Air Frying Ground Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking ground chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. The cooking time depends on the temperature you choose, but it generally takes between 8 and 15 minutes. You can cook ground chicken in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 400°F. It's important to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking and ensure it's cooked through, with no pink remaining.

Cooking temperature for ground chicken in an air fryer

The recommended cooking temperature for ground chicken in an air fryer is typically around 350°F (180°C). You can also cook ground chicken at 390°F (200°C) or 400°F. The cooking time is generally around 10-15 minutes, but this will depend on the temperature you are cooking at. For example, cooking at 350°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, will cook ground chicken.

It is important to keep a close eye on the chicken during the cooking process to avoid overcooking. To check for doneness, carefully cut into the meat to ensure it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the centre. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption; feel free to use a meat thermometer if it doesn’t pass the eye test.

How to check if ground chicken is cooked

To check if ground chicken is cooked, you should first make sure that it has been cooking for at least 8 minutes at 350°F (180°C). You should then take the chicken out of the air fryer and cut into the meat to check that it is no longer pink in the centre. If you want to be extra careful, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

If you are cooking ground chicken patties, you should cook them at 390°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. You can then check that they are cooked by cutting into one of the patties to make sure that it is not pink in the middle.

If you are reheating ground chicken that has already been cooked, you should heat it in the microwave for 1-1.5 minutes or until it is warm. Alternatively, you can heat it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F.

It is important to note that you should never eat raw chicken, so make sure that your chicken is fully cooked before serving.

How to reheat ground chicken in an air fryer

To reheat ground chicken in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken over to ensure even cooking. If you are reheating raw ground chicken, increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes.

When reheating ground chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving. To check for doneness, carefully cut into the meat to ensure it is no longer pink in the centre. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. You can use a meat thermometer to check this if you are unsure.

If you are reheating a small portion of ground chicken, you may find it more convenient to use a microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe container or plate and heat on high for 1-1.5 minutes, or until the chicken is warm.

When reheating ground chicken, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. It is always best to keep a close eye on the chicken during the reheating process to avoid overcooking.

How to season ground chicken

To cook ground chicken in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 8-15 minutes. If you're cooking ground chicken patties, increase the temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes.

To season ground chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and onion to the skillet and cook, breaking apart the meat with a spatula or spoon as it cooks, until the chicken is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat or liquid, then add your chosen seasoning mix and stir until the meat is evenly coated.

You can use a combination of salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper and dried thyme, or use a ready-made ground chicken seasoning mix. For every pound of meat, use one tablespoon of seasoning and one to two tablespoons of water.

What to do with cooked ground chicken

Ground chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in around 10-15 minutes. The recommended cooking temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Once you've cooked your ground chicken, there are plenty of options for what to do with it. You could make chicken meatballs, chicken nuggets, or add it to tacos, spaghetti, or a salad. You could also get creative and make chicken burgers, meatloaf, or enchiladas. If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try cooking the ground chicken with an onion and some kale, then mixing it with gnocchi and pasta sauce.

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• Sheet Pan Greek Meatballs and Potatoes
• Nashville Hot Chicken Burgers
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So, whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or something more creative, there are plenty of options for what to do with your cooked ground chicken.

Frequently asked questions