Cooking cut-up chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy and healthy way to make a delicious family meal. With just a few simple steps you can achieve juicy tender chicken on the inside with an incredibly crispy, crunchy exterior using little to no oil.
In this comprehensive guide we will walk through everything you need to know to master air frying cut-up chicken pieces and enjoy this versatile protein anytime.
Understanding Air Fryers
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s review what an air fryer is and why it excels at making cut-up chicken.
An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation to cook food. The circulating hot air helps replicate the crispy, golden texture of deep fried foods with minimal oil.
Compared to traditional frying, air frying cut-up chicken cuts calories and fat intake dramatically. The technology also allows for quick cooking times, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Benefits of Air Frying Chicken
There are many advantages to cooking cut-up chicken in an air fryer:
- Achieves crispy, crunchy skin without deep frying
- Uses little to no oil for healthier eating
- Cooks chicken pieces quickly and evenly
- Infuses chicken with lots of flavor
- Easy cleanup with minimal splatter
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
When it comes to air frying, some cuts of chicken work better than others. Good options include:
- Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful even when thoroughly cooked
- Drumsticks – Kid-friendly and full of flavor
- Wings – The perfect choice for game day snacking
- Breasts – Lean and healthful, cook quickly when thinly sliced
For best results, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken cuts to maximize flavor and crunchiness.
Prepping Chicken for the Air Fryer
Proper prep is key to delicious air fried chicken. Follow these tips:
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Rinse and pat dry – This helps remove bacteria and improves browning.
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Trim excess fat – This prevents greasy results.
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Marinate (optional) – For added flavor and tenderness. 30 min to overnight.
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Coat with spices – Season generously with spices, herbs, salt and pepper.
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Lightly oil – A light coating of oil enhances browning without greasiness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Frying Chicken
Once your chicken is prepped, follow these simple steps:
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Preheat air fryer – Most models require preheating at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Arrange chicken in single layer – Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
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Air fry – Cook at 375-400°F, flipping halfway:
- Chicken thighs – 25-30 minutes
- Chicken drumsticks – 30-35 minutes
- Chicken wings – 20-25 minutes
- Chicken breasts, thinly sliced – 10-15 minutes
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Check internal temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these extra tips for beautifully cooked air fried chicken:
- Spritz chicken with oil halfway through cooking for extra crispiness
- Mix up flavors with different seasonings and marinades
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Allow airflow around pieces – don’t overcrowd
- Serve with dipping sauces for added flavor
Enjoy Juicy, Crispy Chicken Meals
With an air fryer and a few simple tricks, you can enjoy healthier fried chicken any night of the week. Experiment with different cuts, flavors and side dishes for quick, easy meals the whole family will love.
Ditch the deep fryer and all the excess oil. Air frying makes cooking cut-up chicken an absolute breeze while still delivering the crispy crunch you crave.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken Salt and pepper the chicken pieces to taste. Then coat with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder. Let the chicken sit for 10 to 15 minutes — this helps the baking powder draw moisture from the skin for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray (or use a paper towel with a little oil). Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Spray the chicken again when flipping to help it crisp.
Step 4: Serve Once cooked through and golden brown, remove and let rest a few minutes before digging in.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Don’t skip the baking powder. It’s the secret to crispy skin.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket or you’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Spray both sides of the chicken with oil for maximum crunch.
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- Boneless Version: Use boneless thighs or breasts—just reduce the cook time to 18–22 minutes depending on thickness.
- Buttermilk-Style Twist: Soak the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for a few hours before air frying for a tangy kick.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free since there’s no breading or flour involved.
Pair this chicken with classic sides like:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Air fryer green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Potato wedges
- Biscuits or cornbread
Tender Air Fryer Chicken Bites [Easy Recipe]
FAQ
How long do you cook cut up chicken in an air fryer?
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Add the chicken pieces to the basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer). Cook for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket around every few minutes for even cooking (or you can flip them around using tongs).Jan 2, 2023
How long to cook cut up whole chicken in an air fryer?
A good rule of thumb when considering cooking time is that a whole chicken takes 15 minutes per pound to cook in a 350°F air fryer. So, if you have a 4-pound chicken, it will take roughly an hour to cook, and a 3-pound chicken will take approximately 45 minutes.
How to cook sliced chicken in an air fryer?
- Thinly slice the chicken. No thank you for thick chicken breasts. …
- Toss with spices. Toss the chicken with your spices and the avocado oil. …
- Air fry at 415 degrees for 10 minutes. …
- You’re Done!
How long does it take to cook cut up raw chicken?
How Long to Cook Cubed Chicken Pieces in a Pan. Cubed chicken will cook in a pan in just 7 minutes. I like to give them a good sear on the first side, then flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F, about 3 additional minutes.