Air-Fried Chicken: A Quick, Crispy, And Tasty Recipe

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways. One of the most popular ways to cook chicken is by using an air fryer. Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken because they create a crispy, golden brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

To make chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

- Chicken breasts

- Seasonings (such as pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)

- Olive oil or avocado oil

The first step is to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the air fryer. Then, you will need to season the chicken with your desired seasonings. You can also marinate the chicken in Italian dressing or another type of marinade for extra flavor.

Once the chicken is seasoned, it is time to air fry! Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 360-415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller chicken breasts (4-5 ounces), cook for 10-12 minutes. For medium breasts (6-8 ounces), cook for 13-15 minutes. For larger breasts (9-12 ounces), cook for 16-20 minutes.

Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your juicy and tender air fryer chicken!

How to season chicken for the air fryer

Brining

Brining is a process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. It helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, making the chicken taste seasoned throughout, rather than just on the outside. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt).

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can use your favourite herbs and spices. Here are some ideas:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Rotisserie chicken seasoning blend
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch

Oil

Before adding your chosen seasoning, coat the chicken breasts with oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral-flavoured high-heat oil.

How to cook chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-415°F.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.
• Brush or drizzle both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
• In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or get creative with spices like paprika, thyme, or oregano. For a sweet and smoky flavour, add some brown sugar and cornstarch to the mix.
• Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend, using your hands to rub it in.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. For smaller breasts (4-5oz), cook for 10-12 minutes. For medium breasts (6-8oz), cook for 13-15 minutes. For larger breasts (9-12oz or more), cook for 16-20 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking time.
• Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F with an instant-read thermometer.
• Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing or another marinade of your choice for up to 24 hours before cooking. Be sure to pat the chicken dry before adding the seasoning.
• For extra crispy chicken, preheat your air fryer and place the chicken in a single layer with space for air to circulate.
• If using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to defrost them in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before cooking. Then, let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before seasoning and cooking.
• To reheat leftovers, add a teaspoon of water to the chicken and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave until warmed through.

How to make juicy chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Water
• Your favourite herbs and spices

Method

• Brine the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for at least 30 minutes.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and discard the water.
• Season the chicken with salt, your favourite herbs and spices, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between each breast.
• Cook at between 375 and 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
• Check the chicken is cooked by inserting a knife into the thickest part – if the juices run clear, it is cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to make crispy chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• To dry brine, sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper (if you did not dry brine the chicken, add the salt now).
• Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top and toss to coat, ensuring the spices are rubbed evenly over both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (this should take around 3 minutes).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the smooth side facing down and cook for 6 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket and carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Continue cooking for 2 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F. The total cook time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For a spicy kick, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, try breading the chicken before air frying.
• You can also cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it won't be as juicy. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and season as desired. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How to use leftover air fryer chicken

If you have leftover air fryer chicken, there are many ways to repurpose it into a new meal. Here are some ideas:

Reheat and Eat as Is

You can easily reheat your leftover air fryer chicken in the air fryer. This method keeps the chicken moist and juicy, and is quicker than using an oven. It is recommended to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes and then set the air fryer temperature to 350°F to reheat. You can brush the chicken with a little oil or use cooking spray for added crispiness. Flip the chicken after 6 minutes and continue heating, checking the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Salads, Sandwiches, and Wraps

You can use your leftover air fryer chicken to make a salad, such as a spinach strawberry salad. You can also use the chicken to make sandwiches or wraps, like an avocado grilled cheese sandwich or a chicken Caesar wrap.

Pasta

Add your leftover air fryer chicken to a veggie pasta dish to boost the protein content. It would go well with Brussels sprouts pasta with brown butter.

Pizza

Use your leftover air fryer chicken to make a scrumptious buffalo chicken pizza.

Stir Fry

Add your leftover air fryer chicken to a vegetable stir fry, such as a vegetable lo mein.

Freeze for Later

If you want to save your leftover air fryer chicken for a later date, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

There are many ways to use leftover air fryer chicken to create delicious and nutritious meals. Get creative and experiment with different recipes!

Frequently asked questions