How Long to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer at 400 Degrees: The Perfect Cooking Time

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy and delicious chicken dishes Air frying uses hot air to circulate around the food, cooking it evenly while producing a crispy exterior While air frying chicken is quite simple, finding the right cooking time can take some trial and error. When cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the time will vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. This guide will provide tips and time recommendations for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken.

Benefits of Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

Air frying chicken has several advantages over traditional oven baking:

• Needs little to no oil, so food is healthier than when it’s deep-fried. To get a crispy texture, air fryers use fast air flow instead of oil.

• Cooks food very quickly, thanks to the direct heat contact. Chicken pieces can be ready in 15-25 minutes.

• Produces juicy, tender chicken with a crispy outer coating. The hot air seals in moisture.

• Versatile for cooking chicken breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks, and more.

• Easy to use with minimal preparation needed compared to deep frying or baking.

• Smaller appliances take up less counter space than a conventional oven.

Factors that Affect Cook Time

When air frying chicken, several factors impact the required cooking time:

Type and Cut of Chicken

• Breasts and tenders that don’t have bones cook faster than thighs and drumsticks that do. Pieces without bones take 15 to 20 minutes, while pieces with bones take 20 to 25 minutes.

• Smaller cuts like wings or nuggets require less time (12-15 minutes) than larger, thicker cuts.

Thickness and Size

• Thicker chicken pieces take longer to cook through to the center than thinner ones.

• Uniformly sized pieces will cook evenly.

• Pound thicker sections to an even thickness if the pieces vary.

Quantity

• Cooking large batches may increase cook time slightly.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in smaller batches for best results.

Preparation Method

• A coated or breaded coating will increase cook time minimally.

• Brining or marinating chicken can also extend cooking time slightly.

Recommended Cook Times at 400°F

Based on the above factors, the approximate cook times for air frying chicken at 400°F are:

• Boneless chicken breasts: 15-18 minutes

• Boneless chicken tenders: 8-10 minutes

• Boneless chicken thighs: 18-22 minutes

• Bone-in chicken breasts: 22-25 minutes

• Bone-in chicken thighs: 20-23 minutes

• Chicken wings: 12-15 minutes

• Chicken drumsticks: 18-22 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to make sure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F on the inside. If the meat isn’t fully cooked, cook it for a few more minutes.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken

Follow these simple tips for the best air fried chicken:

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning or coating to help achieve a crispy skin.

• Lightly coat the chicken in oil or nonstick spray to promote browning and prevent sticking.

• Season the chicken generously with spices, herbs, or dry rubs before air frying.

• Flip the chicken halfway during cook time for even cooking on both sides.

• Avoid overcrowding the basket which can lead to uneven cooking.

• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for juicier meat.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, not just cook times.

Common FAQs

Can you cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen chicken can be cooked in an air fryer but will require a slightly longer cook time, typically 5-10 extra minutes. Defrosting beforehand is not necessary.

How can you prevent chicken from drying out?

Brining, marinating, or pounding the chicken to an even thickness will all help retain moisture. Avoid overcooking and use a thermometer to prevent drying out the meat.

Is air fried chicken healthy?

Air frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken at home. With little or no added oils, it results in fewer calories and fat than deep fried or pan fried chicken.

What temperature should you cook chicken in an air fryer?

The ideal air fryer temperature for chicken is between 380-400°F. This high heat helps the chicken cook up crispy and golden brown on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Can you put raw chicken directly in the air fryer?

Yes, there is no need to pre-cook chicken before placing it in a preheated air fryer. Raw, boneless chicken can go straight into the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try

Here are two delicious air fryer chicken recipes to try:

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

1. Marinate tenders in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings.
3. Dredge tenders in crumb mixture.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until 165°F.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

• 24 chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

1. Pat wings dry and coat in olive oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry wings at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Chicken

Mastering air fryer chicken takes a bit of practice, but using the right time and temperature will consistently produce juicy, tender chicken with a crispy coating. Refer to the recommended cook times in this guide, and always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. In no time, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality chicken meals from the comfort of your own kitchen. Say goodbye to greasy deep fried chicken and enjoy the ease and versatility of air frying. Your friends and family will be asking for your air fryer chicken recipe in no time!