If you’re looking for a healthier way to cook chicken, using an air fryer is a great option. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which can reduce the amount of oil needed and create a crispy texture on your chicken. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook delicious, tender chicken in your air fryer.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Chicken
When it comes to cooking chicken in an air fryer, the first step is choosing the right air fryer. Look for an air fryer that has at least a 5-quart capacity, which is large enough to cook a whole chicken or several chicken breasts at once. Also, make sure your air fryer has a temperature range of 350°F to 400°F, which is the ideal range for cooking chicken.
Preparing the Chicken
The key to cooking chicken in the air fryer is to start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will help the chicken cook evenly.
If you’re cooking chicken breasts, you can either leave them whole or cut them into strips. If you’re cooking a whole chicken, remove the giblets and pat the chicken dry both inside and out.
Cooking the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Once preheated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.
For boneless chicken breasts, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 20-25 minutes, again flipping halfway through. For a whole chicken, cook for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Serving and Storing Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Cleaning the Air Fryer
To clean your air fryer, let it cool completely and then remove the basket. Wash the basket and the inside of the air fryer with warm, soapy water. You can also put the basket and other removable parts in the dishwasher, if your air fryer is dishwasher-safe.
Air Fryer Chicken FAQ
What kind of seasonings should I use on chicken in the air fryer?
You can use any seasoning you like on chicken in the air fryer. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Can I cook frozen chicken in the air fryer?
You can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before eating, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use batter or breading on chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use batter or breading on chicken in the air fryer, but be aware that it may take longer to cook and the chicken may not be as crispy as without breading.
Can I cook multiple pieces of chicken in the air fryer at once?
Yes, you can cook multiple pieces of chicken in the air fryer at once, as long as they are not overcrowded. Make sure there is enough space between each piece for air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
Is it safe to cook chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, it is safe to cook chicken in the air fryer as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to ensure that it is fully cooked.