How To Air Fry Chicken – A Delicious, Healthy, and Easy Meal
Looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook chicken without all the added fat and calories? Look no further than your air fryer! Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to a convection oven, but with the added benefit of a crispy exterior. In this article, we will go over how to air fry chicken and answer some frequently asked questions about air frying.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Air Fry Chicken
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
The first step in air frying chicken is to choose the right cut of chicken. The best cuts for air frying include boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and chicken wings. The chicken should be dry-rubbed with a spice blend of your choice for optimal flavor. If you’re not sure what seasonings to use, try a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Preheating Your Air Fryer
Before you start cooking the chicken, you need to preheat your air fryer. This will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and that the outer layer becomes crispy. Set your air fryer to the correct temperature, which is typically between 375°F and 400°F. Preheat for about 5 minutes or until the air fryer is hot.
Prepping Your Chicken
While your air fryer is preheating, take the time to prep your chicken. Brush with a small amount of oil or nonstick cooking spray to help the chicken crispy. Carefully place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for air circulation.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken is in the air fryer, set the timer for the appropriate amount of time based on the cut of chicken and size. Boneless chicken breasts should be cooked for 12-15 minutes, chicken thighs should be cooked for 15-18 minutes, and chicken wings should be cooked for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides cook evenly.
Testing for Doneness
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs about Air Frying Chicken
What are the benefits of air frying chicken?
One of the main benefits of air frying chicken is that it is a healthy cooking method. Air frying uses little to no oil, which means that your chicken will have fewer calories and less fat than traditionally fried chicken. Additionally, air frying allows you to achieve a crispy exterior without all the added grease.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, you should always preheat your air fryer before cooking chicken or any other food. Preheating ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
What seasonings should I use on my chicken?
The seasonings you use on your chicken are entirely up to you! Try a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or get creative with other seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or Italian herbs.
Do I need to flip the chicken when air frying?
Yes, it’s best to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides cook evenly and that the exterior is evenly crispy.
Can I cook frozen chicken in my air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken, but it will take longer to cook than thawed chicken. Be sure to preheat your air fryer and allow extra cooking time to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
Conclusion
Air frying chicken is a delicious, healthy, and easy way to prepare this staple protein. The best cuts for air frying are boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, and chicken wings. Be sure to preheat your air fryer, prep your chicken with a spice blend, and flip halfway through cooking for optimal results. With a little practice, you’ll have perfectly cooked, crispy chicken in no time!
