How to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer in 7 Simple Steps
To cook chicken in an air fryer, start by patting the breasts dry and seasoning them well with spices and a little oil.
Using an air fryer for chicken is a quick and healthy way to get juicy, flavorful results. Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook medium-sized breasts for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they hit 165°F inside.
Let them rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.
Stick around for tips on perfect flavor and texture.
Key Takeaways
- Pat chicken dry, season with spices and olive oil, and let it come to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F–375°F for 3 to 5 minutes for optimal cooking results.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with space between to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook chicken breasts at 375°F for 7–16 minutes, flipping halfway, depending on size for thorough cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Preparing the Chicken for Air Frying
Before you start air frying, make certain to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture; this helps the seasoning stick better and guarantees a crispy exterior. To guarantee even cooking and reduce cook time, slice the chicken into thin cutlets or pound it to a uniform thickness. Drizzle or rub olive oil over the chicken, which not only helps the seasoning mix adhere but also promotes browning for that perfect crispy finish.
If you’ve brined the chicken beforehand, make sure to pat it dry again to avoid excess moisture. Let the chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking, so it cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout. Proper preparation sets the stage for delicious air fryer chicken every time. Preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 360°F or 375°F ensures even cooking and crispy results.
Seasoning and Adding Flavor
When you’re ready to season your chicken, a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder can instantly boost its flavor. Use 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder per breast for the perfect balance. For extra flavor and juiciness, try dry brining your chicken with ½ teaspoon kosher salt for at least 30 minutes before seasoning.
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the chicken to help the spices stick and keep it moist while cooking. If you like a bit of heat, add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. Alternatively, marinate the chicken in Italian or poultry seasoning-based marinades for a different, delicious flavor profile.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Although it might seem like a small step, preheating your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F plays an essential role in cooking your chicken evenly and achieving a crispy, golden exterior. Preheating guarantees ideal cooking results by promoting even cooking and better browning, which enhances flavor and texture. Most air fryers only take 2-3 minutes to preheat, much faster than traditional ovens.
If your model has a preheat setting, use it; if not, simply run the air fryer empty at the desired cooking temperature for the recommended time. Always check your user manual for specific instructions, as preheating times and methods may vary. Taking this step helps you get that perfect crispy chicken every time.
Arranging Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to arrange the chicken in the basket for the best results. Start by placing the chicken pieces in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and a crispy exterior. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this blocks hot air circulation, which is key to achieving uniform browning.
If you’re cooking larger cuts, like whole chicken or multiple breasts, strategically arrange them to maximize space while maintaining airflow. Remember to leave some space between pieces, so the hot air can circulate freely. Halfway through cooking, flip chicken to promote even cooking on both sides and prevent dryness.
Proper arranging chicken techniques will help you enjoy perfectly cooked, crispy chicken every time.
Cooking Time and Temperature Settings
Since cooking times can vary based on the size and type of chicken, you’ll want to adjust temperature settings carefully to guarantee your chicken cooks evenly without drying out. For small Air Fryer chicken breasts (5–7 oz), cook at 375°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Medium breasts (8–10 oz) need 10–12 minutes at the same temperature, while larger ones (11+ oz) require 12–16 minutes. If you’re cooking frozen boneless chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer. After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes to lock in moisture and ascertain juicy chicken every time.
Checking for Doneness and Temperature
To guarantee your chicken is safe and perfectly cooked, you’ll want to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. This confirms that the chicken is safe to eat and helps you achieve juicy air fryer chicken every time.
Here’s how to do it right:
- Insert the instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding bones, to check the internal temperature accurately.
- Flip the chicken once halfway through cook times to promote even cooking and consistent temperature throughout.
- Remove the chicken from the Air Fryer when it reaches 155-160°F (68-71°C), then let it rest to allow carryover cooking to bring it to a safe 165°F (74°C).
Following these steps will guarantee that the chicken is cooked perfectly and delicious.
Resting and Serving the Chicken
After you take the chicken out of the air fryer, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to lock in its juices and allow the temperature to even out. This resting period enhances the chicken’s flavor and tenderness through carryover cooking.
Before you serve, use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Slice the chicken against the grain to make each bite tender.
To elevate your meal, serve the chicken with complementary sauces like ranch or lime crema. If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This makes it perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy flavorful, juicy chicken anytime without extra cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Cook Raw Chicken in an Air Fryer?
To cook raw chicken in an air fryer, start by preheating it to around 360°F. Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil and season it as you like. Place the chicken in the basket and cook boneless breasts at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
How Long Does It Take to Cook a Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Oh, just a quick eternity—around 30 to 50 minutes depending on the chicken cut you’ve got.
Whole chickens usually need about 30 minutes at 400°F plus extra time until they hit 165°F inside. Boneless breasts take about 10-12 minutes, bone-in ones closer to 15-20.
Don’t forget to check with a thermometer; it’s the only way to know your chicken’s truly done and safe to eat.
How Long Do I Cook My Chicken in the Airfryer?
You’ll want to cook small boneless chicken breasts for about 7–10 minutes at 375°F. For medium-sized ones, aim for 10–12 minutes, and large breasts need 12–16 minutes at the same temperature. Don’t forget to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
If your chicken is frozen, cook it at 360°F for 18-20 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F before serving, and let it rest for a few minutes for juiciness.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—mastering air fryer chicken is practically rocket science, but with just seven steps, even you can pull it off. Season, preheat, arrange, cook, check, rest, and voilà—gourmet poultry without breaking a sweat.
Who knew that frying with air could make you feel like a five-star chef, all while pretending to care about calories? Now go impress your friends with your newfound “culinary genius.”
Bon appétit! Cooking chicken in an air fryer is easy, quick, and delivers delicious results every time. Follow these simple steps to enjoy perfectly cooked chicken in your air fryer.
