Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, yielding juicy and tender results in a short amount of time. The cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but generally, it takes around 10 to 14 minutes for boneless chicken breasts. For bone-in chicken, the cooking time is longer, and the white meat should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, while dark meat should reach 175°F. Before cooking, the chicken can be seasoned with a variety of spices, and a thin layer of breading can be added for a crispy texture. The air fryer's convection heat ensures even cooking, and it is important to flip the chicken halfway through to prevent overcooking and drying out.
How to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken preparation | Slice chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. |
| Marinate chicken in Italian dressing, buttermilk, or a brine solution. | |
| Season chicken with salt, spices, and oil. | |
| Coat chicken in flour, brown sugar, and cornstarch. | |
| Air fryer temperature | 350°F to 400°F. |
| Air fryer cook time | 10-14 minutes for boneless chicken breasts. |
| 13-20 minutes for bone-in chicken breasts. | |
| 30 minutes for frozen chicken breasts. | |
| Air fryer technique | Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. |
| Flip chicken halfway through cooking. | |
| Spray chicken with oil during cooking. | |
| Check doneness with a meat thermometer. | |
| Allow chicken to rest after cooking. |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken breast preparation
Chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer is a countertop convection oven that cooks food by blowing hot air down and around it.
To prepare chicken breasts in an air fryer, start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents overcooking. Then, season the chicken with salt, and optionally, other spices, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can also brine the chicken to make it extra juicy. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, making it more flavourful and moist.
After seasoning, preheat the air fryer and place the chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure good airflow. Drizzle oil over the chicken and coat both sides. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) with the smooth side down. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. The chicken can be served with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or sweet potato fries.
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Marinades and spices
If you're using spices, mix them with oil to create a paste, then coat the chicken pieces with it. You can also toss the chicken with avocado oil and spices, or coat the chicken in oil and sprinkle with a seasoning blend. For spicy chicken, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your blend.
If you're using frozen chicken breasts, cook them directly from frozen at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For fresh chicken, cook at 370-375°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-8 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the texture you want. Chicken breasts, for example, cook faster than bone-in pieces, so they require less time in the air fryer to prevent overcooking and drying out.
For chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes on the smooth side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For larger chicken breasts, you may need to cook them for a bit longer. The total cooking time should be around 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
If you are using frozen chicken breasts, cook them directly from frozen at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Make sure to separate the breasts before cooking.
For chicken thighs, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) is also recommended. Cook the chicken smooth side down for 6 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness.
For bone-in chicken pieces, a temperature of 350°F is recommended. Cook for 14 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the white meat reaches 165°F and the dark meat reaches 175°F.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, and it is always recommended to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
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Using a meat thermometer
To use a meat thermometer, start by testing it in boiling or ice water to ensure it is functioning correctly. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific details on how to use your thermometer. Placement is crucial; inserting the thermometer in the wrong spot can result in inaccurate readings. For chicken breasts, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring you avoid the bone, as this can affect the reading.
The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). However, you can remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155°F–160°F (68°C–71°C), as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period due to carryover cooking. This process ensures the chicken is safe to eat.
When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is essential to consider the size of the chicken breasts. Thinner, smaller pieces will cook more evenly and result in juicier meat. Therefore, it is recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking. Additionally, ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this can affect cooking times and temperatures.
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Sides and sauces
When it comes to sides and sauces, the options are endless!
Sides
Sides are a great way to add some extra flavour and texture to your meal. A simple green salad is always a good option, or you could try something like air fryer broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or avocado Caesar green beans. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try roasting some peanut kale salad or avocado kale Caesar with sweet potato fries? For a heartier option, serve your chicken with creamy kale pasta, mushroom gnocchi, or paprika chicken pasta. If you're looking for something a little different, green rice with creamy corn is a great choice. And of course, you can never go wrong with some good old-fashioned fries!
Sauces
Store-bought sauces are a quick and easy option for adding flavour to your air fryer chicken. You can find a variety of options at your local grocery store, including brands like Panda Express, P.F. Chang’s, and Kikkomen. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade sauce using pantry ingredients and a small saucepan. A simple combination of sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and something sweet can make a delicious gochujang sauce. Or, for something more unique, try marinating your chicken in Taiwanese ingredients like soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, and garlic.
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Frequently asked questions
To make juicy chicken in the air fryer, it is recommended to brine the chicken. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. The salt flavours the meat throughout and the liquid helps keep it moist. You can also try slicing the chicken breasts into thinner, smaller flat pieces to ensure more even cooking.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. For a 7-ounce chicken breast, cook for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) and then an additional 3 minutes after flipping the chicken. If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, cook directly from frozen at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Chicken is considered cooked at 165°F. However, you can remove it from the air fryer once it reaches 160°F as the residual heat will continue to cook the chicken.
To make crispy chicken, preheat the air fryer and place the chicken pieces in a single layer so they get good airflow around them. You can also try coating the chicken in a breading of flour and oil.
Some good side dishes to serve with air fryer chicken include mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, sweet potato fries, salads, and rice bowls.
