Is It Safe To Cook Raw Meat In An Air Fryer?

If you're someone who has fully committed to that beloved countertop appliance, the air fryer, then you might be wondering just how much of your meals you can cook in it. While you likely already know how great it is for foods that are usually deep-fried, you might consider what else would work well in the basket — including raw meat. Though you likely feel comfortable cooking pre-cooked meats that just need to be heated in an air fryer, it's always a good idea to double-check safety guidelines for cooking raw meat. 

According to Kitchen Snitches, the good news is that it is absolutely safe to cook raw meat in an air fryer. But turning to your air fryer with a whole chicken or a couple of hamburger patties is different from whipping up a batch of crispy french fries. To successfully cook raw meat with an air fryer, you'll need to keep a close eye on the temperature and the time it takes for the meat to cook.

Unlike thin or pre-cooked foods, the air fryer will need a bit more time to cook raw meat all the way through. According to Home Kitchen Fryer, a whole chicken requires at least 30 minutes in an air fryer set to 360 degrees Fahrenheit to cook thoroughly. Even then, the air fryer is much faster than traditionally roasting a chicken in the oven or on the grill.

While the air fryer is a great way to cook raw meat quickly, you must double-check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is safe to eat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for many types of meat such as beef and pork, an internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. All poultry requires a slightly higher temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, toss the meat in the air fryer and pull out your meat thermometer. With both tools, you can cook almost anything.