Cooking chicken can be a bit of a culinary tightrope walk. You want that perfectly crispy skin, but also incredibly juicy, tender meat inside. Achieving this balance in a traditional oven can be tricky, and deep-frying is often too messy and unhealthy for everyday meals. Enter the air fryer – a kitchen hero that promises to deliver delicious results with minimal oil. If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer for cooking chicken, you’ve come to the right place!
Air fryers use superheated air to circulate rapidly around your food, mimicking the effects of deep-frying without all the oil. This means you can enjoy that satisfying crunch and flavor, often with up to 75% less fat. For chicken lovers, this is a game-changer, from crispy wings to a perfectly roasted whole chicken.
We’ve rounded up some of the top contenders that excel at cooking chicken, considering features, capacity, ease of use, and overall performance. Let’s dive in!
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a true multi-cooker combo that brings professional-grade versatility to your kitchen. The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer stands out with its elegant French doors and spacious interior, making it ideal for everything from a quick snack to a full roast. Its ability to rotisserie a 6-lb chicken means you can get that perfect, even crisp all around, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for cooking chicken when you’re feeding a crowd or want a whole bird.
Key Features:
– A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
– Perfectly done toast with automatic shut-off.
– 25 cooking presets including Ribs, Chicken, Roast, and more.
– Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation.
– Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 6-lb rotisserie chicken or 12” pizza.
– Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
Pros:
– Exceptional versatility with numerous cooking functions.
– Large capacity perfect for family-sized meals and whole chickens.
– Convenient presets simplify cooking different dishes.
– Stylish design with French doors adds a premium look to your kitchen.
– Rotisserie function ensures perfectly cooked, crispy chicken.
Cons:
– Its extra-large size might take up significant counter space.
– Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about its multi-functionality and the professional results it delivers. Many appreciate the spacious interior and the convenience of the preset options, especially for larger family meals and roasting whole chickens. The elegant design is also a frequent highlight.
2. Air Fryer Cookbook: 600 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes for…
While not an air fryer itself, a good cookbook is an essential companion for anyone wanting to master air fryer chicken recipes. This particular cookbook offers a massive collection of 600 effortless recipes, ensuring you’ll never run out of ideas for turning your chicken into a delicious meal. It’s perfect for exploring the full potential of your air fryer, especially when you’re looking for new and exciting ways to prepare chicken.
Key Features:
– 600 effortless air fryer recipes.
– Covers a wide range of dishes for every meal.
– Easy-to-follow instructions.
– Provides inspiration for diverse air fryer uses beyond basic frying.
Pros:
– Vast collection of recipes for endless cooking possibilities.
– Helps maximize the utility of your air fryer.
– Great for beginners and experienced cooks looking for new ideas.
– Encourages trying various chicken preparations (wings, breasts, whole).
Cons:
– It’s a physical book, not an appliance.
– May not focus exclusively on chicken recipes, but chicken is usually a significant part.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the sheer volume of recipes and how it opens up a world of culinary possibilities for their air fryers. Many find the recipes genuinely effortless and a great way to explore healthier cooking options.
3. Ninja Air Fryer with 2 Independent Baskets
The Ninja DualZone Air Fryer is a game-changer for busy households. With its two independent baskets, you can cook two different foods, two different ways, at the same time! Imagine air frying crispy chicken wings in one basket while roasting vegetables or French fries in the other, all finishing simultaneously thanks to Smart Finish technology. This makes it an incredibly efficient choice if you’re frequently juggling multiple components of a meal, especially if you want your chicken and sides ready together.
Key Features:
– 2 independent baskets eliminate back-to-back cooking.
– Smart Finish & Match Cook features for synchronized cooking or doubled capacity.
– IQ Boost optimally distributes power for faster cooking.
– 6-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Keep Warm, Dehydrate, Bake.
– XL 10-quart capacity (two 5-quart zones), can cook a 6-lb whole chicken and a side.
– Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.
Pros:
– Cook entire meals simultaneously, saving time.
– Highly efficient for larger families or meal prepping.
– Versatile cooking programs.
– Large capacity suitable for whole chickens or big batches of wings.
– Easy to clean components.
Cons:
– Larger footprint due to the dual baskets.
– Can be more expensive than single-basket models.
User Impressions:
Customers absolutely love the DualZone technology, highlighting how much time it saves when preparing meals. The ability to cook a main and a side at once is a common praise point, making it a favorite for those who value efficiency and perfectly timed meals.
4. Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System
For those who prioritize transparency, health, and portability, the Ninja Crispi PowerPod is an intriguing option. This innovative system comes with borosilicate glass containers, allowing you to watch your chicken crisp up to perfection without opening the drawer. Its unique, compact design makes it incredibly easy to store and even transport, making it an excellent choice for smaller kitchens, RVs, or for those who love to see their food cook.
Key Features:
– All-in-one system with Crispi PowerPod and TempWare glass containers (4-qt and 6-cup).
– Thermal shock resistant borosilicate glassware.
– 4-in-1 functionality: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, & Recrisp.
– Fixed heat protection feet for safe placement on various surfaces.
– Leak-proof lids for on-the-go meals.
– Nests together for easy storage.
– Dishwasher-safe containers and accessories.
Pros:
– Transparent glass containers allow for monitoring without heat loss.
– Healthier cooking with non-reactive glass.
– Portable and compact, ideal for small spaces or travel.
– Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
– Versatile for both large and small batches.
Cons:
– Smaller capacity for whole chicken compared to traditional air fryers (4-lb max).
– Unique design might not appeal to everyone.
User Impressions:
Reviewers are impressed by the glass containers, praising the ability to monitor food without opening the air fryer. Its compact size and portability are also big hits, especially among those with limited counter space or who enjoy taking their cooking appliance on the go.
5. Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer | 8-1 Preset Cook Modes…
The Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer offers a great balance of capacity, features, and user-friendliness in a sleek, compact design. What really sets it apart is the transparent window and LED touch screen, giving you a clear view of your chicken as it cooks. No more pulling out the basket repeatedly to check! This feature alone makes it incredibly convenient, ensuring your chicken reaches that perfect golden-brown crisp every time.
Key Features:
– Precise cooking results with 8 preset modes (Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, Defrost).
– Adjustable temperature control (up to 390°F) and timer (up to 60 minutes).
– Powerful 1200W heating element for fast cooking.
– 5.8 QT food capacity for large portions.
– Easy cleaning with non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray.
– Automatic shut-off & overheat protection for safety.
– 360° hot air circulation technology for even cooking.
– LED touch screen and transparent window for monitoring.
– Compact stainless steel design for countertop space-saving.
Pros:
– Transparent window allows you to monitor cooking without opening.
– Intuitive LED touch screen with convenient presets.
– Good 5.8 QT capacity for family meals.
– Compact design fits well in smaller kitchens.
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons:
– Maximum temperature of 390°F might be slightly lower than some high-end models.
– While decent, 5.8qt might not fit a very large whole chicken.
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the transparent window as a favorite feature, making it much easier to achieve perfect results without interrupting the cooking process. Its ease of use, compact size, and efficient cooking performance also receive high marks.
6. Cathy Yoder’s Air Fryer Cookbook: Air Fryer Recipes…
Just like the other cookbook we reviewed, Cathy Yoder’s Air Fryer Cookbook isn’t an appliance, but it’s an invaluable resource for anyone who owns one. Authored by a mom who understands the need for quick, delicious meals, this cookbook emphasizes ease and speed. It’s packed with audience-tested recipes, meaning you can trust them to deliver fantastic results, especially when it comes to whipping up fast and tasty chicken dishes for your family.
Key Features:
– 150+ recipes for breakfast, dessert, and everything in between.
– Easy-to-follow instructions from a practical, real-life perspective.
– Audience-tested recipes, ensuring reliability.
– Focuses on utilizing the air fryer for more than just basic snacks.
– Emphasizes fast cooking to save time.
Pros:
– Practical, family-friendly recipes that are genuinely fast to make.
– Recipes are tried and tested by a large audience, enhancing trust.
– Inspires creative use of the air fryer for diverse meals.
– Great for busy individuals or families looking for quick solutions.
Cons:
– A supplementary item, not the air fryer itself.
– May lean more towards simple, everyday meals rather than gourmet cooking.
User Impressions:
Readers appreciate Cathy Yoder’s relatable approach to cooking and the practical, time-saving recipes. Many find it an excellent guide for making the most of their air fryer, particularly for easy weeknight dinners and healthier alternatives.
7. Ninja Air Fryer, 8 QT DoubleStack 2-Basket, Space Saving…
If you loved the idea of dual baskets but are short on counter space, the Ninja DoubleStack Air Fryer is your dream machine. This innovative air fryer features a unique stacked design, allowing it to cook four foods at once in nearly half the space of traditional dual-basket models. It’s 40% slimmer, yet still offers an impressive 8-quart capacity, making it fantastic for whipping up large batches of crispy chicken wings or a full chicken dinner for the family without hogging your countertop.
Key Features:
– Space-saving stacked design (40% slimmer) fits under standard cabinets.
– DoubleStack Air Frying Technology with 2 independently controlled baskets.
– Cook 4 foods at once with 2 removable stacked meal racks per basket.
– Smart Finish & Match Cook features for simultaneous or doubled cooking.
– Family-sized 8 QT capacity, fits 4 lbs of chicken wings or feeds up to 6 people.
– 6-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate.
– Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
– Faster cooking of multiple meals.
– Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates.
Pros:
– Maximizes cooking capacity while minimizing counter footprint.
– Cook up to four different foods simultaneously.
– Independently controlled baskets for precise cooking.
– Large 8-quart capacity ideal for family meals and big chicken batches.
– Versatile with multiple cooking functions.
Cons:
– The stacked design might require some adjustment in how you load food.
– Crisper plates and meal racks can be a bit more to clean than a single basket.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the DoubleStack’s ability to cook multiple items efficiently in such a compact design. The space-saving aspect is a major draw, and families appreciate being able to get dinner on the table faster without sacrificing counter space.
Finding Your Perfect Air Fryer for Chicken
Choosing the best air fryer for cooking chicken really comes down to your specific needs. Do you need a large capacity for a whole chicken or family meals? Is space a concern? Do you want multi-functional versatility or just a dedicated air fryer? Any of these models will help you achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken with less fuss and fat. Happy air frying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How does an air fryer cook chicken so effectively?
A1: Air fryers work by circulating superheated air rapidly around the food, creating a convection effect. This hot air distribution cooks the chicken evenly from all sides, leading to a wonderfully crispy exterior and a consistently juicy interior, similar to deep-frying but using little to no oil.
Q2: What capacity air fryer should I look for if I want to cook a whole chicken?
A2: For a whole chicken, you’ll generally need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 6 quarts, or preferably 8 quarts and above. Models designed with a rotisserie function or larger, oven-style capacities (like the Emeril Lagasse or Ninja DoubleStack) are ideal for accommodating a full bird.
Q3: Can I cook frozen chicken in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen chicken, including nuggets, tenders, wings, and even larger cuts like breasts or thighs. You’ll typically need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time and often flip or shake the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Q4: Is air-fried chicken truly healthier than deep-fried chicken?
A4: Yes, generally it is. Air frying uses significantly less oil (often just a tablespoon or two, or even none at all) compared to deep-frying, which submerges food in oil. This drastically reduces the fat and calorie content, making air-fried chicken a much healthier alternative without sacrificing crispiness.
Q5: What are some common chicken dishes I can make in an air fryer?
A5: The possibilities are vast! Popular air fryer chicken dishes include crispy chicken wings, juicy chicken breasts, tender chicken thighs, chicken nuggets, roasted whole chicken, breaded chicken cutlets, and even chicken tenders made from scratch.
Q6: How do I clean my air fryer after cooking chicken, especially if it’s greasy?
A6: Most modern air fryers come with non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and crisper plates, making cleanup a breeze. For best results, clean them soon after use. For stubborn grease, soak the parts in warm, soapy water before washing. Always ensure the main unit is unplugged and wipe it down with a damp cloth, avoiding abrasive cleaners.
Q7: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking chicken?
A7: While some smaller air fryers might claim preheating isn’t necessary, it’s generally recommended for best results, especially with chicken. Preheating ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature from the start, leading to more even cooking and a crispier finish. A 3-5 minute preheat is usually sufficient.