Welcome, fellow chicken lovers! If you’re tired of dry, bland chicken and dreaming of crispy skin and juicy interiors without all the oil, you’ve come to the right place. An air fryer is a game-changer for cooking poultry, transforming your favorite chicken dishes into healthier, faster, and more delicious meals. We’ve put countless models to the test to find the best air fryers for chicken, ensuring you get perfect results every time. From whole roasted chickens to crispy wings and tender breasts, these machines are designed to deliver exceptional performance. Let’s dive into our top picks!
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Air Fryers For Chicken Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer with Ceramic Coating and Precise Heating, ideal for chicken.
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer is a standout choice for anyone serious about cooking chicken. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology and precise heating system ensure your chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy inside. With its premium ceramic coating, cleaning up after a delicious meal is also a breeze.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ TurboBlaze Technology: Delivers powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉ for rapid, even cooking.
- ✓ 5-Fan Speed System: Unique system with precise 90°–450°F temperature control ensures evenly cooked dishes.
- ✓ Ceramic Coating Upgrade: Nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant basket and crisper tray for easy cleanup.
- ✓ 6-Quart Capacity: Ideal size for family meals, handling a variety of chicken cuts with ease.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Cosori TurboBlaze for its superior heating capabilities and thoughtful design. It takes the guesswork out of achieving perfectly cooked chicken, from wings to whole roasts, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. The combination of speed and precision truly sets it apart from other models, offering consistent and delicious results every time.
Best For
This air fryer is best for families and individuals who prioritize speed, precision, and easy cleanup when cooking various types of chicken.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers exceptionally crispy and juicy chicken quickly.
- Advanced temperature control and fan speeds for consistent cooking.
- Durable and easy-to-clean ceramic-coated basket.
- Intuitive touch screen interface is user-friendly.
Cons:
- May be a bit larger for very small kitchens.
- Higher price point than some basic models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: So far so good, working as advertised. Haven’t used it too much as yet, but like everything about it at this stage. The operation is easy, not very loud at all (we like that a lot!) and the interface is neat, clean, and easy to follow. Really like the touch screen that is easy to clean and so is the
Customer Review: I love this air fryer! I had very faint smell the first day I used it, then none after that. The control panel is clear and intuitive. It sits on my counter and I use it almost every day. We eat a lot of meat, and this gets used for most of it. Steaks, hamburgers, sausage patties and links, bac
2. Ninja 5QT Air Fryer with 400F Max Temp and Nonstick Basket, excellent for chicken.
The Ninja 5QT Air Fryer is a fantastic all-around option, especially when you’re cooking chicken. With its powerful Air Crisp Technology, you can achieve that desirable crispy exterior with significantly less oil. The 5-quart capacity is just right for many meals, making it a versatile and reliable kitchen tool.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Air Crisp Technology: Uses 400℉ superheated air to deliver hot, crispy results with minimal oil.
- ✓ Generous Capacity: 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- ✓ 4-in-1 Functionality: Offers Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate modes for diverse cooking.
- ✓ Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate: Ensures easy food release and simple cleanup after cooking.
Why We Recommend It
This Ninja air fryer earns our Editor’s Choice for its consistent performance and user-friendly design. It excels at making crispy chicken without the fuss of traditional deep frying, helping you save time and calories. Its multiple functions add great value, allowing you to do more than just air fry.
Best For
This air fryer is best for everyday use and individuals or small families looking for a versatile appliance to prepare healthy, crispy chicken dishes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistently delivers crispy food with little oil.
- Good capacity for family meals like chicken wings.
- Easy-to-use controls and simple functionality.
- Basket is nonstick and easy to clean.
Cons:
- Takes up some counter space due to its design.
- Max temperature is 400F, slightly lower than some premium models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This product has not only been a time saver but also a calorie saver. Easy to clean. Easy to use. Works amazing and doesn’t give off a plastic taste like some air fryers.
Customer Review: I have been using this Ninja air fryer regularly and it has made cooking much easier. The controls are simple to understand and the size is great for family meals. I also like that it is easy to clean after use. One downside is that it does take up some counter space, so you need room for it. Overal
3. Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt Air Fryer for Family-Size Chicken, with One-Touch Digital Control.
If you’re looking for a larger capacity air fryer that won’t break the bank, the Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt Air Fryer is an excellent choice for cooking family-size chicken. It offers digital convenience and ensures crispy, healthy results for all your favorite meals. This model proves that great performance for chicken doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 8-Quart Capacity: Generous size perfect for whole chickens, larger batches of wings, or family meals.
- ✓ Digital Touch Control: Simplifies cooking with one-touch presets for popular foods like chicken, fish, and fries.
- ✓ LED Shake Reminder: Ensures even crispiness by prompting you to shake ingredients during cooking.
- ✓ Healthy Cooking: Achieves crispy results using up to 98% less oil than traditional frying methods.
Why We Recommend It
This Chefman air fryer is our top budget pick because it delivers impressive capacity and features without compromising on quality. It’s incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to prepare delicious, healthy chicken for the whole family. The digital controls and shake reminder are thoughtful additions that enhance the cooking experience.
Best For
This air fryer is best for families on a budget who need a large capacity to cook a variety of chicken dishes efficiently and healthily.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for its large 8-quart capacity.
- Easy-to-use digital controls with helpful presets.
- Achieves crispy results with significantly less oil.
- LED shake reminder promotes even cooking.
Cons:
- May be bulkier on smaller countertops.
- Some users report a slight learning curve for specific dishes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The media could not be loaded.This Chefman air fryer works amazing. It heats up fast, cooks evenly, and the digital controls are very easy to use. The basket is a good size for family portions, and cleaning it is super simple. I’ve made fries, chicken, and veggies, and everything comes out crispy an
Customer Review: I was looking for an air fryer, something at least mid-range, and this one really stood out, while I didn’t find many reviews outside of just Amazon, what I did see was largely positive. Its been less than a week, but I’m happy I bought this, especially the luck of it going on sale. The air fryer ha
4. Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer with Touchscreen Controls and Hi-Fry Technology for crispy chicken.
For those living in smaller spaces or cooking for one or two, the Chefman 4 QT Air Fryer is a fantastic compact option for getting perfectly crispy chicken. Its touchscreen controls and innovative Hi-Fry Technology make cooking simple and efficient. This air fryer proves that great results can come in a smaller package.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Compact 4-Quart Size: Ideal for small kitchens, single servings, or meals for two.
- ✓ Touchscreen Controls: Digital display allows for easy customization of cooking time and temperature.
- ✓ 450°F Hi-Fry Technology: Boosts heat in the final minutes for an extra-crispy finish on chicken.
- ✓ Sleek & Narrow Design: Maximizes capacity while minimizing countertop footprint.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Chefman 4 QT for its thoughtful compact design paired with advanced cooking features. The Hi-Fry Technology is particularly useful for achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp on chicken wings or tenders. It’s a powerful small appliance that doesn’t compromise on results, making it one of the best air fryers for chicken in its size category.
Best For
This air fryer is best for individuals or couples with limited kitchen space who want consistently crispy chicken and other air-fried delights.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for achieving extra-crispy chicken with Hi-Fry Technology.
- Compact footprint makes it ideal for small kitchens.
- User-friendly digital touchscreen controls.
- Efficient and fast cooking performance.
Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger families or whole chickens.
- Some users may prefer a non-digital interface.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: After using this air fryer for about a month, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations. The build quality feels solid, the interface is simple to use, and it cooks consistently well. Most of the time I use it to make boneless wings and fries for my twin girls, and everything comes out c
Customer Review: This air fryer is absolutely fantastic. I use this almost daily. It can hold a decent amount and is perfect for a single person to use for daily meals. Easy to clean, and I do not have issues with anything sticking to it. Everything I have cooked in this so far has come out better than when cooked i
5. Chefman Multifunctional 10L Digital Air Fryer Oven with Rotisserie, great for chicken.
If you’re looking for an air fryer that does it all, the Chefman Multifunctional 10L Digital Air Fryer Oven is a stellar choice, especially for cooking a whole chicken or larger quantities. This versatile appliance goes beyond just air frying, offering baking, dehydrating, and even rotisserie functions. It’s truly a mini convection oven that sits right on your countertop.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 10L Capacity & Rotisserie: Large internal space and included rotisserie spit for cooking whole chickens.
- ✓ Multi-functional: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, and roast, replacing several kitchen appliances.
- ✓ Digital Controls: Intuitive digital interface for precise temperature and time adjustments.
- ✓ Rapid Air Heating: Cooks faster and more evenly than traditional ovens, with 98% less oil.
Why We Recommend It
We absolutely recommend this Chefman air fryer oven for its incredible versatility and capacity. The ability to cook a rotisserie chicken right on your counter is a huge plus, delivering tender, evenly cooked results. It’s a fantastic investment for anyone who loves to cook and wants to expand their air frying capabilities beyond just a basket model.
Best For
This air fryer is best for larger families or entertainers who frequently cook whole chickens or need a multi-functional appliance for various cooking tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with multiple cooking functions.
- Large capacity with rotisserie feature for whole chickens.
- Cooks faster than conventional ovens.
- Offers healthy cooking with minimal oil.
Cons:
- Requires more counter space than basket-style air fryers.
- Cleaning the interior can be more involved than a simple basket.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: It’s my first air fryer. Why have I deprived myself so long? This thing is easy to use, comes with three grates + a grease pan (or whatever you call it), quick to cook, and holds a lot of food. I use it every day, probably twice a day.I’ve only tried the air fry option – not bake or dehydration. I w
Customer Review: Where has this been all my life? So the window is great. The rotisserie worked well. Cleaning is of course a thing. It does have a tray that comes out. So far no issues. The way the settings are is a bit odd because they only show up when you push one of the main buttons, but that is pretty mi
Complete Buying Guide for Best Air Fryers For Chicken
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best air fryer for chicken, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. But don’t worry, we’ve boiled down the most crucial factors we look at to help you make an informed decision. First and foremost, capacity is key. Think about how much chicken you typically cook. A 4-quart model might be great for one or two people and a couple of chicken breasts, but if you’re feeding a family or love making whole roasted chickens, you’ll want an 8-quart or even 10L oven-style air fryer. Next, consider the temperature range and power. Higher maximum temperatures (like 400-450°F) and robust wattage ensure your chicken gets that perfect crispy skin without drying out the inside. A powerful fan also contributes to even cooking. We also pay close attention to cooking functions beyond just “air fry.” Many models offer roasting, baking, dehydrating, and even rotisserie, adding more versatility to your kitchen. Lastly, don’t overlook ease of cleaning. Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe components can save you a lot of time and effort after a delicious chicken dinner.
Budget Planning
Air fryers come in a wide range of prices, and thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great one for cooking chicken. Entry-level models, typically in the 4-6 quart range, can be found for under $100 and still perform beautifully for smaller batches of wings or thighs. Mid-range air fryers, often priced between $100-$180, usually offer larger capacities (6-8 quarts), more advanced digital controls, and extra cooking presets. If you’re looking for multi-functional air fryer ovens with rotisserie capabilities or premium features like ceramic coatings and multiple fan speeds, expect to pay upwards of $180 to $250+. Remember, investing a little more often means better durability, more features, and sometimes, a larger capacity that can handle a whole chicken with ease. Always consider how often you’ll use it and what types of chicken dishes you plan to make when setting your budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect air fryer for your chicken cravings is about balancing your specific needs with what the market offers. Whether you’re a single individual craving quick, crispy chicken tenders or a family looking to roast a whole bird, there’s an air fryer out there for you. Prioritize capacity, temperature control, ease of use, and simple cleanup. Remember, the goal is to make cooking delicious, healthy chicken as effortless and enjoyable as possible. With the right air fryer, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked chicken in no time, making weeknight dinners and weekend feasts a delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best size air fryer for a whole chicken?
A: For a whole chicken, you’ll generally need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 8 quarts or a 10-liter air fryer oven. These larger models provide enough space for the chicken to cook evenly and often come with rotisserie functions for perfect results.
Q: Can I cook any type of chicken in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fryers are incredibly versatile for chicken. You can cook whole chickens, chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, tenders, and even frozen chicken products. The key is to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the cut and thickness of the chicken.
Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking chicken?
A: Yes, preheating your air fryer is highly recommended for best results, especially when cooking chicken. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking at the correct temperature, leading to more even cooking and a crispier exterior. Most air fryers preheat in just 3-5 minutes.
Q: How do I get crispy chicken skin in an air fryer?
A: To achieve super crispy chicken skin, pat your chicken dry before seasoning, use a minimal amount of oil (a light spray works wonders), and ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket. This allows air to circulate freely around the chicken, promoting maximum crispiness. Some models also feature “Hi-Fry” technology for an extra crisp finish.
Q: Are air fryers hard to clean after cooking chicken?
A: Not usually! Most modern air fryers feature nonstick baskets and crisper plates that are relatively easy to clean. Many are also dishwasher-safe. For sticky messes, a quick soak in warm, soapy water usually does the trick. Ceramic coatings, like those on the Cosori TurboBlaze, are particularly easy to wipe down.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to the best air fryers for chicken! We hope this breakdown helps you choose the perfect appliance to bring deliciously crispy, juicy chicken to your table with minimal fuss and oil. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, an air fryer is a fantastic tool to elevate your chicken dishes. Ready to transform your cooking? Click on any of the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons above to explore these amazing models and start your journey to perfectly air-fried chicken today!
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I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
