Question about partially cooked chicken…
I was using my air fryer to cook chicken and got distracted. I cooked it for 8 minutes but forgot to flip it when the timer went off. After about 20-25 minutes, it was still warm/hot when I checked on it to flip and finish cooking. Are there any safety concerns with this, or is it safe to continue cooking it?
It’s great that you checked the chicken before continuing to cook it. However, since it was only cooked for 8 minutes and then left at room temperature for an additional 20-25 minutes, there are some potential food safety concerns to consider.
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed. If the chicken was still warm when you checked it, it might be okay, but the time it spent at room temperature could allow bacteria to grow, especially if it was not in a safe temperature range (40°F – 140°F or 4°C – 60°C is known as the danger zone for food safety).
Here are a few steps you can take:
Check the Temperature: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken after you flip and continue cooking it. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
Cook Thoroughly: If the chicken has not reached the safe temperature, continue cooking it until it does.
Assess Smell and Texture: If the chicken smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not eat it.
If you’re unsure about the safety, it’s always best to prioritize your health and discard the chicken. Better safe than sorry!
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