Cooking chicken in an air fryer like the Chefman can seem intimidating for beginners. With the right techniques though you’ll be able to make juicy crispy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master cooking chicken in the Chefman air fryer, from understanding the appliance basics to step-by-step cooking instructions. I’ll also share tips, tricks, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s get crisping!
Understanding the Chefman Air Fryer
The Chefman air fryer relies on rapid air circulation to cook food quickly without oil. Here are some key things to know:
- Large 3.5 liter capacity, perfect for cooking for families
- Digital touchscreen with temperature control from 175°F to 400°F
- Timer for setting cooking times up to 60 minutes
- Food cooks rapidly and evenly due to 360° air circulation
Preparing the Chicken
Proper preparation is key for the best results
Choosing the Right Chicken
- Bone-in or bone-out, skin-on or skinless all work well
- Bone-in and skin-on retains the most moisture and flavor
- Boneless cooks faster and is easier to handle
- Fresh, high quality chicken works best
Seasoning
- Season simply with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.
- Marinate for added flavor and moisture – use olive oil, lemon juice, herbs
- Pat dry after marinating to maximize crispness
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Follow these steps for foolproof chicken:
- Pre-heat air fryer to 375°F for bone-in or 350°F for boneless.
- Lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking if needed.
- Place chicken in single layer, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook 15-20 minutes for boneless breasts, 20-25 minutes for bone-in thighs.
- Shake basket halfway through to redistribute and promote even cooking.
- Chicken is done when internal temp reaches 165°F for breasts, 180°F for thighs.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy, Perfect Chicken
Follow these extra tips for the best possible air fried chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd – leave space for air circulation
- Brine chicken in saltwater before cooking to boost moisture
- Pat very dry after brining/marinating
- Use a touch of oil for increased crispiness
- Play with different herb rubs and spice blends
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to mess up your air fried chicken. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Overcooking – use a meat thermometer and don’t go over 165°F/180°F
- Undercooking – equally dangerous for food safety
- Not shaking halfway – leads to uneven cooking
- Breading/battering – makes chicken prone to sogginess
Enjoy Juicy, Golden Air Fried Chicken
With the right techniques, the Chefman air fryer makes it so easy to enjoy healthier fried chicken at home. Follow these tips for crispy, juicy and foolproof results. With a bit of practice, you’ll be an air frying pro in no time!
Don’t Need to Use Sauce
For this recipe, we do not use sauce during the cooking. The ingredients are going to give you a nice barbecue flavor, while still letting the flavors of the chicken shine through. If you want to add sauce, you certainly can. Just add your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of the cooking time. But trust me, I don’t think you’ll need it.
Start With Simple Ingredients
I love making recipes that use everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. For this recipe we use brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder, ground mustard and a pinch of cayenne. We mix all the ingredients together in a large zip-top bag, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 6 chicken legs. Shake it all up real well and let it marinate in the refrigerator. How long? If you can let it marinate for at least an hour, you’ll be glad you did. If you can let it marinate overnight, oh wow!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | How to make the best chicken thighs in the Air Fryer!
FAQ
Can you put aluminum foil in a Chefman air fryer?
How do I cook raw chicken in my air fryer?
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Coat all sides of the chicken breast with oil and seasoning.
- Place the chicken into the air fryer, leaving space in between each one. Air Fry for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and air fry again for 5-8 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Enjoy!
How long do you cook chickens in an air fryer?
Air-fry at 370 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 45 minutes.Nov 25, 2023