Air Fryer Chicken: Brine In Salt For Best Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts without the grease of pan-frying. The high-powered, countertop convection oven cooks food by blowing hot air down and around it. This method of cooking is not only healthier but also quicker, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

One way to ensure your chicken breast stays juicy is to brine it. This involves soaking the chicken in a solution of salt, water, and other spices for a period of time. The salt penetrates the meat, adding flavour and moisture. You can brine your chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave it for 12-24 hours.

After brining, you can then add a marinade of your choice. A simple marinade might include olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs. Again, you can leave the chicken in the marinade for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best results, you should leave it for a few hours or even overnight.

When you're ready to cook, simply place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at around 390°F/195°C for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.

And that's it! A juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken breast cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Chicken preparation: trim fat, cut slits, and pound for even thickness

Trimming the fat off the chicken breast is an important first step in preparing your chicken for the air fryer. Chicken breasts tend to be uneven, with one end thicker than the other, so you'll want to use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the thicker end until the thickness is even. This will ensure even cooking and prevent one side from drying out while the other is undercooked.

Next, you'll want to cut short, shallow slits about half an inch apart going crosswise down each chicken breast. This technique, known as "slashed chicken," helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

Finally, you can use a meat mallet or the palm of your hand to lightly pound the chicken on a cutting board to ensure it is of even thickness. This step is especially important if you are using frozen chicken, as it will help the chicken cook more evenly.

Marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, spices, and salt

Olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, spices, and salt are all key ingredients in a marinade for air fryer chicken. Here's a detailed guide on how to make it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the marinade, you'll need olive oil, lemon juice, your choice of herbs and spices, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavour.

For the chicken, it's best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You'll want to select a size that is about 6-8oz. If you're using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally for the best results.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a small bowl, simply whisk together your olive oil, lemon juice, chosen herbs and spices, and salt. You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste preferences.

Once you have a well-combined marinade, it's time to add the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag, a large bowl, or a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Massage the marinade gently into the chicken with your hands.

Let the chicken sit and marinate. For optimal flavour, it's best to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, a couple of hours is better, and marinating overnight will yield the most flavourful results. You can even prepare the chicken in the morning and cook it in the evening.

After the chicken has marinated, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 360-390°F for 3-5 minutes.

Once preheated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If desired, you can brush on some additional marinade at this point. Cook the chicken for a total of 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (around 6 ounces), cook for around 8 minutes. For larger breasts, you may need up to 14 minutes or more.

Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.

Your air fryer chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to create your own unique marinade!

Marinating the chicken: at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in this recipe, as it ensures the meat is juicy and tender, and enhances its flavour. The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left for up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

To marinate the chicken, first, prepare the brine solution by mixing salt, water and any other desired spices in a shallow dish. Common additional spices include brown sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed rosemary and lemon juice.

Next, place the chicken breasts in the brine solution and ensure they are fully coated. Leave the chicken to marinate for the desired length of time. If leaving the chicken to marinate for longer than 30 minutes, place the dish in the refrigerator.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the brine solution and pat it dry with a paper towel. The chicken is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings: 375-390°F for 12-20 minutes

Air frying is a great way to cook chicken that is both crispy and moist. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, ensuring that every bite is juicy and full of flavour.

The air fryer settings will depend on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your chicken breasts, and your personal preference for how well-done you like your chicken.

As a general guide, for air fryer settings:

375-390°F for 12-20 minutes:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-390°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time will be.
• Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the smooth side down.
• Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for an additional 4-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your desired level of doneness.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat at 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicy and tender chicken breast.

Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken breasts, so it is important to keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it does not overcook.

Serving suggestions: salads, pasta, pizza, stir-fry, or sandwiches

Salads

Chicken is a great source of protein to add to a salad. You could try a classic chicken Caesar salad, or get creative with different ingredients. For example, a chicken salad with fresh romaine lettuce, spinach, sliced radishes, cucumbers, chickpeas, and carrots. Or, if you're after something more tangy, a BBQ chicken salad with BBQ sauce, red onions, and fresh cilantro.

Pasta

Chicken pasta is a great option for a filling meal. You could try a chicken pesto pasta and serve it with garlic bread, Greek salad, or roasted zucchini. Or, if you're feeling indulgent, a chicken Alfredo pasta with a creamy sauce.

Pizza

Why not try a BBQ chicken pizza with tangy BBQ sauce, red onion, and smoked gouda? Or, if you're after something more classic, a simple chicken and cheese pizza with your choice of crust and toppings.

Stir-fry

Chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. You can add your choice of vegetables, such as bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, snap peas, or bell peppers. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Sandwiches

Chicken sandwiches are a versatile option, as you can serve them with a variety of sides. You could go for a classic chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a chicken shawarma sandwich with pita bread, or a chicken and waffle sandwich with a runny egg and honey.

There are endless possibilities for serving your air fryer chicken. Get creative and enjoy your delicious meal!

Frequently asked questions