The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the cut and size of the chicken:
- Whole chicken (around 5 pounds): Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Cook breast side down for 45 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
. Another source suggests cooking a whole chicken at 180°C (356°F) for 45 minutes breast side down, then 15 minutes breast side up, checking for doneness by clear juices or a thermometer
- Boneless chicken breasts: Cook at 375-400°F (190-204°C) for about 10-15 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Smaller breasts (6-7 oz) take about 10-11 minutes, medium (8-9 oz) about 11-12 minutes, and larger (10 oz or more) about 13-14 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes on one side, then 12-15 minutes on the other side
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Generally, cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes per side depending on size and bone-in or boneless
General tips:
- Preheating the air fryer is often recommended at 360-400°F depending on the recipe, but some prefer not to preheat for breasts to avoid drying out
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices
In summary, boneless chicken breasts typically take 10-15 minutes at 375-400°F, while a whole chicken requires about an hour total at 360°F, flipping halfway through. Adjust times based on the size and cut, and confirm doneness with a thermometer.
