Air Fryer Chicken: Timing For Perfect Results

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods is to use an air fryer. Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to produce juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken. In this article, we will explore the topic of how long to keep chicken in the air fryer and provide a comprehensive guide to help you cook chicken perfectly every time.

When it comes to cooking chicken in an air fryer, there are several factors to consider, including the type of chicken, its weight, and your desired level of doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on whether you are cooking a whole chicken, chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings. For example, a whole chicken weighing 3-4 lbs can be cooked in an air fryer at 360°F for 30 minutes on one side and then flipped and cooked for an additional 12-22 minutes. On the other hand, boneless chicken breasts weighing 8 oz each can be cooked at 400°F for 5-6 minutes on each side.

It is important to note that air fryers cook chicken more quickly than traditional ovens, so you may need to reduce the cooking time by 30-40%. Additionally, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F to ensure food safety. By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time based on the type and weight of your chicken, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection every time.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm, lightly pound into an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with salt and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to one day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you didn't dry brine the chicken, add the salt now.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat the chicken, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (or the closest temperature setting to this on your model).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer, smooth side down, and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over. Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• You can use a variety of seasonings on your chicken, such as paprika, cumin, thyme, or oregano.
• If you're short on time, you can skip the dry brine.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—make sure there's enough space between the chicken breasts for the hot air to circulate.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
• If you're using frozen chicken, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking.
• To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts. It's important to note that the chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Here is a general guide for cooking chicken in an air fryer:

Small Chicken Breasts (5 to 7 ounces)

Small chicken breasts typically take between 6 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Some sources recommend cooking small breasts for 7 to 10 minutes, while others suggest 10 to 12 minutes. It's important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Medium Chicken Breasts (8 to 10 ounces)

Medium-sized chicken breasts will take a little longer to cook, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. Again, it's crucial to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)

Larger chicken breasts can take anywhere from 12 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking and use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

• It is recommended to brine or marinate the chicken before cooking to enhance flavour and moisture.
• Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for accurate and consistent cooking times.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the chicken breasts to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a juicy final product.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the carry-over cooking will bring it to the final safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer chicken breast recipes

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2-4

• Ingredients:
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (use Morton table salt for better coating)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Instructions:

• Thinly slice the chicken breasts.
• Toss the chicken with your spices and avocado oil.
• Air fry at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer and place the chicken in a single layer.
• Slice and serve.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Prep time: 35 minutes

Cook time: 8 minutes

Total time: 48 minutes

Servings: 2

• Ingredients:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Instructions:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and lightly pound them into an even thickness.
• (*Optional) Dry brine the chicken by sprinkling kosher salt all over and refrigerating for 30 minutes to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken presentation side down in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 to 8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer, cover, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

The Juiciest Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

• Ingredients:
• 500 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Instructions:

• Combine the seasoning oil ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Brush the oil over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated.
• Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

• Ingredients:
• 2 (7-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, or other herbs
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• Instructions:

• Mix together the spices in a small bowl.
• Lightly pound the chicken to flatten and reduce the large bump on one end.
• Drizzle the oil over the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides, rubbing it in with your hands.
• Add the chicken to the air fryer and cook smooth side down for 7 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and serve.

8-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Prep time: N/A

Cook time: 8 minutes

Total time: 8 minutes

Servings: 4

• Ingredients:
• 4 small chicken breasts (4-6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat dry the chicken breasts and add them to a bowl. Rub the oil generously over them.
• Add the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl and mix. Rub this spice blend on both sides of the chicken breasts.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Air fryer chicken breast cooking times

The cooking time for chicken breasts in an air fryer depends on the weight of the breasts and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer:

For Small Breasts (5-7 ounces):

• Cook for 6 to 11 minutes at 375°F to 400°F.
• The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
• Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness.

For Medium Breasts (8-10 ounces):

• Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F to 400°F.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer when the temperature reaches 155°F to 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

For Large Breasts (10 ounces or more):

• Cook for 13 to 16 minutes at 375°F to 400°F.
• The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature and avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer:

• For even cooking and juicy results, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
• Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the chicken.
• Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil to promote browning and help the seasonings adhere.
• Season the chicken with a blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• For frozen chicken breasts, defrost them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning and cooking.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer promptly after cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to retain juices.

Air fryer chicken breast tips

Choosing the right chicken

When cooking chicken breast in an air fryer, it's important to choose the right size. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that weigh around 7 ounces. If you're using frozen chicken, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let it come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning.

Seasoning

You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or get creative with other spices. A mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper works wonders. You can also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or try smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder for a smokey and savoury flavour.

Pounding and coating

Lightly pound the chicken to flatten the thicker side. This helps ensure even cooking and a juicy end result. After pounding, coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil and sprinkle your chosen seasoning on both sides. Rub it in well with your hands.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 7 minutes on the smooth side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. For larger breasts, you may need to add 1 to 4 minutes.

Storing and reheating

Air fryer chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days or frozen for several months. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water to the chicken and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. This will create steam and help the chicken absorb moisture, making it juicier.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Try them in sandwiches or wraps, on top of a salad, tossed with pasta, or as a protein boost in a stir-fry. They're also great for meal prep, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!

Frequently asked questions