Air-Frying Chicken: The Perfect Timing For Tender, Juicy Meat

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook chicken pieces. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the temperature of the air fryer and whether the chicken is frozen, cooking times can vary from 8 minutes to 60 minutes. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Cooking times for frozen chicken

If you're cooking frozen chicken in an air fryer, it's important to know whether it's fully cooked or raw. If it's raw, you'll need to cook it for around 50-60 minutes. Try cooking 3-4 pieces at 380°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 15 minutes. You can then check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn't touch the bone. The temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C). If it's not quite there yet, turn the air fryer up to 400°F (220°C) and cook for a couple more minutes.

If you're cooking fully cooked frozen chicken, the cooking time will be shorter. Try cooking at 350°F for 14 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for another 10-12 minutes. The white meat should reach 165°F and the dark meat 175°F.

Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. For example, larger pieces may need 11 minutes, while smaller pieces may only need 9-10 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the model of your air fryer, so be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.

Cooking times for different-sized pieces

The cooking time for chicken pieces in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken pieces. For example, larger pieces may take around 11 minutes, while smaller pieces may take 9-10 minutes. If you are cooking multiple pieces at once, it is recommended to start with 3-4 pieces at 380°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. You can then test the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, ensuring it does not touch the bone. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). If you want to crisp up the outside, you can then turn the air fryer up to 400°F (220°C) and cook for a couple more minutes.

The cooking time also depends on the desired level of doneness. For example, if you are looking for golden brown chicken pieces, you may need to cook them for a shorter amount of time, around 8 minutes per side. On the other hand, if you are cooking frozen chicken pieces, the cooking time may be longer, around 50-60 minutes total. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines.

How to check if chicken is cooked

The cooking time for chicken pieces in an air fryer depends on the size of the meat cut. For example, larger pieces may take 11 minutes, while smaller pieces may take 9-10 minutes. If you are cooking frozen chicken, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes per side.

To check if chicken is cooked in an air fryer, you can use an instant-read thermometer to observe the inner heat of the meat cut. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F. Make sure you check the thickest part of the meat and don't let the thermometer touch the bone. If you don't have a thermometer, you can insert a knife into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices run clear (no cloudy colour or redness), the chicken is cooked.

How to get crispy chicken

To get crispy chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to cook it for around 8 minutes on each side, or 14 minutes on one side, flipping it halfway through. The temperature should be set to 350°F. You can also lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking and halfway through cooking.

If you're cooking frozen chicken, you'll need to cook it for longer – around 15 minutes on each side at 380°F. You can then turn the temperature up to 400°F and cook for a couple more minutes to make it crispier.

If you're cooking chicken breast, you might need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pieces. Smaller pieces will take around 9-10 minutes, while larger pieces will take around 11 minutes.

How to season chicken

The cooking time for chicken pieces in an air fryer depends on the size of the pieces and the temperature of the fryer. For example, larger pieces may take 11 minutes, while smaller pieces may take 9-10 minutes. If you're cooking at 350°F, you should cook the chicken for 14 minutes, then flip it, spray it with oil, and cook for another 10-12 minutes. If you're cooking at 380°F, try cooking the chicken for 15 minutes, then flipping it and cooking for another 15 minutes.

When it comes to seasoning chicken, there are a few different approaches you can take. One option is to use a dry rub of spices. A basic dry rub might include salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add other spices like paprika, cumin, or Italian herb mix to give it more colour and spice. If you want to add some heat, you could include chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or celery salt. For sweetness, you could add white or brown sugar. You can also use fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme.

Another option is to use a wet rub or marinade. This might include ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, or melted butter. You can also use a combination of dry and wet rubs by mixing the spices with a little oil or butter before rubbing them onto the chicken.

It's important to use fresh herbs and spices, as they get milder in flavour over time. You should also make sure the chicken is dry before adding the seasoning, as this will help it stick. Allow the chicken to sit with the seasoning for at least 15 minutes, but preferably up to 2 hours, to let the flavours develop.

Frequently asked questions