Cody Casey
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get juicy meat and crispy skin without the need for excessive oil. It's also faster than traditional oven roasting, more energy-efficient, and produces less heat in your kitchen. You can cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, or just chicken breasts, wings, or legs. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken and the specific model of the air fryer, but on average, a whole chicken will take around 40 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while chicken breasts will take around 15 minutes.
How to cook chicken joints in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 180°C-200°C (350°F-400°F) |
| Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Preheat time | 2-5 minutes |
| Chicken weight | 1.2-1.3kg |
| Chicken preparation | Pat dry, season, rub with oil |
| Chicken position | Breast-side down for the majority of the cooking time |
| Basket space | Ensure there is space for air to circulate |
| Basket additions | Add vegetables such as baby potatoes and green beans |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking chicken joints in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken and the specific model of the air fryer being used. It is important to ensure that the chicken fits in the air fryer basket with a little space for air to circulate.
For a 1.2 kg whole chicken, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cooking the chicken breast side down for 25 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook it breast-side up for another 25 minutes at the same temperature. The internal temperature of the cooked chicken should be at least 75°C at the thickest part (the thigh and breast).
Another source recommends cooking a 1.3 kg chicken at 190°C for 55 minutes, turning it over after 30 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when piercing the thickest part of the thigh.
A third option is to cook the chicken at 180°C for 45 minutes, turning it over after 30 minutes, and then cooking it breast-side up for an additional 15 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific model of the air fryer. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through before consuming it.
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Seasoning and preparation
Once you've selected your seasonings, it's time to prepare the chicken. Start by patting the chicken dry with a kitchen paper towel. This step is important, as it ensures that the oil and seasoning will adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a tastier dish. Next, drizzle oil over the chicken skin and rub it all over, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This step will help achieve that coveted crispy skin. Then, generously season the chicken, making sure to cover both the inside and outside of the bird. If you have the time, you can also try brining the chicken for 12-24 hours before cooking; this will make the meat even more succulent and juicy.
When it comes to the air fryer, preheating is generally not necessary, as it heats up quickly. However, if you want to, you can preheat it to 180°C for 5 minutes while you season the chicken.
Now, you're ready to cook your chicken joint in the air fryer!
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Cooking the chicken
Firstly, prepare your chicken by removing any string and taking out anything in the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper towels and ensure that the cavity is empty. Then, season your chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or herbs and spices. Combine the seasonings with oil in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is completely coated.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply run it for 5 minutes at this temperature. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, positioning it breast-side down. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes on that side. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip the chicken over so that it is breast-side up. Continue to cook the chicken at the same temperature for another 10-25 minutes.
Finally, check that the chicken is cooked through. The thickest part of the chicken should reach a temperature of at least 70-75°C, and the juices should run clear when pierced. If you are unsure, use a meat thermometer to double-check. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Resting and serving
While the chicken is resting, you can keep it warm by loosely covering it with foil. This will help retain the heat without making the chicken skin soggy. It is important to note that the chicken will continue to cook slightly during the resting period due to residual heat, so be mindful of that when determining the ideal resting time.
When serving the chicken, you can present it whole or carve it into pieces. Carving it allows for easier serving and ensures that everyone receives a portion with both juicy meat and crispy skin. Use a sharp knife to slice through the joints and separate the thighs, drumsticks, wings, and breasts. Arrange the carved chicken on a platter, garnishing it with herbs or spices used during seasoning for added flavour and presentation.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at a lower temperature of around 325°F/160°C for a few minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed through without drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, being careful not to overcook the meat.
The versatility of air-fried chicken allows for various serving options. You can serve it as a main course with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It can also be used in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for pizzas or salads. The leftovers are excellent for stir-fries, soups, or chicken salads.
Cooking chicken joints in an air fryer results in juicy meat and crispy skin, and the resting and serving steps ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
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Reheating and storing
Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to maintain the original texture and taste of the dish. The air fryer's circulating hot air creates a crispy layer, making the chicken feel freshly cooked.
To reheat chicken in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 325°F/160°C and 375°F/182°C. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, then turn the pieces with tongs and continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through. The time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the air fryer model. To ensure food safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.
If the chicken seems dry, you can add a small amount of liquid such as chicken stock or water to the air fryer basket. After reheating, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices and enhance the flavour.
Storing leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for 3-4 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer. A 1.2kg chicken will take about 50 minutes, while a 1.3kg chicken will take about 55 minutes.
Set your air fryer to 180°C for the first 30-45 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C for the last 10-15 minutes.
Pat the chicken dry, drizzle with oil and rub with seasoning. Brining the chicken for 12-24 hours before cooking will make it more succulent and juicy.
The chicken is cooked when the temperature at the thickest part reaches 70-75°C or when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.
