Tillie Doyle
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook food, and can be used to make anything from chicken to vegetables.
One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is chicken, as it is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. There are a few key steps to follow to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.
Firstly, you will want to brine your chicken. This involves adding your chicken to a salt water solution and letting it sit for around an hour. This will ensure your chicken is extra juicy and flavoursome.
Next, you will want to season your chicken. You can use any combination of spices you like, but a simple mix of salt and pepper will work just fine.
Once your chicken is seasoned, you can place it in the air fryer. It is important to ensure there is enough space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking. You will also want to flip your chicken halfway through the cooking process.
Finally, once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure your chicken is nice and juicy.
And that's it! You now know how to make juicy chicken in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, optional vegetables (e.g. Brussels sprouts) |
| Oil | Used to coat the chicken and ensure it is moist and juicy |
| Spices | Can be mixed and matched depending on preference. Suggested spices include smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, BBQ sauce, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, cajun seasoning, lemon pepper |
| Temperature | 360-375°F |
| Timing | 9 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F |
| Resting | Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing |
| Brining | Brining the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes can make it juicier |
What You'll Learn
Brining the chicken
You can use either a wet brine or a dry brine. A wet brine involves creating a saltwater solution for the chicken to sit in, while a dry brine involves sprinkling the meat with salt. If you're short on time, a dry brine is a great option as it's less messy and takes less time. For a wet brine, fill a large bowl with about 6 cups of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup of kosher salt, stirring to dissolve. This is the basic ratio of salt to water for a brine, but feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
For best results, let the chicken sit in the brine for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours if you're planning ahead. If you're using a wet brine, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Brining is an optional step, but it will make a significant difference in the juiciness and flavour of your chicken. Give it a try, and you'll be amazed at the results!
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Olive oil
Firstly, you should pat your chicken breasts dry and place them in a bowl. Then, rub olive oil on each fillet. You only need a small amount, and it is best to use a neutral oil such as olive oil, or avocado oil.
Next, you can add your chosen spices to the chicken. Olive oil will help the spices to stick to the chicken, and ensure that each bite is packed with flavour. You can use any spices you like, but a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is a great option. You could also try a cajun blend, or a store-bought lemon pepper seasoning.
After you have coated the chicken in oil and spices, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer. It is important to ensure that there is enough space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, so that the hot air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
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Spices and seasoning
A simple seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is a great option. You can also add some smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder for a delicious smokey flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix it up with Mexican spices, BBQ spices, Indian spices, or whatever your menu calls for.
For a spicy kick, add some ground cayenne pepper to your blend. You can also try other combinations like garlic powder and onion powder, Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning blend, cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect spice blend for your taste preferences.
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Cook time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for juicy chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Here is a general guide:
Small Chicken Breasts (5-7 ounces)
Cook for 6-10 minutes at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.
Medium Chicken Breasts (8-10 ounces)
Cook for 10-12 minutes at 370-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.
Large Chicken Breasts (11 ounces or more)
Cook for 12-16 minutes at 370-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.
It is important to note that cook times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the number of chicken breasts being cooked. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked to the recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Resting the chicken
Allowing the chicken to rest ensures that the juices are sealed in, resulting in juicy and tender meat. This step is crucial in the air-frying process as it helps to balance out the cooking temperature and prevent overcooking. By resting the chicken, you are giving it time to relax and reabsorb its juices, which will result in a more flavorful and moist dish.
The resting period also provides an opportunity for carryover cooking, where the residual heat from the air fryer continues to cook the chicken gently, bringing it to the desired internal temperature of 165°F. This gradual cooking process ensures that the chicken is safe to eat without drying it out.
Additionally, resting the chicken makes it easier to slice and serve. The resting period gives the meat fibres a chance to relax, resulting in more tender and juicy slices. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a significant difference in the final texture and taste of the chicken.
In conclusion, resting the chicken is a crucial step in the air-frying process. It ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy, and tender. By allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes, you are guaranteeing a delicious and moist dish that your family and friends will surely enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken breasts, olive oil, and spices. For spices, you can use garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
First, rub the chicken with olive oil and your desired spices. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts.
To ensure your chicken is juicy, do not overcook it. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be 165°F when done. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
