Cooking chicken can sometimes be a hit or miss, with overcooked, dry breasts or undercooked thighs. But if you’ve recently purchased an air fryer—or are thinking about buying one—you’re in for a treat. Air fryers are a game-changer when it comes to making chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the need for a ton of oil.
Whether youre cooking chicken breasts, thighs, or wings, an air fryer helps achieve the perfect texture every time. Plus, it’s faster than using the oven and cleaner than deep frying. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook chicken in an air fryer, and will give you useful tips for the juiciest results!.
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Cooking chicken in an airfryer has become wildly popular and for good reason – it produces tender, juicy meat with a deliciously crispy crust in a fraction of the time it takes to roast in the oven. But nailing the perfect temperature is key to airfryer chicken success. Too low and it won’t cook through. Too high and you’ll end up with dry overcooked disappointment.
So what’s the magic number for airfryer chicken greatness? Here I’ll break down the ideal airfryer temperatures for different cuts of chicken cooking times, and tips to guarantee you turn out juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Why Temperature Matters With Airfryer Chicken
The right internal temperature is the most important part of cooking chicken right. According to the USDA, chicken needs to reach 165°F to be safe to eat. This kills any bacteria that could make you sick.
At the same time, you want the texture to be tender and juicy, not dry and stringy. Exceeding that 165°F target can quickly lead to overcooked chicken.
An airfryer works by rapidly circulating hot air around the food to cook it fast. Dialing in the correct temperature gives you the best of both worlds – thoroughly cooked, safe chicken that’s also super moist and delicious.
The Best Airfryer Temperatures For Chicken
Here are the ideal airfryer temperatures for cooking different cuts and sizes of chicken:
- Whole chicken (3-4 lbs) – 360°F
- Chicken breasts (boneless) – 375°F
- Chicken breasts (bone-in) – 375°F
- Chicken thighs (boneless) – 400°F
- Chicken thighs (bone-in) – 400°F
- Chicken wings – 400°F
- Chicken drumsticks – 380°F
These temperatures are designed to achieve optimal cooking times while producing juicy, flavorful meat.
For boneless cuts like breasts and thighs, the slightly lower 375°F helps prevent overdrying. For bone-in pieces, cranking up the heat helps crisp up and render the skin beautifully.
No matter what you’re cooking, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before removing from the airfryer. 165°F is the minimum safe temperature.
Airfryer Chicken Cook Times
How long the chicken takes to cook depends on how big and thick the pieces are. Here are general time ranges:
- Whole chicken (3-4 lbs) – 60-75 minutes
- Boneless breasts (6-8 oz) – 15-20 minutes
- Bone-in breasts (8-10 oz) – 25-30 minutes
- Boneless thighs (4 oz) – 15-18 minutes
- Bone-in thighs (6 oz) – 22-28 minutes
- Wings (3 oz) – 18-22 minutes
- Drumsticks (4-5 oz) – 22-25 minutes
I suggest flipping the chicken pieces over halfway through cooking to get even browning and cooking. Bone-in cuts take longer since the bone conducts less heat.
Always verify doneness with a thermometer, and add a few extra minutes if needed to reach 165°F. Carryover cooking will also raise the temperature slightly as it rests after cooking.
Airfryer Chicken Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for foolproof, delicious airfryer chicken every time:
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Preheat properly – Allow 3-5 minutes for the airfryer to fully preheat before adding chicken. This prevents uneven cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between pieces for air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
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Flip halfway – Flipping ensures even browning and cooking throughout.
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Use a thermometer – This is the only way to confirm safe doneness and prevent overcooking.
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Let it rest. After cooking, let it sit for at least 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute before cutting.
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Lightly oil – A quick spray of oil prevents sticking and aids browning.
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Season well – Don’t be afraid to add herbs, spices, marinades, and rubs for flavor.
Juicy Airfryer Chicken Breast Recipe
To highlight foolproof airfryer chicken, here is an easy recipe for boneless, skinless chicken breasts:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
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Pat chicken dry and coat all over with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
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Preheat airfryer to 375°F.
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Cook chicken for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The moderate 375°F temperature ensures the chicken breasts cook through fully while retaining juiciness. Flipping halfway results in even cooking. A quick rest period allows juices to redistribute.
Serve these flavorful chicken breasts over salad, rice, pasta, or wraps!
Always Use a Thermometer For Perfect Results
While airfryer chicken cooking times can vary quite a bit, the foolproof way to guarantee safety and proper doneness is using an instant read thermometer. There is simply no better way to take the guesswork out of airfryer chicken cook times.
For consistently juicy, tender airfryer chicken, follow the recommended temperatures in this guide, but always confirm doneness by thermometer before serving. This prevents both undercooked chicken and painfully dry overcooking.
With the right temperature dialed in, your airfryer will reward you with quick, easy chicken that’s tender and bursting with flavor – a far cry from sad, dried out oven-baked chicken breast. Give it a try tonight!
Why use an Air Fryer for Chicken?
Air frying chicken has become a popular choice for many home cooks—and for good reason. Here’s why:
- Better for you: Since air fryers cook food with hot air, you don’t need to use much or any oil. This makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.
- Quick and Easy: Air fryers cook food faster than regular ovens, which makes them great for busy weeknights or meals you need to make quickly. In less than 30 minutes, you can have sweet and crispy chicken.
- The air fryer’s circulation system makes sure that the heat gets to all parts of the chicken, so it cooks evenly. The outside should always be crispy, and the meat should be juicy and tender on the inside.
- Easy to clean up: air-frying doesn’t make a lot of mess like regular frying does. Because most air fryer baskets don’t stick and can go in the dishwasher, they’re very easy to clean. (Note: For the best way to clean your air fryer, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. ) .
- Versatile Cooking: An air fryer makes it easy to cook a wide range of chicken cuts, from crispy chicken wings to perfectly tender chicken breasts.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are known for being flavorful and juicy, and the air fryer makes them even better.
Here’s a helpful air fryer cooking chart for most chicken cuts or products, with recommended cooking times and temperatures:
| Chicken Cut | Temperature | Cook Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 360°F (182°C) | 60-75 minutes | Flip halfway through; use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature. |
| Chicken Burgers | 375°F (190°C) | 12-15 minutes | Flip halfway through; cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). |
| Chicken Meatballs | 375°F (190°C) | 10-12 minutes | Ensure even spacing between meatballs for even cooking. |
| Chicken Breasts (Bone-In) | 375°F (190°C) | 30-35 minutes | Flip halfway through; check internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). |
| Boneless Chicken Breasts | 375°F (190°C) | 15-20 minutes | Flip halfway through; check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature. |
| Thighs (Bone-In) | 380°F (193°C) | 25-30 minutes | Flip halfway through for even cooking; internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). |
| Boneless Thighs | 380°F (193°C) | 18-22 minutes | Flip halfway through; ensure internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). |
| Chicken Tenders | 375°F (190°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway through for even cooking. |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F (200°C) | 20-25 minutes | Shake basket halfway through; check for crispy skin. |
| Chicken Drumsticks | 380°F (193°C) | 25-30 minutes | Flip halfway through; ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). |
[NOTE: All times and temperatures are guidelines. Differing equipment may require variations for cook temperature and time. We recommend you refer to the manufacturers information for optimal time and temperatures and always make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches at least 165°F. ].
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | How to make the best chicken thighs in the Air Fryer!
FAQ
What temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer?
Preheat an air fryer to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C). Apply olive oil to both sides of the chicken breast. On one side, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season one side of the chicken breast and put it in the air fryer basket. Season the other side with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How long can chicken be in an air fryer at 375 degrees?
Air Fryer Instructions: Lightly spray your air fryer layer with cooking spray. Add your unseasoned frozen chicken thighs or breasts to the basket, no more than 2 at a time. Preheat air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Carefully remove the chicken from the basket.