Frying Chicken In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken with less oil and less mess. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer. For example, small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take around 7 to 10 minutes, while large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take around 12 to 16 minutes. It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Marinating the chicken

To prepare the marinade, combine equal parts buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. You can adjust the proportions to your taste, adding more buttermilk for a tangier flavour or more hot sauce for a spicier kick. For those who are sensitive to spice, don't worry, the hot sauce won't make the chicken too spicy. You can also add some garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra flavour. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Once the marinade is ready, place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or container and pour the marinade over them, making sure all the pieces are fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for the desired amount of time. If you're short on time, an hour of marinating will still give you excellent results. However, the longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will become.

After the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the next steps of the recipe. Remember to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it with the breading mixture. This will help ensure that the breading adheres properly.

By following these simple steps and allowing enough time for marination, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and juicy air-fried chicken!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried chicken depend on the type of chicken being cooked, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired level of doneness. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks are the most commonly used cuts for air fryer fried chicken, as the skin helps keep the meat moist and the bones allow for even cooking. Chicken breasts, especially boneless and skinless breasts, are more prone to drying out and may require adjustments in cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired level of doneness.

For a crispy and juicy air-fried chicken, it is recommended to cook the chicken at a temperature between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Larger pieces may take up to 30 minutes to cook through. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, with some sources recommending cooking dark meat to a temperature of 170-175 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal tenderness.

When air-frying chicken, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. It is recommended to cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Additionally, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spraying it with oil can help ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Some recipes suggest brining or marinating the chicken before cooking to enhance flavour and moisture. A simple brine can be made by sprinkling salt over the chicken and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. For a wet brine, the chicken can be soaked in a saltwater solution. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, with or without added spices or hot sauce, for at least an hour or up to overnight, is also a popular method to tenderize and flavour the meat before air frying.

Chicken pieces to use

When it comes to choosing the best chicken pieces for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces as they tend to result in juicier and more flavourful meat. The bones help pull in heat for even cooking, while the skin keeps the meat moist. Dark meat, such as chicken thighs and drumsticks, is preferable as it has a higher fat content and is less likely to dry out.

However, if you prefer white meat or want to use boneless chicken, you can certainly do so. Just keep in mind that boneless chicken may not crisp up as nicely, and you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, the breading may not stick as well to skinless chicken, but you can compensate by letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after dredging to allow the coating to adhere properly.

Ultimately, you can use any part of the chicken you like, as long as it has skin on. You can cut up a whole chicken into separate portions, or use specific pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, breasts, wings, or legs. Just ensure that the chicken pieces are of similar size for even cooking, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Breading the chicken

Preparing the Chicken

Before you begin breading, it's essential to prepare the chicken pieces. Using a whole chicken, cut it into separate portions, such as breasts, thighs, wings, and legs. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, or opt for skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces for a crispier and juicier result.

Marinating the Chicken

For the juiciest and most flavourful chicken, marinating is key. In a bowl, combine buttermilk with hot sauce (this adds a tangy flavour without making it spicy). You can also add crushed garlic cloves and season with salt and pepper. The ideal marination time is 1 hour to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This step tenderises the meat and enhances its flavour.

Preparing the Breading Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings like Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture to ensure the flour is fully seasoned. You can also add a little buttermilk to the flour mixture to create small lumps, which will increase the surface area and add extra crispiness during frying.

Dredging the Chicken

Now it's time to dredge the chicken! Using tongs, remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the chicken in the flour mixture and coat it thoroughly, shaking off any excess flour. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

Placing the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, ensuring it has holes to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the floured chicken pieces on the parchment paper, making sure they don't overlap or touch. The chicken needs space around it for the air to circulate properly.

Frying the Chicken

Close the air fryer drawer and set the temperature to 360°F to 390°F, with a timer for 25 to 30 minutes. After about half the time, open the air fryer and spray any visible flour spots on the chicken with oil. Then, flip the chicken, spray the other side, and close the air fryer to resume cooking.

Checking for Doneness

Once the cooking cycle is complete, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to 175°F. The chicken is ready when it's golden brown, crispy, and the juices run clear.

Tips for Optimal Results

• If you prefer a crispier skin and want the breading to stick better, consider refrigerating the breaded chicken for 10-15 minutes before air frying.
• To prevent the breading from falling off, use parchment liners, ensuring you place the chicken on top of them before starting the air fryer.
• Be generous with the oil spray to ensure all flour spots are covered, as this will create a crispier coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.

Now you're all set to bread and fry your chicken to perfection!

Reheating the chicken

If you have any leftover fried chicken, it's best to eat it fresh. However, if you want to reheat it, avoid using a microwave as it can make the outside of the chicken limp and the meat dry. Instead, use your air fryer or a regular oven for best results.

To reheat in an air fryer, unwrap the chicken pieces and place them directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 5 minutes, flipping them once, until they are hot and crispy.

To reheat in a regular oven, place the chicken on a sheet pan, cover it with foil, and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake until the crust is crispy and the chicken is heated through.

You can also reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 7 minutes.

Frequently asked questions