Air Fryer Chicken: Tips, Times & Mistakes to Avoid for Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Looking to master crispy, juicy air fryer chicken at home? Whether you're cooking breaded chicken tenders or naked wings, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and serve up perfect poultry every time.

We always recommend starting with Springer Mountain Farms Simply Superior Chicken™ for fresh, flavorful results you can trust.

🔥 Common Air Fryer Chicken Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Before diving into temperature and timing, make sure you’re not falling into these common air fryer mistakes:

• Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking, or use the pre-heat setting on your air fryer.

• Overcrowding the Basket: Cook in batches and give your chicken space for good air flow.

• No Oil = No Crisp: Lightly spray or brush with oil to help browning. (aerosols are not recommended)

• Wet Marinades Without Drying: Pat chicken dry before cooking.

• Uneven Sizes: Cut chicken into uniform pieces or pound to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Cooking pieces like the 3 pictured below is not recommended because you may end up with either undercooked larger pieces or overcooked smaller pieces. Cook in batches if you have a drastic difference in the piece sizes.

• Not Flipping Halfway: Turn the chicken once or shake the food basket for even browning.

• Wrong Time or Temp: Use an instant read food thermometer—165°F internal temperature is the goal.

• Skipping the Rest: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes post-cook for max juiciness.

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Note: We used a Cosori Air Fryer & LG Range with air fryer functions for testing. All times and temperatures are estimated and based on the models we used. We recommend you consult your appliance manufacturer's recommended settings for best results.

🍗 Breaded vs. Naked Chicken in the Air Fryer

Both styles turn out delicious—but they cook a little differently. These breaded chicken tips are for chicken you are breading yourself.

✅ Breaded Chicken (Tenders, Nuggets, Cutlets)

• Use the 3-step breading method: flour → egg wash → breadcrumbs or panko.

• Let chicken sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking.

• Spray with oil to help crust brown evenly.

• Flip halfway through cooking at 375–400°F.

Try this method in our Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe from Golden Grace Kitchen.

🍗 Naked Chicken (Thighs, Wings, Drumsticks)

• Pat dry, then season generously.

• Add a little oil to help the skin crisp.

• Avoid sugary marinades—they burn in high heat.

• Flip halfway and cook at 375–400°F depending on the cut.

Need ideas? Check out these easy air fryer chicken recipes.

📋 Air Fryer Chicken Cooking Times & Temperatures

Here’s your go-to cheat sheet for cooking chicken in the air fryer:

Pro Tip: Always check that internal temp hits 165°F for food safety and juicy results.

*Boneless, Skinless

Note: Air fryer times may vary slightly based on equipment, portion size, and whether chicken is bone-in or boneless.

🐓 Why Choose Springer Mountain Farms Chicken?

At Springer Mountain Farms, we raise our chickens on American family farms with no antibiotics, no hormones, and certified humane practices.

Whether you’re air frying, grilling, or meal prepping, our Simply Superior Chicken™ delivers quality you can taste.

Learn more about what makes our chicken different.

✨ Crispy Chicken, Done Right

Air frying is a quick, healthy way to enjoy fried chicken flavor—without the mess. Avoid the common mistakes, choose the right prep method, and follow our cook time chart to get juicy, golden-brown results every time.

📸 Don’t forget to tag @springermtnfarms with your creations—we’d love to see your crispy chicken wins!