There’s no denying the convenience of an air fryer. It’s a modern kitchen gadget that can whip up crispy, delicious meals without the fuss of traditional frying. And when it comes to chicken, the air fryer truly shines. Whether you’re cooking chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or even a whole bird, the air fryer can do it all with minimal oil and maximum flavour.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of cooking different cuts of chicken in the air fryer. We’ll cover everything from chicken breasts to a whole chicken, complete with cooking times, temperatures, and a few recipe ideas to inspire you. 

Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, quick, and delicious meal. The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a perfectly crispy exterior, making it ideal for juicy, tender chicken breasts every time. Not only is it faster than cooking in the traditional oven, but it also requires less oil, making it a much healthier option. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, chicken breasts in the air fryer are a versatile and reliable household staple that you can count on for consistently great results.

Chicken breasts are a lean cut of meat, perfect for a healthy meal. However, they can be tricky to cook because they tend to dry out easily. The air fryer, with its fast, even cooking, is ideal for keeping chicken breasts juicy and tender.

When it comes to cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer, you can either coat them in seasoning, coat them in breadcrumbs or even flatten them and make them into chicken schnitzels. I recommend giving chicken a simple seasoning, such as olive oil with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. A top tip here would be to pat your chicken dr so the seasoning sticks better.

When it comes to cooking your chicken breasts, I like to cook them for 17-18 minutes at 190°C (375°F) depending on the thickness. You can flip the chicken breast half way, but it’s completely optional. 

Mini chicken fillets, also known as chicken tenders or strips, are perfect for a quick meal. They cook faster than whole breasts and are fantastic for salads, wraps, or dipping in your favourite sauce. I recommend seasoning the chicken mini fillets similarly to chicken breasts. You can also bread them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs for an extra crunch.

To cook chicken mini fillets, I cook them for 10-12 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Simply lay the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, you can give the basket a shake or even flip them halfway through, but it’s totally optional.

Chicken breast chunks are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for kebabs, stir-fries, or just as bite-sized pieces to dip into your favourite sauce. To air fry them, simply cut the chicken breast into evenly sized chunks. Season with your preferred spices or marinate them for a few hours.

When it comes to cooking chicken breast chunks, I cook them at 190°C (375°F) for 8-10 minutes. Simply place the chunks in the air fryer basket – you can shake it half way through or flip if it has some coating. 

Chicken thighs are a bit fattier than breasts, making them incredibly juicy and flavourful. They’re also more forgiving if you slightly overcook them. Whether boneless or bone-in, chicken thighs cook beautifully in the air fryer.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option for quick weeknight dinners. They cook faster than bone-in thighs and absorb flavours well. To cook your chicken thighs, season with your favourite rub or marinade. You can go classic with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary, or try something bold like a BBQ rub.

To cook chicken thighs in the air fryer, place them in your air fryer basket for 15-18 minutes at 190 (375°F). Place the thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 5-8 minutes. 

Bone-in chicken thighs take a bit longer to cook, but the flavour is unbeatable. The bone helps keep the meat moist and adds a rich depth of flavour. Prepare your chicken thighs, by patting the thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you fancy. You can also marinate them for a few hours to infuse more flavour.

To cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer, pop them in the air fryer basket for 22-25 minutes at 190°C (375°F) skin side down (if they have skin). Cook for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes. 

Recipe Ideas:

• Garlic and Herb Chicken Thighs: Season with a mix of garlic, thyme, and rosemary before cooking. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.
• BBQ Chicken Thighs: Brush the thighs with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a sticky, delicious glaze.

Chicken wings are a crowd favourite, whether for a casual snack or a party. The air fryer can make wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without all the oil of traditional frying.

Fresh chicken wings are a blank canvas. You can keep them simple with just salt and pepper or go all out with a spicy buffalo or BBQ sauce. Simply prepare your chicken wings by patting them dry to ensure they get crispy. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. For extra flavour, toss the wings in baking powder before cooking – this helps to get that perfect crispy skin.

Pop the chicken wings in the air fryer and cook for 15-22 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. The wings are done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). 

Stuck for chicken wing recipes? Scroll for two of my favourite chicken wing recipes, all made in the air fryer!

Forgot to defrost your wings? No problem! You can cook frozen wings in the air fryer, and they’ll still come out crispy and delicious.

There’s no need to thaw frozen wings. You can season them directly or cook them plain and add sauce after. Simply pop them in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes and cook at 200°C (400°F). Arrange the frozen wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy. 

Chicken drumsticks, or legs, are a favourite for many due to their juicy meat and ease of handling. Whether fresh or frozen, air frying chicken legs is a breeze.

Prepare the chicken drumsticks by season the legs with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spices. For extra crispy skin, you can rub a little baking powder on them before cooking. To cook, simply pop in the air fryer for 22 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Place the legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes. When done, and the skin should be golden and crispy.

Chicken Drumstick Recipe Ideas:

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Drumsticks: Season the legs with a mix of thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder before cooking. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
• Sticky Teriyaki Drumsticks: After air frying, brush the legs with a teriyaki glaze and return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.

Frozen chicken legs can be just as delicious as fresh ones. The key is to cook them a bit longer to ensure they’re fully cooked through. There is no need to defrost the legs. You can season them directly or wait until after cooking to add sauces.

To cook the frozen chicken drumsticks, simply pop them into the air fryer for 30 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Arrange the frozen legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Frozen Drumstick Recipe Ideas:

• Crispy Lemon Pepper Drumsticks: Season the frozen legs with lemon pepper seasoning and a light spray of oil before cooking. Serve with a wedge of lemon for a zesty kick.
• BBQ Drumsticks: After cooking, coat the legs with your favourite BBQ sauce and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes to caramelise the sauce.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer might sound ambitious, but it’s actually quite simple. The result is a beautifully roasted bird with crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer allows for an even roast with minimal effort. You’ll need to ensure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate the chicken; anything above 5 litres should do the trick. 

To cook, prepare your whole chicken by patting it dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spice rubs. You can also stuff the cavity with herbs and spices like garlic, lemon, and herbs for added flavour.

Once seasoned, pop the whole chicken into the air fryer and cook for 75 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Cook for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken breast side up and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices should run clear.

Whole Chicken Recipe Ideas:

Classic Roast Chicken: Serve the air-fried chicken with roasted potatoes and vegetables for a traditional Sunday roast.

Lemon and Herb Chicken: Rub the chicken with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs before cooking. Serve with a light salad and a side of couscous for a refreshing meal.

Now that you’ve got the basics down for cooking different cuts of chicken in the air fryer, here are some additional tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer can help ensure even cooking. Most air fryers preheat quickly, so it’s worth the extra minute or two.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy, make sure there’s space around each piece. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to cook in multiple batches than to overcrowd the basket.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken can be tricky, and you don’t want to undercook or overcook it. A meat thermometer is your best friend to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
• Shake the Basket or Flip the Chicken: For most cuts, shaking the basket halfway through cooking or flipping the chicken ensures even cooking and crisping.
• Rest the Chicken: Just like with traditional cooking methods, letting your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
• Experiment with Seasonings: The beauty of cooking chicken in the air fryer is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to find your perfect flavour combination.

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken. It’s quick, convenient, and produces fantastic results with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, the air fryer can handle all your chicken needs with ease.

From crispy chicken wings and juicy thighs to perfectly roasted whole chickens, the possibilities are endless. And with the cooking times and temperatures provided, you’ll be well on your way to mastering air fryer chicken.

So, grab your favourite cut of chicken, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in no time. Happy air frying!