Air-Frying Chicken: A Quick, Crispy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken. You can use an air fryer to cook raw chicken breasts or even frozen chicken. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook chicken in an air fryer. The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F. You can season the chicken with olive oil and spices before cooking, and it's important to ensure there is enough space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket to allow for airflow.

How to season chicken for the air fryer

To season chicken for the air fryer, start by cutting the raw chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss the chicken in a little olive oil and add salt and your choice of seasoning. Leave the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

For the seasoning, you can use a mixture of spices. Combine the chicken, olive oil and spice mixture in a bowl. You can then add the chicken to the air fryer and cook it smooth-side down for 6-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-75°C).

You can also try adding a little lemon juice to the chicken before cooking.

How long to cook chicken in an air fryer

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. The length of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken and the temperature of the air fryer.

For chicken bites, cut raw chicken breast tenders into bite-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil with salt and your choice of seasoning. Leave the chicken to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F and then add the chicken in a single layer, allowing space for airflow. Cook the chicken bites for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For chicken breasts, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, cook them for 7 minutes at 375°F, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

For frozen chicken pieces, start by cooking 3-4 pieces at 380°F for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 15 minutes, then check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. If the temperature is at least 165°F, turn the air fryer up to 400°F and cook for a couple more minutes to crisp the chicken. If the temperature is not close to 165°F, leave the air fryer at 380°F and keep checking the temperature every 5-7 minutes.

How to flip chicken in an air fryer

Flipping chicken in an air fryer is an important step to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on both sides.

To flip chicken in an air fryer, first place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the smooth side down. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Then, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the chicken over. You should aim to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process, so that both sides cook evenly.

After flipping the chicken, cook it for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. For thinner cuts of chicken, 2-3 minutes may be enough, while thicker cuts may need up to 8 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size and thickness of the chicken. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) before serving.

How to check chicken is cooked in an air fryer

To check that your chicken is cooked in an air fryer, you should use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (71-75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn't touch any bone. If the temperature is at 165°F or close to it, you can turn up the heat to crisp up the outside. If it's not close, keep cooking and testing every 5-7 minutes.

You can also check that your chicken is cooked by looking at it. The chicken should be a white colour throughout, with no pink remaining. If you cut into the thickest part of the chicken and there is any pink, it needs to be cooked for longer.

It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, as well as the power of your air fryer. As a guide, chicken breasts should take around 8-15 minutes to cook at 375°F (190°C), but this may vary. Always use a meat thermometer to double-check that your chicken is cooked through.

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it's also crucial to ensure that there is enough space between the pieces for hot air to circulate. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from becoming dry or overcooked.

Finally, always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and will result in juicier, more tender meat.

How to serve chicken cooked in an air fryer

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. Here are some simple steps to follow to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection and ready to serve.

Firstly, prepare your chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss the chicken in a little olive oil and add salt and your choice of seasoning. Place the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring there is space for airflow around each piece. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you're cooking more than one layer of chicken, you may need to cook it for longer, and it's a good idea to flip the chicken halfway through.

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the carryover cooking to increase the internal temperature by a few more degrees. Then, simply serve it up with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions