My sister said my air fryer chicken was dry and she was right

I used to just throw chicken thighs in at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, no matter what. My sister came over for dinner last week and after one bite she said, 'This is dry, Liz. You're cooking it too hot for too long.' I felt a bit mad at first, but I tried her way the next night. She told me to lower the heat to 375, cook for 15 minutes, then check the temp. I got an instant read thermometer like she said and pulled the chicken at 165 degrees. The difference was huge. The meat was juicy and the skin was still crispy. Now I always use a thermometer and start checking early. Has anyone else found a lower temp works better for chicken in their air fryer?

2 comments

2 Comments

simonb921d ago

Honestly, the thermometer is the real game changer. I used to just guess with pork chops and they were always a bit tough. My buddy, who cooks a lot, told me to get one and aim for 145 degrees, not the old 160 rule. Tried it and they came out perfect, not dry at all. It's crazy how much we trust old cooking times when a cheap gadget fixes everything.

patriciap521d ago

Totally get that feeling of being mad when someone criticizes your cooking. Happened to me with burgers, my brother said they were like hockey pucks. Switched to a lower temp and checking with a thermometer, just like you did, and it was a night and day difference. That instant read is the best twenty bucks I ever spent.