Air Frying Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, and they can be used to make juicy and tender grilled chicken in just 15-20 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer model.

To cook chicken breasts in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F. Then, season the chicken breasts with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You can also cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer, but it is recommended to thaw them beforehand for more even cooking. Simply preheat the air fryer to 360°F, season the chicken, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to make juicy grilled chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne powder
• Other seasonings of your choice

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F.
• Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag.
• Add olive oil and your desired seasonings to the bag. Seal the bag and gently toss it to coat the chicken evenly.
• Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry the chicken for 10-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the power of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-8 minutes, or until heated through.

How long to grill chicken in an air fryer

Grilling chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, juicy meal on the table. The great thing about air fryers is that they are more energy-efficient than an oven, and they also preheat much faster.

The length of time it takes to grill chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature you are cooking at.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the chicken by brushing with oil and seasoning.

For smaller chicken breasts (5-7oz), grill for 7-10 minutes.

For medium-sized chicken breasts (8-10oz), grill for 10-12 minutes.

For larger chicken breasts (11oz or more), grill for 12-16 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, these will take a little longer, around 15-20 minutes.

It is important to make sure that the chicken is cooked through. You can check this by using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

Tips for Grilling Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Brining the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking will help to keep it juicy.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
• If you want grill marks on your chicken, use a grill plate accessory inside your air fryer.
• You can experiment with different seasonings to change up the flavor of your grilled chicken.

How to grill chicken in an air fryer without drying it out

Grilling chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender chicken breasts. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time without drying it out. Here's what you need to know:

Choose the Right Chicken

For the best results, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs, but the flavour and cooking time may vary.

Prepare the Chicken

Before cooking, it is important to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly and ensures it will be juicy and tender. After pounding, rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil or oil of your choice. This gives the chicken a delicious exterior and helps the seasonings adhere to the meat.

Season the Chicken

The key to flavourful chicken is in the seasoning. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, cayenne powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the seasonings together and generously coat the chicken breasts on all sides. You can also try other seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, chili powder, or lemon pepper.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the right temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer. For smaller breasts, aim for 7-10 minutes, for medium breasts, 10-12 minutes, and for larger breasts, 12-16 minutes.

Check the Temperature

To ensure your chicken is cooked through but not overdone, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is best to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160 degrees as the temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.

Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

Reheating and Storing

If you have leftover grilled chicken, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes until heated through. Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to grill frozen chicken in an air fryer

Grilling frozen chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts without having to defrost them first. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. It is recommended to preheat for at least 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take the desired number of frozen chicken breasts out of the freezer. If they are stuck together, submerge the package in warm water for about 5 minutes, then carefully separate them with a fork or knife.

Sprinkle or rub each chicken breast with salt on both sides. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne powder, Italian seasoning, or black pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. For even cooking, use an air fryer that can fit all the chicken in a single layer.

Cook for a total of 20 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of your air fryer, so it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check when they are done. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.

Step 4: Sauce the Chicken (Optional)

You can add sauce to your chicken for extra flavor. Simply brush the sauce onto both sides of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can brush the sauce on after removing the chicken from the air fryer to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve.

Tips:

• It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Smaller or thinner breasts will take less time to cook, while larger or thicker ones may take longer.
• Always arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• If you are using a sauce, be mindful that it may burn if added too early. It is recommended to add the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking or after removing the chicken from the air fryer.
• Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

How to grill chicken in an air fryer without smoke

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make juicy and tender grilled chicken in an air fryer without causing any smoke:

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or any oil of your choice
• Salt and pepper or any seasoning of your choice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F. The preheating temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness. This step is optional but helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Step 3: Drizzle or rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil or any oil of your choice. This step gives the chicken a yummy exterior and helps the seasonings adhere better.

Step 4: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper or any seasoning of your choice. You can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, Italian seasoning, or chili powder for a more flavorful chicken.

Step 5: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between each piece of chicken for even cooking.

Step 6: Set the timer and cook the chicken for about 10 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts and the model of your air fryer.

Step 7: Check the internal temperature of the chicken using an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.

Tips for Best Results:

• For juicy and tender chicken breasts, it is recommended to brine the chicken before cooking. Brining can be done by sprinkling salt over the chicken and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between each piece of chicken for the hot air to circulate properly.
• Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken as it may dry out the meat. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

Frequently asked questions