Air Fryer Chicken: The Perfect Fry Time

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken without the mess and with less oil. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. As a general rule, chicken pieces should be cooked in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F. For example, small chicken breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, while larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes. It's important to note that the chicken should be cooked in a single layer to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Additionally, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process is recommended for even browning.

How long to fry chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken pieces

The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken pieces. Chicken breasts, for example, can be small (5 to 7 ounces), medium (8 to 10 ounces), or large (11 ounces or more). The cooking time varies from 7 to 16 minutes.

For chicken breasts, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Similarly, chicken strips or tenders cook faster than bone-in pieces, and it is important to monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.

When cooking chicken bites or nuggets, it is crucial to cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking. The cooking time for these smaller pieces is typically around 10 minutes.

Additionally, the type of chicken used, such as boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken thighs, or tenders, can also impact the cooking time. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, for instance, are often thinner and may cook faster.

It is also worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and its temperature settings.

To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for chicken breasts and 175°F for dark meat.

Chicken pieces in an air fryer should be cooked in a single layer

When cooking chicken pieces in an air fryer, it is important to arrange the chicken in a single layer. This is because the air fryer cooks food by blowing hot air around it. By arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer, you ensure that the hot air can circulate around each piece of chicken, cooking it evenly and efficiently.

If you were to stack the chicken pieces on top of each other, the hot air would not be able to reach all of the pieces properly, leading to uneven cooking. The bottom pieces of chicken might end up undercooked, while the top pieces could get overcooked and dry.

Arranging the chicken in a single layer also helps to ensure that the chicken gets nice and crispy. The hot air needs to be able to circulate around the entire surface of the chicken to give it that crispy texture. If the pieces are stacked, the parts of the chicken that are touching won't get crispy.

It is also important to note that different air fryers have different capacities, so the number of chicken pieces you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Additionally, it is a good idea to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Chicken pieces should be flipped halfway through cooking

When cooking chicken pieces in an air fryer, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on both sides and helps to prevent overcooking or undercooking. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the desired level of doneness, the cooking time may vary, but it is generally recommended to cook chicken pieces in an air fryer for around 10 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For smaller chicken pieces, such as bite-sized nuggets or tenders, a shorter cooking time is recommended. For example, air fryer chicken bites or nuggets are typically cooked for around 10 minutes at 375°F, flipping them after 7 minutes to ensure even cooking. Similarly, thinly sliced chicken breast pieces cooked at 415°F for a total of 10 minutes should be flipped halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking.

For larger chicken pieces, such as bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, a longer cooking time is required. For instance, air fryer fried chicken made with bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks is cooked at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Similarly, larger boneless chicken breasts weighing 11 ounces or more may require a cooking time of up to 16 minutes in an air fryer set at 375°F, with a flip halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken pieces. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking process and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.

Chicken pieces can be frozen before air frying

Yes, chicken pieces can be frozen before air frying. In fact, it is a great option to have frozen chicken pieces in your freezer for those busy weeknights when you don't have time to thaw the chicken. Here are some tips and instructions for air frying frozen chicken:

Thawing and Brining:

Before air frying frozen chicken, you have the option to partially thaw it in the air fryer first. Place the frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and air fry at a lower temperature for a few minutes to thaw them. This will make it easier to separate the pieces if they are frozen together and will also help reduce the overall cooking time.

Brining is a technique that can help improve the texture and flavor of your chicken. If you have time, you can brine the chicken before air frying. Simply sprinkle salt all over the frozen chicken pieces and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Brining will result in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

Seasoning and Oil:

Seasoning is an important step in ensuring your chicken tastes delicious. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite chicken seasoning blend. It is recommended to use a combination of spices to create a well-rounded flavor profile. Add some olive oil, avocado oil, or neutral cooking oil to help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and promote browning. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and size of chicken pieces you are using. For example, chicken breasts will take longer to cook than chicken tenders or nuggets. As a general guideline, air fry frozen chicken at 360°F to 400°F for 10 to 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and weight of the chicken, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Best Results:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the cook time based on the size of the chicken pieces. Even with the same cut, the cooking time can vary.
• If your chicken is already seasoned, additional seasoning may not be necessary, but you can always add more to taste.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
• If your chicken is stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for a few minutes to help separate the pieces.
• For juicy results, do not overcook the chicken. Remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Air frying frozen chicken is a convenient and tasty way to prepare chicken pieces. By following these tips and instructions, you can achieve juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior, all without the hassle of thawing the chicken beforehand. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and types of chicken pieces to find your favorite combinations!

Chicken pieces can be brined before air frying

Brining is a great way to add flavour and tenderness to your chicken pieces before air frying. It is a simple process that involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution, enhancing the flavour and keeping the chicken moist.

Brining works in three ways:

• Meat absorbs some of the liquid: The brine solution is slowly drawn into the meat, making it juicier and more moist when cooked.
• Muscle fibres are dissolved: The salt solution can increase protein solubility, allowing more proteins to dissolve, reducing the toughness of the meat.
• Muscle fibres and meat proteins denature: The salt solution unfolds and unravels the proteins, allowing water to work its way in between, resulting in more tender cooked meat.

How to brine chicken

To brine chicken, start by making a saltwater solution. For a basic brine, use 5 to 8% salt by weight. You can also add other ingredients like sugar, juniper berries, garlic, thyme, and pepper to enhance the flavour. Aim for approximately 30 grams of salt per litre of water, or about 5 teaspoons of table salt. If using a coarser salt like kosher or sea salt, you may need to adjust the measurements. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then turn off the heat and let it steep for about 30 minutes. Cool the liquid before brining the chicken to avoid bacteria growth.

The general rule of thumb is to brine the chicken for about one hour per pound of meat. However, you can adjust this time depending on the strength of your salt solution and your desired level of saltiness. After brining, remove the chicken from the solution, rinse off any excess salt, and pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent the chicken from steaming in the oven, which can affect its taste and texture.

Air frying brined chicken

Once your chicken pieces have been brined, you can air fry them to perfection. Air frying is a healthier and more time-efficient alternative to traditional deep frying or pan frying. It results in crispy, juicy chicken without the mess and hassle of dealing with hot oil.

When air frying chicken pieces, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer with good airflow around them. Preheat your air fryer to 375-415 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 7 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For smaller pieces (5 to 7 ounces), aim for 7 to 10 minutes. Medium-sized pieces (8 to 10 ounces) will take 10 to 12 minutes, while larger pieces (11 ounces or more) may need up to 16 minutes. Don't forget to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Tips for success

• If you're short on time, even a 30-minute brine can make a difference in the juiciness and flavour of your chicken.
• Don't overcook your chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If using frozen chicken, thaw it first before brining and cooking for the best texture.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Frequently asked questions