How To Cook Cubed Chicken In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a quicker, healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering crispy, flavorful results. Among the myriad of foods suited for this versatile appliance, cubed chicken stands out for its adaptability. Whether you’re preparing meal-prep protein, a component for stir-fries, salads, or wraps, cooking cubed chicken in an air fryer ensures juicy, tender bites with minimal fuss. Unlike oven-baking or pan-frying, air frying allows hot air to circulate around the chicken evenly, sealing in moisture and producing a slightly crisp exterior without the need for excessive oil. In this guide, we’ll delve deep into the optimal temperature, cooking time, and techniques to achieve perfectly cooked cubed chicken every time, while addressing common questions and troubleshooting tips.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Cubed Chicken In Air Fryer

The temperature at which you cook cubed chicken in an air fryer is crucial for balancing tenderness and exterior browning. Generally, 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 204°C) is ideal.

• 360°F (182°C): Cooking at the lower end of the spectrum is suitable for larger chicken cubes or for those who prefer a gentler cooking process that reduces the risk of dryness. The chicken cooks through slowly, allowing for better moisture retention.
• 380°F to 400°F (193°C to 204°C): Higher temperatures speed up cooking and give a lightly crisped exterior, similar to pan-searing. This is particularly useful if you plan to toss the cubed chicken in a sauce afterward, as the exterior can hold up to additional liquids without falling apart.

Temperatures above 400°F are generally discouraged for small chicken cubes, as they can lead to uneven cooking, with the exterior burning while the interior remains undercooked.

How Long To Cook Cubed Chicken In Air Fryer

Cooking time depends on cube size, chicken type, and temperature:

• Small cubes (½ inch): 8-10 minutes at 380°F, shaking halfway through.
• Medium cubes (1 inch): 10-12 minutes at 380°F, with one shake or stir halfway.
• Larger cubes (1.5 inches or more): 12-15 minutes at 360°F, checking for doneness toward the end.

Remember, air fryers can vary in intensity, so these times are guidelines. Shaking or stirring halfway ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Accurately determining doneness is critical for both safety and taste:

• Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point.
• Visual cues: The exterior should be golden brown without burnt edges. When cut, the meat should be opaque with no pinkness.
• Texture test: Properly cooked chicken is firm yet springy. Overcooked cubes feel tough and dry, while undercooked ones are soft or gelatinous.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare perfectly cooked cubed chicken in an air fryer, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into uniform cubes
• 1-2 tsp olive oil (or any neutral oil) to promote browning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or lemon zest depending on flavor preference

Uniform seasoning ensures every cube has consistent flavor, while the light coating of oil helps develop a crisp exterior.

How To Cook Cubed Chicken In Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 380°F (193°C) for medium-sized cubes. Preheating ensures immediate cooking and better browning.
2. Prepare the chicken: Toss the cubed chicken in oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
3. Arrange in the basket: Place chicken cubes in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow hot air circulation. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
4. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway. Adjust time based on cube size.
5. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer or cut into a cube to verify. Return to air fryer for additional minutes if needed.
6. Serve immediately or allow to cool slightly for salads, wraps, or meal prep storage.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower temperatures (<360°F): The chicken will cook more slowly, which can be safer for avoiding dryness but may result in less browning. Expect to increase cooking time by 2-5 minutes depending on cube size.
• Higher temperatures (>400°F): The exterior may brown or crisp quickly, but there’s a risk of undercooked interiors. Always check with a thermometer to avoid foodborne illness.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter time: The chicken may be undercooked, soft, or even raw in the center. Never skip temperature checking.
• Longer time: Chicken will become dry and tough, losing juiciness and flavor. If you’re experimenting with extra time, reduce the temperature slightly to prevent overcooking.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with an air fryer, mistakes happen:

• Dry chicken: Likely caused by high heat or extended cooking time. Solution: use slightly larger cubes or add a brief marinade before air frying to lock in moisture.
• Uneven cooking: Caused by overcrowding or uneven cube sizes. Always cut chicken uniformly and leave space between pieces.
• Burnt edges: Usually from high temperature or insufficient shaking. Lower the temperature slightly and shake/stir more frequently.

Expert Tips

• Marinate for extra flavor: Even a quick 30-minute marinade enhances tenderness and taste.
• Uniform cubes: Consistency ensures all pieces cook evenly.
• Single layer cooking: Avoid stacking cubes to ensure air circulation.
• Shake midway: This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• Rest briefly: Let the chicken sit for 2-3 minutes post-cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Prepare Cubed Chicken For The Air Fryer?

Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes, typically about 1-inch pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crisp exterior. Then, season the cubes with your choice of spices, herbs, and a small amount of oil to ensure even cooking and enhanced flavor.

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To For Cooking Cubed Chicken?

For cubed chicken, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is high enough to cook the chicken quickly, ensuring it remains juicy on the inside while developing a slightly crisp exterior.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Cubed Chicken In An Air Fryer?

Cooking cubed chicken in an air fryer generally takes about 12 to 15 minutes. It’s best to shake the basket or turn the cubes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Do I Need To Use Oil When Cooking Cubed Chicken In An Air Fryer?

A small amount of oil, about 1 teaspoon per pound of chicken, can help the cubes brown evenly and prevent sticking. However, it is not strictly necessary as the air fryer can cook chicken without much oil, making it a healthier option.

Can I Cook Frozen Cubed Chicken In The Air Fryer?

Yes, frozen cubed chicken can be cooked in the air fryer, but it will require a longer cooking time, typically 18 to 22 minutes at 375°F (190°C). It’s important to shake the basket or turn the cubes every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking, and confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How Can I Make Cubed Chicken More Flavorful In The Air Fryer?

Marinating the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes before cooking enhances flavor. You can use ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and your favorite spices. Additionally, tossing the chicken in a light coating of breadcrumbs or Parmesan can add extra texture and taste.

How Do I Prevent Cubed Chicken From Drying Out In The Air Fryer?

Avoid overcooking by monitoring the chicken closely and checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Using a marinade or light coating of oil can also help retain moisture. Cutting the chicken into uniform cubes ensures even cooking, preventing smaller pieces from drying out while larger pieces finish cooking.