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.
Estimated nutrition per serving: approximately 390 kcal, 42 g protein, 23 g fat and 4 g carbohydrate. Values vary with the size of the pieces and how much skin is eaten.
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.
Related guide: Chicken cooking-time calculator.
Chicken for this Air Fryer recipe
This recipe uses thighs and drumsticks. Browse chicken cuts and prices, then confirm the bone-in cuts and weight you need before ordering.
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.