Air Fryer Chicken Pieces

Chicken Pieces are a quick and healthy way to prepare dinner for the whole family. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy on the inside while getting a nice golden exterior. You can use different spices to change the flavour profile depending on what you like. It takes very little time to prepare and the results are consistent every single time.
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Photo of Air Fryer Chicken Pieces cooked in the air fryer

What is good about air fryer chicken pieces

Using an for Chicken Pieces reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying. The circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly and quickly which saves time on busy weekdays. It is a simple process that requires very little cleanup afterwards. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences without any hassle.

How to get air fryer chicken pieces ready

Step 1
Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into small bite sized pieces of similar size. This helps everything cook at the same rate in the basket. Place the pieces into a large bowl and set them aside while you get the seasonings ready.
Step 2
Season the meat: Pour the olive oil over the chicken and add the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir everything together until each piece is well coated in the oil and spices. You can let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavours develop if you have enough time.
Step 3
Air fry the pieces: Preheat your to 200C and place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate freely around the Chicken Pieces. Cook for about 15 minutes and shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
Step 4
Check and serve: Check that the chicken is cooked through and has reached a safe internal temperature. The exterior should be golden and slightly crisp. Remove the pieces from the and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving with your choice of sides.

Good advice for making air fryer chicken pieces

Always try to cut the Chicken Pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. If some pieces are much smaller than others they might dry out before the larger ones are finished. You can swap the spices for onion powder or dried herbs like oregano for a different taste. Make sure not to overlap the chicken in the basket as this prevents the edges from getting crisp.

If you are cooking a larger batch it is better to cook in two rounds rather than crowding the machine. Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel before adding oil helps the spices stick better and improves the final texture. Using boneless thighs usually results in more juice than using breast meat which can become dry at high temperatures.

If you are looking for more simple ideas, you may also like air fryer meatloaf, air fryer spareribs or air fryer chicken cordon bleu.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1172 kJ / 280 kcal
  • Fat:22 g
  • - of which saturates:6 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:25 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.5 g

People also ask

Air Fryer Chicken Pieces usually takes about 15 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
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