Air Fried Chicken: Times and Tips for Every Cut
If you’ve got an air fryer, chances are you’ve cooked air fried chicken in it at least once. But with so many different cuts available, it can be difficult to remember how long each one needs or which temperature works best.
The good news is that almost every cut of chicken cooks beautifully in an air fryer. Whether you’re making crispy wings for a Friday night treat, juicy chicken breasts for meal prep or tender chicken thighs for a family dinner, the air fryer makes cooking quicker, easier and often healthier than traditional frying.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cooking different cuts of chicken in the air fryer, including cooking times, temperatures and tips for getting juicy, flavour-packed results every time.
Why Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer?
There are plenty of reasons why the air fryer has become my favourite way to cook chicken.
- It’s quicker than using the oven.
- The outside crisps beautifully.
- The meat stays juicy.
- You only need a small amount of oil, if any.
- It’s perfect for meal prep.
- Washing up is usually minimal!
Whether you’re cooking fresh or frozen chicken (where safe to do so), it’s a brilliant kitchen shortcut.
Air Fryer Chicken Cooking Times
These timings are a guide for fresh chicken. Always check that the thickest part of the meat reaches 75°C using a meat thermometer before serving.
| Chicken Cut | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 190°C | 16-22 minutes |
| Chicken thighs (boneless) | 190°C | 16-20 minutes |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 190°C | 22-28 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 200°C | 18-22 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 190°C | 20-25 minutes |
| Chicken tenders | 190°C | 10-14 minutes |
| Chicken goujons | 200°C | 10-12 minutes |
| Chicken kebabs | 190°C | 12-15 minutes |
| Chicken burgers | 190°C | 12-16 minutes |
Turn the chicken halfway through cooking for the most even browning.
Air Fried Chicken Breasts
Chicken breast is probably the cut I cook most often because it’s so versatile.
The biggest challenge is stopping it from drying out, but that’s much easier in an air fryer than many people expect.
Brush lightly with oil, season well and cook at 190°C for 16-22 minutes, depending on thickness.
Allow the chicken to rest for five minutes before slicing to keep all those lovely juices inside.
Great with:
- Salads
- Rice
- Pasta
- Jacket potatoes
- Wraps
Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs naturally contain a little more fat than breast meat, making them incredibly juicy.
Boneless Chicken Thighs
Cook at 190°C for 16-20 minutes.
Perfect for:
- Rice bowls
- Curries
- Pasta
- Meal prep
Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Cook for 22-28 minutes at 190°C.
The skin becomes wonderfully crispy while the meat stays tender.
Air Fried Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are one of the best things you can make in an air fryer.
The circulating hot air crisps the skin beautifully without needing deep frying.
Cook at 200°C for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through.
Try tossing them afterwards in:
- BBQ sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Honey and garlic
- Sweet chilli
- Lemon pepper seasoning
Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are ideal if you’re cooking for children or looking for a quick lunch.
Cook at 190°C for 10-14 minutes until golden and cooked through.
They’re delicious served with:
- Chips
- Salad
- Wraps
- Homemade dips
Air Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks are affordable, easy to cook and always popular.
Cook them at 190°C for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
The skin becomes crisp while the meat stays beautifully juicy.
Air Fried Chicken Goujons
Whether homemade or shop-bought, chicken goujons cook brilliantly in an air fryer.
Most need around 10-12 minutes at 200°C.
Perfect for quick lunches and easy family meals.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Some frozen chicken products, such as breaded goujons, nuggets and burgers, are designed to be cooked straight from frozen.
However, raw frozen chicken breasts or thighs should always be cooked according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 75°C.
The Best Seasonings for Air Fried Chicken
One of the reasons chicken is so popular is that it works with almost any seasoning.
Some favourites include:
- Garlic and herb
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Peri peri
- Smoked paprika
- Italian herbs
- BBQ seasoning
- Mexican spice mix
- Tandoori seasoning
- Chinese five spice
Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Leave space around each piece so the hot air can circulate.
Use a Meat Thermometer
The safest way to check chicken is cooked is by ensuring the thickest part reaches 75°C.
Turn Halfway Through
This helps everything cook evenly and brown nicely.
Let It Rest
Resting chicken for five minutes before cutting helps keep it juicy.
What to Serve with Air Fried Chicken
Depending on the cut you’re cooking, try serving it with:
- Air fryer chips
- Air-fried baked potatoes
- Rice
- Pasta salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Sweet potato wedges
- Corn on the cob
- Mixed salad
- Garlic bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack chicken in the air fryer?
It’s better not to. Air fryers work best when hot air can circulate freely around the food.
Why is my chicken dry?
It’s usually been cooked for too long. Using a meat thermometer helps prevent overcooking.
Do I need oil?
Not always.
Chicken with the skin on often releases enough fat while cooking, but a light spray of oil can help seasoning stick and encourage browning.
Can I marinate chicken first?
Absolutely.
Just avoid very sugary marinades if cooking at high temperatures, as they can burn before the chicken is cooked through.
My Favourite Air Fryer Chicken
If I had to choose just one cut, I’d probably go for boneless chicken thighs. They’re incredibly forgiving, stay juicy and work in almost every meal.
That said, chicken breasts are probably what I cook most often because they’re so easy to meal prep. I’ll often cook a few at the start of the week and use them in salads, wraps, pasta dishes and jacket potatoes for quick lunches.
Whatever cut you choose, the air fryer makes cooking chicken easier than ever. Once you know the timings, you’ll probably find yourself using it far more often than your oven.
