Air Fryer Chicken: Secrets To Juicy Perfection

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook chicken, making it healthier, quicker, and easier. But how do you ensure your chicken stays juicy?

Firstly, don't overcook it. Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, but it's best to remove it from the air fryer at around 155ºF as the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.

Secondly, brine your chicken. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. This helps the meat absorb extra liquid and ensures it's seasoned all the way through. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt).

Other tips include using olive oil to keep the chicken moist and help the seasoning stick, and ensuring there's enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.

Finally, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat.

Brining the chicken

Brining is an optional but highly recommended step when preparing chicken for the air fryer. It involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This process helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy end product. You can use either a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you choose to brine your chicken, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the brine

Create a brine solution by mixing salt and water in a container large enough to hold your chicken. You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as sugar, herbs, or spices, to enhance the flavour of the chicken.

Step 2: Submerge the chicken

Fully submerge the chicken in the brine solution and ensure it is covered completely. You can use a plate or other weight to keep the chicken submerged if needed.

Step 3: Brine for 30 minutes to 24 hours

The length of time you brine the chicken will depend on its size and your desired level of flavour and juiciness. For smaller pieces, 30 minutes to an hour should be sufficient. Larger pieces or whole chickens can be brined for up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry

Once the brining process is complete, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. You can now proceed with your chosen air fryer chicken recipe, following any specific instructions for seasoning, cooking temperature, and cooking time.

Remember, even just 30 minutes of brining can make a significant difference in the juiciness and flavour of your air fryer chicken!

Using olive oil

Olive oil is a great option for cooking juicy chicken in an air fryer. Here are some tips and instructions for achieving the best results:

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

Opt for a mild-flavored olive oil that won't overpower the other ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil has a stronger flavor and may not be the best choice for this cooking method.

Preparing the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can trim and pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Amount of Olive Oil

Use enough olive oil to generously coat the chicken. You'll want to ensure that both sides of the chicken breasts are coated. This will help crisp the skin and allow the spices and herbs to adhere better.

Spices and Seasonings

Feel free to get creative with your spices and seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine these in a small bowl and then rub the mixture generously onto the chicken. You can also experiment with other combinations like Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices, or a simple salt and pepper mix.

Cooking Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to 360-390°F. The ideal temperature may depend on your specific air fryer model. For the cooking time, a good rule of thumb is to cook the chicken for around 9-12 minutes on each side. However, always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming chicken.

Resting the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken even juicier.

Serving and Storing

You can serve the juicy air fryer chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or vegetables. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Spacing out the chicken breasts

When placing the chicken breasts into the air fryer, make sure to leave room between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken in shifts to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Larger breasts will require a longer cooking time, while smaller or medium-sized breasts should be cooked for a shorter duration.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your air fryer chicken breasts turn out juicy and delicious every time!

Checking the temperature

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Equip yourself with an instant-read or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to get an accurate reading.
• Target Temperature: Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C/165°F). However, it's recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 162°F, as the residual heat will bring it to the desired temperature.
• Check Early: Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature a few minutes before the expected cooking time. Appliances can vary, so it's better to check early and prevent your chicken from drying out.
• Resting Temperature: After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, the chicken will continue to cook due to carryover cooking, bringing it to the desired temperature while allowing the juices to redistribute, making your chicken juicier.
• Doneness Indicators: If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are other ways to check for doneness. Insert a knife into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and there is no pinkness inside, your chicken is likely cooked. Alternatively, the meat will appear opaque white throughout when it's done.
• Size Matters: Keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will cook faster, while larger ones may need a few extra minutes. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and always rely on the internal temperature to determine doneness.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking is the enemy of juicy chicken. Remove your chicken from the air fryer when it reaches the desired temperature to prevent it from drying out. Remember, you can always put it back for a few more minutes if needed, but you can't undo overcooking.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Every air fryer is a little different, so use these guidelines as a starting point and adjust as needed. With a bit of practice, you'll get a feel for the perfect temperature and timing for your specific air fryer, ensuring juicy and tender chicken every time.

Letting the chicken rest

Importance of Resting the Chicken

Resting the chicken after air frying allows the juices to redistribute and reabsorb evenly throughout the meat. This helps ensure that the chicken stays moist, juicy, and flavourful. Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause the juices to spill out, resulting in dry and less tasty meat.

Resting Time

It is recommended to let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief waiting period makes a significant difference in the juiciness and texture of the chicken.

Temperature Check

While the chicken rests, it will continue to cook due to carry-over cooking. This means that even after removing it from the air fryer, the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to rise a few degrees. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F, as it will reach the safe and recommended temperature of 165°F while resting.

Brining

Brining, the process of salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking, is a secret weapon for juicy air fryer chicken. The salt helps to season the chicken throughout, and the liquid keeps it moist. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt on the meat). Aim for at least 30 minutes of brining time for best results.

Avoid Overcooking

Overcooking is the enemy of juicy chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken and avoid relying solely on timing. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches the recommended temperature range, and let carry-over cooking do the rest.

Frequently asked questions