This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from Instacart affiliate links. This does not affect my recipe testing or recommendations.
How to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer (Complete Guide)
The definitive guide to perfectly cooked chicken in the air fryer — every cut, every time.
Total Time
25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Calories
320 cal
Why This Works
The air fryer's convection heat is uniquely suited to chicken. The circulating hot air renders fat from the skin while cooking the interior through — creating crispy skin and juicy meat simultaneously. This is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven without careful monitoring.
My Recipe Testing Notes
I've cooked chicken in the air fryer over 300 times testing recipes for this blog. The single most important lesson: use a meat thermometer. Every air fryer runs slightly differently, and the only reliable way to know chicken is done is to check the internal temperature (165°F).
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1 — Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove all surface moisture. This is the single most important step for crispy skin.
Step 2 — Season: Rub with oil and your chosen seasonings. Get under the skin for bone-in pieces.
Step 3 — Cook at the right temperature: Breast (375°F), Bone-in thighs/drumsticks (380°F), Wings (380°F then 400°F), Whole chicken (360°F).
Step 4 — Check temperature: Insert thermometer into the thickest part, away from bone. Must read 165°F.
Step 5 — Rest: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature to cook chicken in air fryer?
Chicken breast: 375°F | Bone-in thighs and drumsticks: 380°F | Wings: 380°F for 20 min, then 400°F for 5 min | Whole chicken: 360°F. All chicken must reach 165°F internal temperature.
How do I keep chicken from drying out in the air fryer?
For breast: pound to even thickness and pull at 160°F (carryover cooking brings it to 165°F). For all cuts: don't overcook and rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Do I need to flip chicken in the air fryer?
For most cuts, yes — flip halfway through for even browning. The exception is thin fish fillets, which are too delicate to flip.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
Read more about Sarah →
