Making marinated chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook chicken that is packed with flavor. The air fryer cooks chicken quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat without the need for extra oil. You can use a variety of cuts of chicken, including breasts, thighs, legs, wings, and drumsticks, and bone-in or boneless options. The key to this dish is the marinade, which can be made with a variety of ingredients such as olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs. The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, it can be left for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop. When ready to cook, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for around 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the cut of chicken, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Marinade ingredients | Honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, ground ginger |
Marinade time | 30 minutes to overnight |
Air fryer temperature | 400°F |
Air fryer time | 10-15 minutes |
Chicken type | Boneless chicken thighs |
Chicken temperature | 165°F |
Resting time | A few minutes |
What You'll Learn
Choosing your chicken cut
Chicken breasts are a good option for a quick and easy meal. Look for two equally sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice, but you can also use bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer.
Chicken thighs are a juicy and flavourful option. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, depending on your preference. They are a good choice for air frying as they remain moist and tender even when cooked at high temperatures.
Chicken legs and wings are also suitable for this recipe. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken legs, and they will cook at the same temperature and time as chicken thighs.
Drumsticks are another option, and they will add variety to your meal. You can marinate and cook them in the same way as the other cuts of chicken.
When choosing your chicken cut, consider the amount of time you have and your personal preference for dark or white meat. Dark meat, such as chicken thighs and legs, will take longer to cook than white meat, such as chicken breasts.
You can also choose between bone-in and boneless chicken cuts. Bone-in chicken may have more flavour, but boneless chicken is easier to eat and can cook more evenly.
Overall, the choice of chicken cut is flexible, and you can use whatever you have available or prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
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Marinade ingredients
There are many different ingredients you can use to marinate chicken for the air fryer. Here are some ideas for marinade ingredients:
Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade
- Greek yogurt
- Chilli flakes
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Honey Soy Chicken Marinade
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- Oil (olive, vegetable, or peanut)
- Ground ginger (or fresh minced ginger)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Balsamic Vinegar Chicken Marinade
- Oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable)
- Balsamic vinegar (or red wine or white vinegar)
- Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- Dried basil or another herb like oregano
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
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Making the marinade
Once you have your ingredients, mix them together in a small bowl until well blended. If you're short on time, you can simply coat the chicken with the marinade and cook it right away. However, for maximum flavour, it's best to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or even up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavours to really soak into the meat.
When you're ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap or stack the chicken pieces, as this will affect the cooking time and temperature. Now, you're ready to air-fry your marinated chicken!
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Marinating the chicken
Once the marinade is ready, pour it over the chicken and ensure that all pieces are well coated. You can use your hands to gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The chicken should be left to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it can also be left for up to 24 hours to allow the flavours to really soak in.
After the chicken has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. However, it is important to note that the marinade should be discarded and not used as a sauce for the cooked chicken, as it has been in contact with raw meat.
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Cooking the chicken
Now that your chicken is marinated and ready to go, it's time to cook it!
Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, and it's super easy to do. The first step is to preheat your air fryer. This is a crucial step as it helps to get your chicken cooking right away, resulting in a crispier outside and juicy inside. For dark meat chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. For white meat, preheat to 360°F.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to add the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure not to overlap or stack the pieces. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Now, it's time to cook! For dark meat chicken, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. White meat chicken should be cooked at 360°F for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
It's important to note that cook times may vary depending on the cut and thickness of your chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F before serving.
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to lock in the juices and ensures a juicy and tender final product.
And that's it! You've now successfully cooked marinated chicken in your air fryer. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Marinating for longer than 24 hours will cause the meat to break down.
You can use a variety of ingredients for the marinade, such as olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and various seasonings like garlic powder, basil, and pepper.
You can use your preferred cut of chicken, including bone-in, boneless, skin-on, or skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or legs. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.