Air-Fryer Chicken: Bone-In Breasts, Crispy And Quick

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a meal. Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for a juicy and flavourful dinner, with the bone and skin helping to keep the meat moist and tender. The air fryer is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior without drying out the chicken, and the cooking time is usually under 30 minutes. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.

Choosing the right chicken breast

Bone-in or Boneless:

Firstly, decide whether you want to cook bone-in or boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in chicken breasts are generally more cost-effective and result in juicier meat, thanks to the bone's presence. The bone also helps render the skin crispy, which is a desirable texture for many.

Size and Thickness:

Opt for smaller, thinner chicken breasts if you want to reduce cooking time and ensure even cooking. Thicker and larger chicken breasts will require a longer cooking time and may need additional time to ensure the inside is cooked thoroughly.

Fresh or Frozen:

It is recommended to use fresh chicken breasts for air frying. If you must use frozen chicken, thaw it first and then coat it with spices before cooking. This will help you achieve the best texture.

Skin-on or Skinless:

Chicken breasts with the skin on are ideal for air frying as the skin becomes deliciously crispy. The skin also helps keep the meat moist and juicy. If you prefer skinless chicken breasts, be aware that they may turn out dry and rubbery if not cooked properly.

Quality and Freshness:

Always choose the freshest, highest-quality chicken breasts available. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates and select chicken with a longer time frame. Additionally, look for chicken with a natural colour and firm texture, avoiding any discoloured or slimy pieces.

Brining:

Consider brining your chicken breasts before air frying. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This technique helps keep the chicken moist and allows the salt to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy end product.

Preparing the chicken breast

Next, you'll want to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or even a specific chicken seasoning blend. You can also use cornstarch to make the chicken extra crispy. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then drizzle or rub oil on both sides of the chicken and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning, coating all sides. You can also place the chicken breasts into a plastic bag with the seasonings and shake to distribute the seasonings and coat the chicken evenly.

Once your chicken is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so that the hot air touches the entire piece of chicken.

Seasoning the chicken breast

First, pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it absorbs any excess moisture, helping to create that sought-after crispy skin.

Next, you'll want to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, depending on your taste preferences. Some common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. You can also get creative with your seasonings and try something like Cajun seasoning, Chinese 5-spice, or Old Bay Seasoning. If you're looking for convenience, you can use a pre-made seasoning blend like Montreal Chicken Seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!

Once you've selected your seasonings, it's time to apply them to the chicken. Place the chicken on a plate and sprinkle the seasonings on, rubbing them into the meat before turning it over and seasoning the other side. You can also place the chicken in a plastic bag with the seasonings and shake to coat the meat evenly.

After the chicken is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer basket, and you're one step closer to a delicious, juicy, and flavourful meal!

Cooking the chicken breast

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and set the temperature to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 20-minute cook, reduce the heat to 370 and cook for 10 minutes, before flipping the chicken and cooking for a further 10 minutes. For a 30-minute cook, leave the temperature at 385 and flip the chicken after 15 minutes.

The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked with a meat thermometer, which should be inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. If the chicken is not yet done, return it to the air fryer for five more minutes, or until it reaches the correct temperature.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices and ensures a juicy chicken breast.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four or five days and can be reheated in the air fryer, although they may be drier the second time around.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It is recommended to consume the leftovers within this time frame to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality and taste.

When reheating, you can either use a microwave for convenience or an air fryer to regain some crispiness. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the leftover bone-in chicken breasts inside. Reheat for around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the number of leftovers and their size. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to consume.

It is important to note that reheating chicken in the air fryer multiple times is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and negatively impact the texture and taste. If you have leftover reheated chicken, it is best to refrigerate it within 2 hours to maintain food safety.

To enhance the flavor and moisture of your leftovers, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating. Additionally, you can brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.

Frequently asked questions