Air-Fryer Chicken Bake: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and delicious meal. Air fryers are compact, high-powered countertop convection ovens that use rapid air circulation to cook food faster than traditional ovens. They are perfect for cooking chicken, as they can create a crispy, golden, and caramelized exterior without the need for excess oil. With an air fryer, you can cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken, with the cooking time depending on the size and type of chicken.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken Bake in an Air Fryer

How to season chicken for a bake

Seasoning chicken for a bake in the air fryer is a simple process. First, it is recommended to brine the chicken, as this improves the texture and flavour of the meat. If you don't have time to brine, you can simply rub the chicken with your favourite herbs and seasonings. For example, you can coat the chicken pieces in spices, brown sugar and cornstarch, and air fry to a golden, juicy perfection.

You can also add a touch of olive oil to keep the chicken juicy and moist in the middle, while crisp and tender on the outside. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can marinate the chicken for several hours before cooking it in the air fryer. However, this is not necessary, as most air fryer chicken recipes will turn out juicy and tender without brining or marinating.

If you're looking for a simple option, you can just season the chicken with salt and pepper. Or, if you want to get creative, you can experiment with different spices and sauces. The choice of seasonings is endless, so you can customise your chicken bake to your liking.

When seasoning the chicken, remember to stick to a single layer of chicken in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Also, make sure to pat dry any excess water or moisture before seasoning if you're using frozen chicken.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the desired texture. For example, pounding the chicken to flatten it can reduce the cooking time but may result in a dry texture.

A general rule of thumb is to cook chicken in an air fryer for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller chicken breasts can be cooked for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Larger chicken breasts may need to be cooked for up to 14 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken is a reliable way to ensure that it is cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F (71°C).

To achieve a crispy texture, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer. However, this may cause the outside of the chicken to cook faster than the inside, resulting in a dry texture. Instead, it is recommended to lightly pound the chicken, coat it in oil, and cook it at a temperature of 375°F (190°C) for the recommended cooking time, flipping it halfway through.

How to get crispy chicken skin

While cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender meat, it can also be used to make crispy chicken skin. This is a great keto-friendly snack, and surprisingly, in moderation, it isn't bad for you due to the high level of unsaturated (heart-healthy) fats.

To make crispy chicken skin in an air fryer, you will need to start by removing the skin from the chicken. You can use skin from the thighs or breast, including any excess yellow fat from the chicken. You can also buy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and remove the skin yourself.

Pat the chicken skins dry with a paper towel and place them in a single layer, skin-side down, on the air fryer basket. It is important that the chicken skins are not overlapping, as they need to be elevated so the chicken fat can render and the cracklings get super crispy. You can cook around three or four skins at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Sprinkle salt on both sides of the chicken skins. You can also add other seasonings, but it is important to note that additional spices added during cooking may burn. If you want to add more seasonings, it is best to do so after cooking.

Program the air fryer to cook at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes. At the halfway point, flip the chicken skins over so they are skin-side up. Air fry the chicken skins for the remaining 6 minutes or until crispy. If the skin is still a little flabby in parts, add another minute or two to the cooking time.

Remove the chicken cracklings from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool. They will not be completely hard until they have cooled down, but they should be golden. You can now season with additional spices if desired.

How to reheat chicken in an air fryer

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to retain its flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure your chicken has been stored properly. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated within two hours and stored in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling. It can be kept in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

When you are ready to reheat your chicken, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken reheat more evenly and prevents the outer coating from getting too browned. If your chicken has a sauce or breadcrumb coating, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer to prevent sticking.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 350-375°F (182-190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the chicken with a thin layer of olive or avocado oil to prevent sticking and ensure crispness.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Reheat for 5-8 minutes, then turn the pieces with tongs and continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.

Finally, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you prefer your chicken crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time, but be careful not to overcook it.

And that's it! Your chicken is now ready to be enjoyed again! Just remember to avoid reheating leftovers multiple times to prevent the risk of bacterial contamination.

How to cook chicken from frozen in an air fryer

You can cook chicken from frozen in an air fryer in a few simple steps. This method produces juicy, tender chicken and is a quick and easy way to cook chicken breasts.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit for around 4-5 minutes. You can then place the frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is a little space between each breast. It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts, so you may need to adjust the timings accordingly.

For the first half of the cooking time, cook the chicken without any seasoning. You can then remove the chicken from the air fryer and add your chosen seasoning. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder is a simple and effective combination. You can also add dried herbs and spices such as paprika, onion powder, and basil.

Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

There is no need to thaw the chicken beforehand, and cooking from frozen is a great way to get a homemade dinner on the table in around 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions