How Long to Air Fry Raw Chicken?
Air frying has become a popular cooking method due to its ease, healthiness, and convenience. However, when it comes to cooking raw chicken, it’s essential to know the right amount of time to air fry it to ensure food safety and perfect doneness. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide guidelines on how long to air fry raw chicken.
How Long to Air Fry Raw Chicken? – The Direct Answer
The answer is not a straightforward one, as the cooking time depends on several factors, including the type and size of the chicken, the temperature setting, and the level of doneness desired. As a general rule, it’s recommended to air fry raw chicken at 12-15 minutes per pound, with a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors can influence the cooking time of air-fried raw chicken. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Type of Chicken: Whole chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs will have different cooking times.
- Whole Chicken: Cook for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Chicken Breasts: Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Chicken Thighs: Cook for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Size of Chicken: Larger pieces will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
- Chicken Breasts (large): Cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Chicken Breasts (small): Cook for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Temperature: Cooking at a higher temperature (420°F/220°C) will result in shorter cooking times.
- Level of Doneness: If you prefer your chicken cooked more thoroughly, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Safe Minimum Internal Temperature
It’s essential to ensure that the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding any bones or fat.
Air Frying Raw Chicken – A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to air frying raw chicken:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature (400°F/200°C).
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with your desired herbs and spices.
- Place the Chicken: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for the recommended time, or until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature.
- Check the Chicken: Check the chicken for doneness by inserting a food thermometer or checking for visual cues ( juices running clear, tender meat).
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to help you achieve perfect air-fried chicken:
- Marinating: Marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours before air frying.
- Breading: Coat the chicken with a breadcrumb mixture (e.g., flour, eggs, breadcrumbs) for added texture and flavor.
- Glazing: Brush the chicken with a glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Doneness Level: Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
Air Frying Raw Chicken – A Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for air-fried raw chicken:
Air-Fried Raw Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) raw chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 ml) paprika
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with the spice mixture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes (breasts) or 12-15 minutes (thighs) or until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Air frying raw chicken is a convenient and healthy cooking method that requires attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken while ensuring food safety. Remember to consider the type and size of the chicken, the temperature setting, and the level of doneness desired. Happy air frying!