Air Fryer Chicken Secrets: Perfectly Crispy Every Time

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook chicken, making it juicy, tender, and healthy. But how do you make good air fryer chicken?

First, you'll want to ensure your chicken breasts are an even thickness. You can do this by pounding the thicker side with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.

Next, you'll want to season your chicken. You can use any combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley. You can also marinate your chicken in buttermilk or Italian dressing for extra flavour and tenderness.

Now it's time to air fry! Place your chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's space for air to circulate. Cook at between 350–415°F for 10–20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Flip your chicken halfway through and check the internal temperature has reached 165°F when it's done.

Let your chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy, then slice and enjoy!

Brining and seasoning

Brining is a crucial step in achieving juicy, tender, and flavourful air fryer chicken. It involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. During brining, the chicken absorbs extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more seasoned taste and moist texture. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt on the meat). Dry brining is less messy and recommended for air fryer chicken.

For optimal results, place the chicken on a plate and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Refrigerate it uncovered for at least 30 minutes or up to one day. If you're in a hurry, even 30 minutes of brining can make a noticeable difference. After brining, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying.

When it comes to seasoning your air fryer chicken, the possibilities are endless. You can use a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to your blend. Alternatively, you can experiment with other spices like oregano, thyme, or parsley. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combination.

Before seasoning, lightly pound the chicken to flatten it and ensure even cooking. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken to help the seasonings adhere better and keep the meat moist. You can also try marinating the chicken in Italian dressing or buttermilk before seasoning for extra flavour and tenderness. If you choose to marinate, remember to pat the chicken dry before adding the seasonings.

Once your chicken is brined and seasoned, it's ready for the air fryer! Cook it at 360-375°F (depending on your model's settings) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

And there you have it! Brining and seasoning are essential steps in creating mouthwatering air fryer chicken. With these techniques, you'll be well on your way to juicy, flavourful, and tender chicken perfection.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the type of air fryer being used.

For example, if you are using an air fryer that has a temperature setting of 360°F, the cooking times are as follows:

• 4-5oz (small chicken breasts): 10-12 minutes
• 6-8oz (medium chicken breasts): 13-15 minutes
• 9-12oz (large chicken breasts): 16-20 minutes

If your air fryer has a different temperature setting, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, if your air fryer is set to 375°F, the cooking times will be slightly shorter. In this case, the recommended cooking times are:

• 6-7oz chicken breasts: about 10-11 minutes total
• 8-9oz chicken breasts: about 11-12 minutes total
• 10oz or larger chicken breasts: about 13-14 minutes total

It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of your chicken breasts. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it has reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.

Resting the chicken

During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook a little more and the temperature will increase by a few degrees. This process is known as carryover cooking. It is important to let the chicken rest so that the juices can be reabsorbed into the meat, keeping it moist and juicy.

If you are using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken, take it out of the air fryer a few degrees before it reaches the desired temperature of 165°F. For example, removing the chicken at around 155-160°F and letting it rest will bring it to the correct temperature and ensure it is safe to eat.

After resting, the chicken will be ready to slice and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer chicken!

Marinades and spices

The great thing about air fryer chicken is that you can use any of your favourite herbs and seasonings. You can also use a marinade to add extra flavour to your chicken.

If you're short on time, a dry brine is a good option. Simply sprinkle your chicken with salt and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to one day.

If you have more time, a wet brine or marinade will give your chicken extra flavour and moisture. Try soaking your chicken in buttermilk or Italian dressing for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to pat your chicken dry with paper towels before adding it to the air fryer.

When it comes to spices, you can use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. You could also use other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley, or spice blends like taco seasoning or Italian seasoning.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This combination will give your chicken a beautiful blend of smoky, savoury, and sweet flavours.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and blends to find your favourite.

Using frozen chicken

To cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season as desired. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and air fry the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

If you want to add a sauce to your chicken, make sure you only brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking, as it will burn otherwise.

If you're cooking frozen chicken thighs, wings, or tenders, the same rules apply.

Frequently asked questions