The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the cut and size of the chicken:
- Whole chicken (3-4 lb): cook at 400°F for about 42-52 minutes total, flipping halfway through (30 minutes on one side, then 12-22 minutes on the other) until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Boneless chicken breasts (about 8 oz): cook at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature is 165°F.
- Bone-in chicken breasts (10 oz): cook at 375-400°F for about 27-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bone-in chicken thighs (5-6 oz): cook at 380°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature is 165°F.
- Boneless chicken thighs (4-5 oz): cook at 400°F for 15 minutes total (10 minutes first side, 5 minutes second side).
- Drumsticks (5 oz): cook at 380-400°F for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Chicken wings: cook at 360°F for 12 minutes then 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of chicken pieces and air fryer model. For whole chickens specifically, some sources recommend 180°C (356°F) for 45 minutes breast-side down, then 15 minutes breast-side up, checking for clear juices or internal temp of 165°F.
In summary, air fryer chicken cooking times range roughly from 10-15 minutes for breasts to 40-60 minutes for whole chickens at 360-400°F, with turning halfway and internal temperature checking as key steps.
