If you love to air fry, but are always unsure on the timing to get perfectly cooked chicken, this is the guide for you. We’re going cut by cut, so that you are as confident with air fryer chicken breasts as you are with chicken wings or even a whole chicken.
You sure can. The first time I did it felt strange because all I’d ever cooked in there was vegetables and pre-cooked foods like chicken nuggets, tater tots, etc. As long as you cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in an Air Fryer.
General Tips For Cooking Air Fryer Chicken
OK, so now that you know why to cook chicken in the air fryer, it’s time to find out how. In general, you can do pretty much anything that you would do in a regular oven. The main difference is that you will not be using a pan. The chicken or chicken pieces go straight into the air fryer basket.
However, if you have something really saucy or with a lot of cheese that could melt, you can totally use a tray. The air fryer manufacturers sell a lot of accessories and accessory kits like this so you can find just the right pan for your air fryer. Or, you can use aluminum foil with the edges folded up. If you’re going to use foil, make sure you read these important tips first.
In addition to not needing a pan, the other main difference between the air fryer and the oven is that the air fryer tends to cook things more quickly. What I typically do is to set my timer for 30-40% less time than I would for a regular oven. Then I check the food and decide if it needs longer or not.
For meat and poultry, I use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature. You want it to read 165°F for poultry. Some people take poultry out at a bit lower temperature, like 155°F and let it rest to come up the remainder of the way. I do think you get juicier chicken this way but it is not recommended for food safety reasons, as you can see here on the foodsafety.gov website.
Video: Air Fryer Chicken
Like most of the continent, I’m pretty obsessed with chicken. I can’t even tell you how often it’s on my plate. That’s why I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it, especially ways that are quicker and/or make it taste better.
In terms of the quicker-chicken situation, I thought I had it down with my Instant Pot. And while I do love cooking chicken in the Instant Pot, it’s not always the best it could be. It has more of a stewed texture. That’s great for doing meal prep things like soups and stews but less good on sandwiches or pasta, or for eating on its own. I think I’m realizing that I prefer more of a roasted texture for those things.
And voilá, I found just the thing in my air fryer! I’m loving it so much! Here’s why I love cooking chicken in my air fryer so much…
The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Breast In 8 MINUTES | SUPER JUICY!!
FAQ
Can you put raw meat in Airfryer?
Do you have to flip raw chicken in air fryer?
How long does air fryer take to cook chicken?
Why can’t i air fry chicken?
Are air fryers a good option for cooking raw chicken?
Gone are the days when cooking raw chicken used to be a time-consuming and messy task in the kitchen. With the advent of air fryers, preparing delicious and juicy chicken has never been easier!
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking raw chicken?
It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking raw chicken. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and faster results. Simply set the air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to heat up for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. Do I need to marinate the raw chicken before air frying?
Can you cook chicken in an air fryer?
In general, you can do pretty much anything that you would do in a regular oven. The main difference is that you will not be using a pan. The chicken or chicken pieces go straight into the air fryer basket. However, if you have something really saucy or with a lot of cheese that could melt, you can totally use a tray.