Quick Answer
The best temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer is between 380-400°F. This high heat helps the chicken cook fast and get crispy on the outside. Boneless chicken breasts and tenders typically take 10-15 minutes at 380°F. Chicken thighs and drumsticks may need 15-20 minutes at 380°F since they have more fat and connective tissue. Whole chickens and larger pieces like quarters may require 25-35 minutes at 360°F. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Adjust time and temp as needed based on thickness.
Detailed Answer
Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to crispy up fried foods with little to no oil. This makes them great for cooking juicy chicken with a deliciously crispy skin. There are a few factors to consider when determining the best temperature to air fry chicken:
Chicken Type and Size
– Chicken breasts and tenders are lean with less fat and connective tissue so they can cook faster at a higher air fryer temp of 380-400°F. Boneless breasts need 10-15 minutes, while tenders and nuggets take 8-12 minutes.
– Chicken thighs and drumsticks have more fat and collagen. Cook these cuts at 380°F, adding a few more minutes to get tender. Count on 15-20 minutes for bone-in thighs or drumsticks.
– Larger whole chicken pieces like quarters or a whole cut-up chicken require a lower temp closer to 360°F but a little longer cooking time of 25-35 minutes.
– Whole chickens take the longest at an hour or more since the cavity acts as insulation. Spatchcocking or butterflying helps shorten the cook time.
Internal Temperature
– Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If concerned about dryness, take the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, not touching bone.
– Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cook time is up. Insert into the thickest part without touching bone.
– If the chicken is not yet 165°F, continue cooking and rechecking every 5 minutes until done. Carryover cooking will increase the temperature slightly.
Air Fryer Model and Capacity
– Lower wattage air fryers may require longer cook times or a lower temperature for chicken. High-powered models above 1500 watts heat up faster and cook quicker.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Too much chicken causes steam and lowers the temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Cook chicken in batches if needed.
– Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding chicken to ensure it’s fully heated to the set temperature.
Recommended Air Fryer Chicken Temperatures and Times
| Chicken Type | Air Fryer Temperature | Cook Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 380°F | 10-15 |
| Chicken tenderloins/nuggets | 380°F | 8-12 |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 380°F | 15-20 |
| Chicken drumsticks (bone-in) | 380°F | 15-20 |
| Whole cut-up chicken | 360°F | 25-35 |
| Whole chicken | 360°F | 60+ |
Tips for the Best Air Fried Chicken
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, tender and crispy air fried chicken every time:
– Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it get extra crispy. Air fryers rely on dry heat.
– Use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking.
– Season chicken with salt, pepper, spices, herbs or dry rubs before air frying.
– Flip or shake the chicken halfway during cook time for even cooking and crisping.
– Allow thicker pieces like breasts or quarters to rest 5 minutes before cutting to let juices redistribute.
– Check internal temps and adjust cook time if needed to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
– For extra crispy skin, preheat the empty air fryer for 3-5 minutes, then cook chicken at 400°F.
– For juicy meat, rub a little oil on chicken and cook at a lower 375°F.
Get Creative with Air Fryer Chicken
An air fryer allows you to move beyond basic chicken into fun new flavors and recipes. Here are some creative ways to use this handy appliance:
– Make chicken fajitas with slices of chicken breast, peppers and onions. Air fry 8-10 minutes per side at 380°F.
– For healthier “fried” chicken, coat skinless boneless thighs in panko breadcrumbs and air fry 15 minutes at 380°F.
– Air fry spicy buffalo wings made with chicken wings or drumettes tossed in hot sauce and butter. Cook 25 minutes, flipping twice.
– Use air fried chicken in tacos, sandwiches, flatbreads, salad toppings or grain bowls for easy weeknight meals.
– Toss chicken pieces or tenders in barbecue sauce or other sticky glazes the last 5 minutes of cooking for delicious flavor.
– For kids, bread chicken nuggets or tenders and air fry until crispy, 8-12 minutes at 380°F.
– Make chicken parmesan from chicken cutlets, tomato sauce and mozzarella. Air fry breaded cutlets before topping.
Conclusion
Air fryers provide a quick and healthy way to enjoy juicy, crispy chicken for the whole family. The best temperature for air frying chicken ranges from 360-400°F based on the size and type of chicken. Boneless breasts and tenders cook quickest at 380°F while larger pieces need more time at a lower 360°F. Check internal temperature and adjust cook time as needed. With some seasoning and a light coating of oil, the air fryer will produce tender, flavorful chicken with crispy browned skin every time.