Cody Casey
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy chicken with a crispy exterior. Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for cooking in an air fryer as the bone helps keep the meat juicy and full of flavour. This method of cooking chicken is also cost-efficient, as bone-in chicken is usually cheaper per pound than boneless chicken. You can season your chicken breasts with your favourite herbs and spices, or even dredge them in seasoned flour for a crispy coating. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but it typically takes around 20-30 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
How to cook bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 20-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Chicken weight | Around 1 pound |
| Pre-cooking prep | Pat dry, rub with oil, season |
| Flip | Yes, halfway through or 10 minutes before the end |
| Post-cooking | Rest for 5-10 minutes, covered in foil |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect crispy skin
To get the perfect crispy skin on your air-fried chicken, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you purchase chicken breasts with the skin on, as this is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Before seasoning, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step is important because moisture on the skin can prevent it from crisping up.
Next, you'll want to season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, Chinese five-spice, Old Bay seasoning, or a dry rub with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. For a simple option, just use salt and pepper. If you want an extra crispy skin, you can also coat the chicken in cornstarch before adding your chosen seasonings. Once the chicken is seasoned, drizzle both sides with a high-quality oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Oiling the chicken is important because it helps the skin crisp up and ensures the seasonings stick to the meat.
Now, you're ready to cook the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for about 20 minutes. Then, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The total cook time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but it typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Finally, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender chicken breast. Following these steps will ensure you achieve the perfect crispy skin on your air-fried bone-in chicken breasts!
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The best seasonings to use
When it comes to seasoning, you can use your favourite herbs and spices, or a blend of your choice.
Some recipes suggest coating the chicken with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. You can also add cornstarch to make the chicken crispier.
Another option is to use lemon, salt, and pepper, or lemon pepper. You can also brine the chicken in salt and water for about 1-1.5 hours before cooking.
You can also dredge the chicken in seasoned flour and spritz with spray oil.
If you want to keep it simple, you can just use seasoning salt, or regular sea salt and black pepper.
Other seasonings you can use include garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, Chinese 5-spice, Old Bay Seasoning, or a dry rub with chilli powder, cumin, and oregano.
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How to check if the chicken is cooked
Checking if your chicken is cooked is a crucial step to ensure it is safe to eat. The best way to check is to use an instant-read thermometer, which will quickly show the temperature of the chicken. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you do not have a thermometer, you can also check if the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken. However, this method is not as accurate as using a thermometer.
When using an instant-read thermometer, open the air fryer, check the temperature of the chicken, and close the air fryer within 10 seconds to avoid losing too much heat. If you are cooking multiple chicken breasts, check each one individually and remove any that are done to avoid overcooking. Overcooked chicken will be dry and less juicy.
It is important to note that the cooking time for chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to check the chicken often towards the end of the cooking time to monitor its progress and avoid overcooking.
Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.
By following these steps and using an instant-read thermometer, you can confidently determine if your bone-in chicken breasts are cooked properly and ready to be served.
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How to store and reheat leftovers
Storing leftovers:
Place your leftover air-fried chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you're not planning to eat it within that time, you can also freeze it.
Reheating leftovers:
There are several ways to reheat your leftover chicken breasts, including using an oven, stove, air fryer, or microwave.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. Reheat until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F.
Stove: This method works best for boneless chicken. Place a skillet over medium heat and add just enough water or chicken broth to cover the bottom. Once the water starts to simmer, add the chicken in a single layer. Lower the heat and stir until the chicken is hot.
Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Microwave: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate or glass dish. Add a little water or chicken broth and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 1-minute increments until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some water over the chicken and drizzle with olive oil to keep it moist. Cover with a slightly inverted bowl or microwave-safe plastic wrap and heat for 1 minute. Check if the chicken is ready, and if not, flip it over and heat in 30-second intervals.
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What to serve with bone-in chicken breasts
Juicy, tender, and flavorful, bone-in chicken breasts are delicious and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:
Mashed or Roasted Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken. For a more rustic option, try roasted potatoes with the skin on.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
For a healthier option, bake a potato in your air fryer. It will come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Rice
Try serving your chicken on a bed of rice. For extra flavor, add some lemon juice to the rice or serve it with Alfredo noodles, as suggested by Milk Free Mom.
Vegetables
Air fryer vegetables are a quick and easy option to accompany your chicken. Try asparagus, green beans, broccoli, butternut squash, or a mix of fresh vegetables. If you want to get creative, steam your broccoli and add some melted cheese on top.
Salad
A nice, fresh salad can complement the richness of the chicken. Try a Cobb salad or a simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Bread
Easy homemade garlic bread goes well with chicken and can help mop up any juices or sauces.
Pumpkin
For something a little different, serve your chicken with pureed pumpkin, as suggested by Milk Free Mom.
Fried Cabbage
If you're feeling adventurous, try some fried cabbage on the side. It's a unique option that can add a crunchy texture to your meal.
Remember, bone-in chicken breasts are juicy and flavorful, so you can also enjoy them on their own without any sides!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to cook bone-in chicken breasts in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be preheated to 350°F to 400°F.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. This can be checked using a meat or instant-read thermometer.
Yes, the chicken should be flipped halfway through the cooking process.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
