicken and your desired level of doneness. For example, cooking chicken thighs at 380°F for 20 minutes will give you juicy meat with a crunchy coating. For a whole chicken, you can cook it at 360°F (180°C) for 45 minutes on one side, and then flip it over and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
To get juicy chicken, brining the meat before cooking can help. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest, which helps the meat absorb extra liquid and flavour. You can also try to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking, which will help it cook more evenly and reduce cooking time.
The best way to know if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also check if the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the meat, or if the meat is no longer pink.
