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Have you ever thought of turning on your oven and waiting what seems like an eternity for it to cook? Well, I’ve been there too, and I can tell you, an air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken. In this blog post, I’ll give insights on how long to cook chicken in an air fryer.
As a general guideline, you can expect to cook chicken breast in an air fryer at a temperature of 360°F (180°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes. The key to perfectly cooked chicken in an air fryer is to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal taste.
The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on factors like the cut, thickness, coating, and weight of the chicken.
Need options on the best air fryer baskets? read this.
How the perfect Air Fryer chicken should be
How long to cook chicken types in Air fryer
Depending on what you want to achieve, you can sprinkle very little Canola or Olive oil on the chicken before seasoning to make sure the spices sink in and the chicken air fry to a good texture.
Drumsticks
Drumsticks are a popular choice for air frying due to their juicy meat and convenient size. To cook drumsticks in an air fryer, follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Season the drumsticks with your favorite spices and seasonings.
- Place the drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a large quantity.
- Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Breaded Chicken
Breaded chicken, whether it’s chicken tenders, nuggets, or cutlets, is a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to achieve that crispy goodness in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Dip the breaded chicken into beaten eggs or milk to help the breading adhere better.
- Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between each piece.
- Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them once or twice during cooking for even crispiness.
Rotisserie-Style Chicken
If you crave the flavors of rotisserie chicken but want a quicker option, an air fryer can mimic that perfectly. Here’s how:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Season the whole chicken inside and out with your choice of herbs and spices.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket or on the rotisserie spit if your air fryer has that feature.
- Cook for approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.
Diced Chicken
Diced chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes. To air fry diced chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Toss the diced chicken in a bit of oil and seasonings for flavor.
- Spread the diced chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
Chicken Escalopes
Chicken escalopes, also known as chicken cutlets, are thin slices of chicken breast. Here’s how to cook them in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Season the chicken escalopes with your preferred seasonings or marinade.
- Place the escalopes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
Chicken Burgers
Chicken burgers are a healthier alternative to beef burgers, and they cook beautifully in an air fryer. Here’s how:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Season the chicken burger patties with your favorite spices and herbs.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
- Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping the patties once during cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Cooking Times for Different Chicken Weights
Now that we’ve covered various chicken cuts and preparations, let’s address different weights of chicken. The cooking times mentioned earlier are for standard-sized pieces, but if you’re dealing with larger or smaller portions, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Here’s a quick reference table to help you get it right:
| Chicken Weight | Cooking Time (at 360°F/180°C) |
|---|---|
| ½ kg (500g) | 15-20 minutes |
| 1 kg | 25-30 minutes |
| 1.5 kg | 35-40 minutes |
| 2 kg | 45-50 minutes |
| 2.5 kg | 55-60 minutes |
| 3 kg | 65-70 minutes |
Keep in mind that these times are approximate, and factors like the thickness of the chicken, the specific air fryer model, and personal preferences can affect the cooking time. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers are now popular for cooking chicken because you get a crispy and golden-brown exterior while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Provided you ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooking, it is entirely safe to use an Air Fryer for raw chicken.
Is air fried chicken healthier?
Cooking with an air fryer is usually better for your health than using lots of oil. It reduces added oils, cuts down calories by 70% to 80% and has much less fat.
This way of cooking may also be better for you in other ways when compared to frying with lots of oil. When you compare deep frying to using an air fryer, the air fryer is a healthier choice because it adds fewer calories to the food reducing the chance of inflammation and the risk of long-term health problems.
Read our take on Air Fryer Or Oven, Which Is Healthier?
Why is chicken not crispy in air fryer?
If your chicken isn’t crispy when you use an air fryer, it might be because you didn’t make it dry before air frying it.
When you air fry meat, like chicken, or things you’ve washed before putting in the air fryer, they turn out better when they’re not wet. So, make sure the chicken is dry before you add any oil and put in the air fryer.
Don’t use too much oil, because that will also make the food less crunchy and more fattening. But you can lightly brush meat or chicken with a bit of oil or marinate them to make the outer flesh dry and crunchy.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious meal without the long wait times and excessive use of oil. With the guidelines provided for different cuts, preparations, and weights, you’re now well-equipped to become an air fryer chicken
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