Bon Manzé Air Fryer chicken in Mauritius: times and temperatures
Free-range chicken works particularly well in an Air Fryer: the meat keeps its flavour while the circulating hot air crisps the skin with very little oil. The reliable method is to combine piece thickness, good airflow and a core-temperature check.
Start with this lemon-and-thyme recipe for four, then use the table below for wings, thighs, drumsticks, breast or a whole chicken.
Air Fryer chicken cooking-time chart
| Cut | Setting | Starting time | Useful action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wings | 190°C | 18–22 min | Turn halfway |
| Boneless thighs | 185°C | 14–18 min | Cook in one layer |
| Bone-in thighs and drumsticks | 185°C | 24–30 min | Turn at about 15 min |
| 2–3 cm chicken breast | 180°C | 12–16 min | Check early to prevent drying |
| 1.8–2 kg whole chicken | 175°C | 55–70 min | Only if air can circulate in the basket |
For every cut, confirm 74°C / 165°F at the core. If it is not there yet, continue in 2-to-3-minute increments.
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 1 kg free-range chicken thighs and drumsticks;
- 1 tablespoon oil, plus the zest and juice of 1 lemon;
- 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon thyme and 1 teaspoon paprika;
- salt and pepper.
Method, step by step
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 185°C for 3 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry. Mix it with the oil, lemon, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Arrange in one layer. An overcrowded basket steams instead of browning; cook in two batches when needed.
- Cook for 24 to 30 minutes, turning at about 15 minutes. Start checking the core temperature at 24 minutes.
- Remove at 74°C / 165°F, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to adjust without drying the chicken
- Smaller pieces: check 3 to 5 minutes earlier.
- Pale skin: finish for 2 minutes at 200°C while watching closely.
- Sweet marinades: stay around 175–180°C so the sugars do not burn.
- Frozen chicken: thaw fully in the fridge for even cooking.
- Several batches: the second often cooks slightly faster because the machine is already hot.
What to serve with it
Pair it with a crisp salad, roast vegetables, fragrant rice or tomato chutney. For other ways to use the same chicken, see our Mauritian chicken curry, chicken biryani and barbecue guide.
Need the right chicken cuts?
Ask what is available, how much you need for your table and the next delivery round in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I use for Air Fryer chicken?
Use 175 to 190°C depending on the cut. The decisive check is 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
Should I turn the chicken?
Yes, turn wings, thighs and drumsticks halfway through for more even browning.
How do I get crisp skin?
Pat the chicken dry, use a light coating of oil, leave room around each piece and, if needed, finish for 2 minutes at 200°C.
Can I cook a whole chicken?
Yes, if the basket is large enough for air to circulate. Allow roughly 55 to 70 minutes at 175°C for 1.8 to 2 kg, then confirm 74°C / 165°F at the core.