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 you're 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!

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:

1. Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, meaning you can use little to no oil. This makes it a healthier option compared to deep frying.

2. Quick and Convenient: Air fryers cook food faster than a traditional oven, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. You can have crispy, tender chicken ready in under 30 minutes.

3. Even Cooking: The air fryer’s circulation system ensures that the heat reaches every part of the chicken. This means a consistently crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

4. Easy Cleanup: Unlike traditional frying methods, air frying produces little to no mess. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. (Note: Be sure to follow your recommended manufacturer's instructions for best cleaning method for your air fryer.)

5. Versatile Cooking: From crispy chicken wings to perfectly tender chicken breasts, an air fryer allows you to cook a variety of chicken cuts with ease.

How to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer

Now, let’s dive into how to cook different cuts of chicken in your air fryer! These instructions will ensure your chicken turns out crispy and flavorful.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts can be tricky to cook perfectly, but the air fryer makes it easy to get them tender and juicy.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you're a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken wings, the air fryer is your new best friend. It cooks wings to crispy perfection in less time than traditional frying.

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:

[NOTE: All times and temperatures are guidelines. Differing equipment may require variations for cook temperature and time. We recommend you refer to the manufacturer's 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.]

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken

To take your air fryer chicken to the next level, try these tips for the best results:

•  Preheat air fryer: Avoid longer cooking times and lack of crispiness by making sure the air fryer is preheated.
• Use an instant read digital thermometer: This ensures your chicken is fully cooked without overcooking it. The safe internal temperature of any cut of chicken should reach 165°F.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For even cooking and crispy skin, make sure there’s space between the chicken pieces to allow for proper air flow around all the pieces.

• Spray with oil: A light coating of oil helps achieve a crispier texture. You can also toss the chicken in a small amount of oil before cooking. [Don't use aerosol cooking sprays in your air fryer as they could possibly damage the basket coating. Look for an oil mister instead.]
• Cook with nicer side down first: Do this so that the final half of cooking is done with the nicer side up and allows for better browning of the presentation side.
• Flip halfway through: Turning the chicken ensures even cooking and helps prevent burning on one side.
• Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cooking chicken in the air fryer is simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the basket: If the chicken is too close together, it won’t cook evenly. Leave space between pieces to ensure they cook properly.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating is key for getting crispy results. Don’t skip this step!
• Skipping the flip: Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Under-seasoning: Chicken can be bland without enough seasoning. Be sure to season well and try different marinades.
  

  

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this protein-packed food. Whether you’re making juicy chicken breasts, crispy wings, or flavorful thighs, the air fryer makes it easier than ever to enjoy a tasty meal with less mess and less oil.

Next time you're looking for a dinner option that's both healthy and satisfying, fire up the air fryer and let it work its magic! Don’t forget to experiment with different marinades, seasonings, and sauces to create your perfect air fryer chicken.

Ready to get cooking with your newfound air fryer skills? Check out these 8 Exciting Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to get you inspired!