Air Fryer Chicken: Crispy Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make crispy chicken without the mess and health drawbacks of deep frying. While the crust won't be as crispy as deep-fried chicken, it will still be tasty and crunchy. Air-fried chicken is also healthier and quicker to make than deep-fried chicken, and it's easier to clean up afterward.

To make crispy chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to brine the chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices, and then coat it in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices before air-frying. You'll also need to spray the chicken with oil during the cooking process to help it crisp up.

Can Air Fryers Make Chicken Crispy?

The importance of oil

Oil is an essential ingredient in the quest for crispy, golden, and delicious fried chicken. While air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to produce crunchy chicken without submerging it in oil, a small amount of oil is still often used to create the perfect fried chicken.

Oil Temperature

The temperature of the oil is critical to achieving the desired crispiness. According to Chef Jeff McInnis, maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key. When frying chicken in a small pan, it is important to cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. The ideal temperature for crispy chicken is around 325°F, but McInnis recommends heating the oil to 365°F to account for the drop in temperature when the chicken is added.

Oil Type

The type of oil used can also impact the crispiness and flavor of the chicken. Peanut oil, for example, has a high smoke point, allowing for deep frying at optimal temperatures and resulting in a crispy texture. It also imparts a subtle nutty flavor to the chicken, enhancing its taste. Additionally, peanut oil's light texture creates a delicate, thin crust, ensuring a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Oil Quantity

The amount of oil used is another factor to consider. Air fryers, for instance, require only a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods, yet still produce crunchy, golden results. A light spray of oil or a thin coating on the chicken is often sufficient in an air fryer, reducing the mess and cleanup associated with traditional deep frying.

Oil and Health

Oil is also an important consideration when it comes to the health benefits of fried chicken. Peanut oil, for instance, is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that may offer protective benefits for cells.

In conclusion, while air fryers have made it possible to enjoy crispy chicken with less oil, the role of oil remains crucial. Oil temperature, type, and quantity all play a part in achieving the desired crispiness, flavor, and texture of fried chicken, while also impacting its health benefits.

Using buttermilk

To use buttermilk when making air fryer chicken, start by placing the chicken in a shallow casserole dish and pouring buttermilk over it. You can also put the chicken and buttermilk in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for the best results.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in a flour mixture. You can also dip the chicken back into the buttermilk before coating it with the flour mixture again. This double dredge will ensure a crispy, golden exterior.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces are not touching, and spray with cooking spray. Cook at a temperature between 360-380°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken and spraying with cooking spray again halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165-170°F.

Chicken cuts

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways in an air fryer. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your chicken cuts in an air fryer:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a leaner cut of meat and benefit from high-temperature baking for a shorter period of time. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the size of the breasts:

• Small breasts (5-7 ounces): 7-10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8-10 ounces): 10-12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12-16 minutes

It is important to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, brining the chicken breasts before cooking can help add moisture and enhance the flavour.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs, whether boneless or bone-in, are a great option for the air fryer as they tend to be more forgiving and harder to overcook than chicken breasts. They also have more flavour and moisture due to the higher fat content. The cooking time and temperature for chicken thighs will depend on whether they are boneless or bone-in:

• Boneless, skinless thighs: 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes
• Bone-in thighs: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes

Like chicken breasts, it is important to flip chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process. Brining can also help enhance the flavour and moisture of the meat.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a popular choice for the air fryer as they come out crispy and juicy. The key to getting crispy wings is to ensure they are dry before placing them in the air fryer. This can be done by patting them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Additionally, using baking powder in the seasoning mix will help to create a crispy coating on the wings. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken wings is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will depend on the size of the wings:

• Small/medium wings: 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then flip and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes
• Larger wings: May require an additional few minutes to ensure the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks, or leg quarters, can also be cooked in the air fryer. The ideal temperature is 360 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will depend on the size of the drumsticks:

• Small drumsticks (5 ounces): 15-20 minutes
• Larger drumsticks: May require an additional few minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Like other chicken cuts, it is important to flip drumsticks halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, flavourful meat. The ideal temperature is 360 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken:

3-4 pound chicken: 30 minutes breast-side down, then flip and cook for an additional 12-22 minutes

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the chicken cuts. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.

Breadcrumbs

Alternatively, you can use the traditional egg and flour method, where you dip the chicken in beaten eggs and then coat it with flour before frying or baking. This method will give your chicken a more substantial and textured breading.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, which tend to get crispier when air-fried. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a super golden and crispy coating.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making crispy air-fried chicken using breadcrumbs:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This will help the chicken cook quicker and more evenly. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then use a sharp kitchen knife to slice each breast in half lengthwise. You can also use a meat mallet to pound the chicken and make it more even in size.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In one shallow bowl, whisk a couple of large eggs with some salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. You can use spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken for a thorough coating.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer in a single layer, making sure the pieces are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Cook the chicken at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispy chicken, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time, spray again with olive oil spray, and continue cooking.

Tips for Crispy Breaded Chicken:

• Use high-quality, organic, and free-range chicken breasts for better taste and texture.
• Slice the chicken breasts into even-sized cutlets and pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Use good-quality breadcrumbs, and season them well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs tend to get crispier in the air fryer.
• Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken after dipping it in the egg mixture to ensure a thorough coating.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time and spray again with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy chicken without the mess and health drawbacks of deep-frying. Here are some tips and settings to help you get the best results:

Temperature and Timing

• Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
• Cook the chicken at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces, but aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you are using an air fryer oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and time settings accordingly.

Preparing the Chicken

• Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the skin crisp up.
• For juicy, tender chicken, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
• For extra flavour, season the buttermilk marinade with spices like smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
• For a crispy coating, dredge the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. You can also add spices to this mixture for extra flavour.
• Ensure your air fryer basket is well-coated with oil before adding the chicken, and spray the chicken pieces with oil during cooking to help them crisp up.

Other Tips

• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Allow space between the chicken pieces for air to circulate, cooking them evenly.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• If you are making a large batch, cook the chicken in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your crispy, juicy air-fried chicken!

Frequently asked questions