Air-Fryer Chicken Roll: Cooking Time And Tips

Chicken roll-ups are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. You can make them with various fillings, such as herbs, cheese, and mayonnaise, or even cream cheese and scallions. The cooking time for chicken rolls in an air fryer is generally between 15 and 25 minutes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.

Chicken roll-up ingredients

Chicken roll-ups are a quick, family-friendly meal that can be made in an air fryer. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be made with pantry staples.

There are several variations of chicken roll-up recipes, but most include chicken, cheese, and some type of dough or breading. Some recipes call for crescent rolls, while others suggest using a flour and egg breading.

For a Mexican-inspired dish, you can add green chilis to your chicken roll-ups. A Mediterranean-inspired version could include cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and aubergine, along with cream cheese and a blend of cheeses. An Italian-inspired take on the dish could include chopped bacon and shredded parmesan cheese added to the cream cheese filling.

Other ingredients that can be added to chicken roll-ups include milk, soup, mixed vegetables, biscuit mix, cream, and various spices and herbs.

No matter which ingredients you choose, the key to a good chicken roll-up is to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and that the filling is proportional to the amount of chicken, so it doesn't spill out during cooking.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking chicken rolls in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken roll being cooked. For instance, the cooking temperature and duration for chicken roll-ups differ from those of chicken egg rolls.

Air Frying Chicken Roll-ups

Chicken roll-ups are chicken breasts hugging a luscious filling of herbs and cheese. The air fryer temperature for cooking chicken roll-ups should be set at 360°F (180°C). The cooking time will generally take about 20 to 25 minutes. However, this can vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken rolls. It is recommended to start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Air Frying Chicken Egg Rolls

Chicken egg rolls are made by placing a chicken strip in the center of an egg roll wrapper and topping it with a tablespoon of the coleslaw mix. The temperature for cooking chicken egg rolls should be set at 400°F. The egg rolls should be cooked for 6 minutes. Then, flip the egg rolls and cook for an additional 6 minutes.

Chicken roll-up fillings

Chicken roll-ups are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various cuisines and flavours. The fillings for chicken roll-ups are limited only by your creativity and taste preferences. Here are some ideas for chicken roll-up fillings to get you started:

Mediterranean-inspired filling:

Add cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and aubergine to a cream cheese base. You can also experiment with different types of cheese blends to add more depth of flavour.

Italian-inspired filling:

Chopped bacon pieces and shredded parmesan cheese are a match made in heaven. You can also add some Italian herbs such as basil and oregano to the mix for an extra punch of flavour.

Mexican-inspired filling:

Green chillies, spicy peppers, and Mexican spices can be added to the chicken mixture to give it a kick. You can also include some black beans and corn for a heartier filling.

Classic cream cheese and chicken filling:

A simple yet delicious option is to fill the chicken roll-ups with a mixture of cream cheese, chicken, milk, and chicken soup. This combination creates a creamy and savoury centre that pairs well with the crispy exterior of the roll-up.

Sweet option:

For a dessert twist, spread cream cheese and blueberry pie filling on the rolls. Roll them up and top with additional pie filling for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Remember, when preparing chicken roll-ups, it's important to ensure that the filling is proportional to the size of the chicken to avoid it spilling out during cooking. Also, be mindful not to overfill the rolls, as this can impact cooking time and evenness.

Chicken roll-up preparation

Preparing chicken roll-ups for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to keep in mind to ensure juicy and flavourful results.

Firstly, prepare your chicken breasts by slicing each breast horizontally to create two thinner slices, and then slice these once more for smaller, even pieces. Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to an even thickness. This step is important to promote uniform cooking and prevent overcooking.

Next, it's time to get creative with your fillings. You can stuff your chicken roll-ups with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, basil, salt, and pepper, or even cream cheese and scallions. For a Mediterranean twist, add cooked vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and aubergine to your cream cheese filling. If you're feeling more Italian-inspired, try adding chopped bacon pieces and shredded parmesan cheese.

Once you've assembled your fillings, it's time to roll up your chicken. Place your fillings in the centre of each chicken slice and roll it up tightly, securing it with toothpicks if needed. Remember not to overfill the roll-ups, as this can cause them to spill during cooking.

Before air frying, you can coat your chicken roll-ups with a light layer of olive oil or brush them with a mayonnaise mixture for extra flavour and crispness. You can also dredge them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Place the chicken roll-ups in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and set the temperature and timer according to your specific air fryer model and the size and thickness of your chicken roll-ups. As a guide, cook for around 20 minutes at 360°F (180°C), checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Once they're cooked to perfection, remove the toothpicks (if used) and let the roll-ups rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tasty chicken.

Finally, serve your chicken roll-ups with your favourite sides and sauces. Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Reheating chicken roll-ups

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken roll-ups. To ensure uniform cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before rolling them up. Additionally, avoid overfilling the roll-ups, as this can cause the filling to spill out during the reheating process.

When reheating chicken roll-ups in the air fryer, it is best to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 144°F (62°C) to ensure they are safely cooked. Allow the roll-ups to rest for a few minutes after reheating to let the juices redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can coat the air fryer basket with a light spray of cooking oil or olive oil. However, be cautious not to use too much oil, as it may cause the chicken roll-ups to become soggy. Always remove any toothpicks used to hold the roll-ups together before serving, especially when serving to children.

Frequently asked questions