This air fryer fried chicken recipe gives you everything you love about classic fried chicken without the messy cleanup. The skin gets golden and crisp, the meat stays juicy, and the flavor hits hard with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of baking powder to help the skin crisp up mid cook. Once you try it, you’ll forget the oil splatter and stick to this easy method every time.
This post was updated in June 2025 with new information, better formatting, and clearer instructions to help you always do a great job.
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.
A countertop kitchen appliance called an air fryer cooks food by moving air quickly around it. The moving hot air helps make foods taste and look like they were deep-fried with little to no oil.
When you air-fry cut-up chicken instead of frying it, you eat a lot less fat and calories. The technology also makes cooking fast, which makes it easy to make dinner during the week.
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 it easy to cook chicken that has been cut up while still giving it the crispy crunch you want.
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.
3. Fry the chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, turning it over once. 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.
- For the most crunch, spray oil on both sides of the chicken.
- For spicy fried chicken, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a small amount of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- Version Without Bones: Use thighs or breasts without bones; just shorten the cooking time to 18–22 minutes, depending on how thick they are.
- Before air-frying the chicken, soak it in buttermilk and hot sauce for a few hours. This will give it a tangy kick.
- Gluten-Free: There is no breading or flour in this recipe, so it is naturally gluten-free.
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). Stir the basket around every few minutes for even cooking for 7 to 11 minutes. You can also use tongs to flip them over. Jan 2, 2023.
How long to cook cut up whole chicken in an air fryer?
A whole chicken takes 15 minutes per pound to cook in an air fryer set to 350°F. This is a good rule of thumb for cooking times. That means a 4-pound chicken will take about an hour to cook, and a 3-pound chicken will take about 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.