Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, giving them a fried flavour without the grease. The cooking time depends on the weight of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook marinated chicken in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade Time | Between 30 minutes and 24 hours |
| Marinade Ingredients | Olive oil, balsamic or red wine vinegar, coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, dried basil or oregano, garlic powder, pepper, salt, paprika, cumin, onion powder, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, orange zest, lemon zest, cumin, minced garlic cloves, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, onion powder, rosemary, lemon juice |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Air Fryer Time | 16-22 minutes |
What You'll Learn
How long to marinate chicken before air frying
Marinating chicken before air frying is a great way to infuse it with flavour and keep it moist. The length of time you should marinate chicken depends on the thickness of the chicken pieces and how much time you have. Ideally, chicken should be marinated for between 30 minutes and up to 12 hours. The longer you leave it, the more the meat will break down, so don't exceed 24 hours.
How long to marinate different cuts of chicken
The thicker the chicken pieces, the longer they will take to absorb the flavour of the marinade. Chicken thighs, legs, drumsticks, breasts and other parts should be left to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
How long to marinate chicken for the best flavour
For the best flavour, it's recommended that you marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. However, some recipes suggest that marinating for just 15 minutes is enough to produce juicy and tender chicken.
How long to leave frozen chicken to marinate
It's not recommended to marinate frozen chicken because the flavour won't penetrate the meat. However, if you do choose to marinate frozen chicken, you'll need to add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
How long to leave chicken at room temperature after marinating
After marinating, chicken should be cooked immediately. If you're not ready to cook it, it should be returned to the fridge. Don't leave chicken at room temperature for longer than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 32°C.
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What temperature to cook marinated chicken in the air fryer
The ideal temperature to cook marinated chicken in an air fryer is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the power of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 12 to 16 minutes for the chicken to cook through. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe for consumption.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Start by trimming any excess fat or undesirable parts from the chicken breasts.
- Create short, shallow slits crosswise along the length of each chicken breast. This technique, known as "slashed chicken," helps the meat cook more evenly and quickly.
- Prepare your marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, and various dried herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and black pepper. You can also use a store-bought marinade or a simple mixture of oil and vinegar.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or container and turn it over a few times to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavour will be.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, turn it on and let it run for about 3 minutes before adding the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
- Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on their size.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.
- If you prefer crispier skin, you can spray the chicken with olive oil and cook for an additional few minutes.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Serve the chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
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How long to cook marinated chicken in the air fryer
The length of time you should cook marinated chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken you are using, the cut of the chicken, and the temperature of the air fryer.
Bone-in vs Boneless
If you are cooking boneless chicken, it will take less time to cook than bone-in chicken. For example, boneless chicken breasts will take around 8 minutes in total to cook in the air fryer, whereas bone-in chicken thighs will take around 16 minutes.
Cut of the chicken
The cut of the chicken will also determine how long it takes to cook. For example, chicken legs will take less time than chicken breasts because they are smaller. Chicken wings will also take less time, whereas a whole chicken will take longer.
Temperature
The temperature you set your air fryer to will also impact the cooking time. Most recipes recommend cooking marinated chicken between 350-400°F. At 350°F, you can expect the chicken to take around 16-22 minutes to cook. At 400°F, the chicken will take around 15-20 minutes.
Checking if the chicken is cooked
The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F when it is fully cooked. You can also check by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the chicken—if the juices run clear, it is cooked.
Tips
- Don't overlap or stack the chicken in the air fryer.
- Always ensure your chicken is room temperature before cooking.
- Don't use parchment paper or tin foil in the air fryer basket.
- Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.
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How to store leftover marinated chicken
Storing leftover marinated chicken requires attention to several factors, including the choice of container, temperature, and timing. Here are the steps to ensure your leftover marinated chicken remains safe and tasty:
Choosing the Right Container
- Opt for containers made from non-reactive materials like glass, stainless steel, or food-grade plastic. These materials won't affect the flavour of the chicken.
- Ensure the container is the right size for the amount of chicken you're storing, allowing for even distribution of the marinade.
- Always use a container with an airtight seal to prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping, which helps maintain freshness and flavour.
- Transparent containers are ideal as they allow you to check the condition of the chicken without opening the lid.
- If using multiple marinades or chicken types, store them in separate containers to avoid cross-contamination and maintain distinct flavours.
Refrigerating Leftover Marinated Chicken
- Always refrigerate leftover marinated chicken at or below 40°F (4°C). This temperature slows down bacterial growth and helps preserve the chicken.
- Place the container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination from raw juices dripping onto other foods.
- Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent the chicken from drying out and maintain its flavour.
- Avoid exposing the chicken to air for extended periods, as oxygen can affect its quality and taste.
- Practice good food safety by washing your hands before and after handling raw chicken and using separate utensils and cutting boards.
- Consume the refrigerated leftover chicken within 2 to 4 days. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage increases.
Freezing Leftover Marinated Chicken
- If you plan to freeze leftover marinated chicken, do so as soon as possible after cooking to preserve its freshness and flavour.
- Use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, ensuring they are airtight to prevent freezer burn and maintain the integrity of the marinade.
- Divide the chicken into individual portions before freezing for easier thawing and to avoid defrosting more than you need.
- Label each container with the date and details of the marinade for easy meal planning and tracking freshness.
- Store the chicken at 0°F (-18°C) or below to ensure quick freezing and maintain quality. It can be stored for up to 3 months, but it's best consumed within 1-2 months.
- Thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before use. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Best Practices for Storing Leftover Marinated Chicken
- Always store leftover marinated chicken in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and safety.
- Label containers with the date of preparation and marinade details for easy tracking of freshness.
- Ensure containers are airtight to prevent air and moisture exchange, which can lead to drying out and freezer burn.
- Practice the FIFO (First In, First Out) method by using older batches of chicken first to prevent wastage and ensure consumption within a safe timeframe.
- Store different types of chicken and marinades separately to prevent cross-contamination and maintain distinct flavours.
- Monitor the shelf life of the leftover chicken, consuming it within the recommended timeframe.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your leftover marinated chicken remains safe, tasty, and ready for your next meal!
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How to reheat leftover marinated chicken
To reheat leftover marinated chicken in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. If you want to, you can spray or brush the chicken with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Reheat for 8-10 minutes for larger pieces, flipping halfway through so that the chicken reheats evenly. For chicken tenders, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. For chicken wings, heat for about 5-7 minutes, again flipping halfway through.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, so bear in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C).
It is best to eat leftover chicken within 2-3 days for the freshest taste and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for between 30 minutes and 12 hours. The longer you leave it, the more the flavours will absorb into the meat. However, any longer than 24 hours and the meat will start to break down.
Yes, but it's not recommended. Marinades don't stick well to frozen chicken, so you won't get as much flavour. If you do use frozen chicken, add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
This depends on the type of meat you are using. For white meat, cook at 360 degrees. For dark meat, cook at 400 degrees.
