Frying Battered Chicken In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Frying battered chicken in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, with the same delicious taste and texture. The air fryer reduces the fat and calories of traditionally calorie-dense foods, resulting in a crispy and juicy dish without the mess and extra fat of deep-frying.

Chicken preparation and coating

Chicken Preparation

Before you coat your chicken, you should prepare it by cutting it into pieces. If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into thin, flat pieces—not bite-sized, but something that looks like a thin chicken breast. For example, if a one-pound package gives you two chicken breasts, cut them into three or four thin pieces per breast. Thin chicken is essential for even cooking and maximum juiciness.

If you're using a whole chicken, cut it into 10 pieces: two breasts cut in half, two wings, two legs, and two thighs.

Chicken Coating

To coat your chicken, you'll need to marinate it and then dredge it.

Marinating

To marinate your chicken, add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken—the longer, the better. You can marinate it for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare it in advance. For the best results, marinate it overnight or for up to a full day.

Dredging

To dredge your chicken, first, remove it from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can use all-purpose or wheat flour for this.

For extra crispiness, add a little buttermilk to your dredge. Once you’ve mixed up your flour coating, drizzle a little buttermilk over it and toss to create small lumps in the mixture. These craggy bits will increase the surface area and add even more crispiness during frying.

Other Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before coating it. This will ensure it's extra crispy and juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• The chicken should be golden brown throughout the cooking process. If you notice light pockets of colour, spray a little more oil over it.
• Only add cornstarch as needed. If there is too much, the coating will be too thick.
• If you like spicy food, add a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to the batter.

Air fryer setup

To fry battered chicken in an air fryer, you will need to follow a few steps to prepare the appliance and ensure optimal cooking. Here is a detailed guide on setting up your air fryer for frying battered chicken:

• Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into strips or pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking. For the best flavour, it is recommended to use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks. You can also use chicken breasts, but they may require a slightly different cooking time.
• Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add buttermilk, spices, and the chicken pieces. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the meat and adds flavour. You can also add ingredients like garlic, salt, and pepper to the marinade for extra seasoning.
• Prepare the Breading: In a separate large bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs (Panko or regular), and seasonings. Spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper can be added to enhance the flavour. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
• Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture. You can use tongs to handle the chicken during this process. Ensure that both sides of the chicken are well coated.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or canola oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a non-aerosol spray or brush the bottom of the basket with oil. This step ensures that the chicken doesn't stick and makes cleanup easier.
• Place Chicken in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Do not overcrowd the air fryer as proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Spray the Chicken with Oil: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or olive oil. This step helps the breading crisp up and adds a golden colour. Ensure that all spots on the chicken are coated, including any dry flour areas.
• Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. For crispy and juicy chicken, most recipes recommend temperatures between 350°F and 400°F, and cooking times ranging from 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray with oil again for even cooking.
• Check Doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for white meat or 175°F for dark meat. Alternatively, insert a skewer or knife into the chicken, and make sure the juices run clear, not red.
• Reheating and Storing: If you have leftover fried chicken, it is best to reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes rather than using the air fryer, as the latter may burn the exterior. For storing, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it in foil, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried chicken will depend on the type of chicken you are using. For example, chicken strips will cook faster than bone-in pieces. Chicken breasts may also require different cooking times and temperatures compared to chicken wings or legs.

As a general rule, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure that it is cooked through. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. For dark meat, such as chicken thighs and drumsticks, the internal temperature should be 170°F to 175°F.

• For chicken breasts, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 7 minutes on each side, spraying the chicken with oil in between.
• For chicken wings, a temperature of 350°F for 8 minutes on each side is recommended.
• Chicken legs can be cooked at 350°F for 14 minutes, then flipped and cooked for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
• For chicken thighs and drumsticks, a temperature of 360°F for 25 to 27 minutes is recommended.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer being used. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.

Oil usage

Air fryers are a great way to fry battered chicken without the mess and excess oil usage of traditional frying methods. While the amount of oil used will depend on the size of your air fryer and the amount of chicken being cooked, the general principle is that only a tiny fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods is needed.

To fry battered chicken in an air fryer, you will need to coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This can be done by spraying the chicken with cooking spray or brushing it with oil. It is important to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with oil to ensure even cooking and browning.

During the cooking process, it is also recommended to spray or brush the chicken with additional oil at least once to ensure that it remains moist and does not dry out. This is especially important if you notice any dry spots or light pockets of color on the chicken.

In terms of the type of oil to use, olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil are all good options. It is recommended to avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays as these can contain additives that can damage the coating of your air fryer basket over time. Instead, use a mister or pastry brush to apply your oil of choice.

When frying battered chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is not overcrowded in the basket. This is because the air fryer cooks by circulating hot air around the food, and if the air cannot circulate properly, the chicken may not cook evenly. It is better to cook the chicken in batches if needed.

Finally, when frying battered chicken in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired temperature.

Chicken type and cut

When it comes to choosing the right chicken type and cut for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider.

First, let's talk about the type of chicken. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken in your air fryer. Boneless chicken cooks a bit faster and is easier to eat, while bone-in chicken has more flavour and can be juicier.

Now, let's discuss the different cuts of chicken you can use.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are lean, so they benefit from high-temperature cooking for a shorter period. In an air fryer, cook boneless chicken breasts at 375°F for 5-6 minutes, and bone-in breasts for 10-12 minutes.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer dark meat, as they have a higher fat content and are less likely to dry out. They also have skin, which helps keep the meat moist. Air fry chicken thighs at 375°F for 12-16 minutes.

Chicken Drumsticks

Like chicken thighs, drumsticks are a good choice for juicy, flavourful dark meat. They also have skin, which helps with moisture and even cooking. Air fry drumsticks at 360°F for about 27 minutes.

Chicken Wings

Wings are a classic choice for frying and can be easily cooked in an air fryer. They have skin that gets nice and crispy. Air fry wings at 360°F for 10-12 minutes.

Chicken Leg Quarters

Chicken leg quarters include both the thigh and drumstick, giving you a mix of dark and white meat. The skin helps keep the meat moist. Air fry leg quarters at 360°F for about 30 minutes.

Chicken Tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a good choice for a quick and easy meal. They are lean, so benefit from shorter cooking times. Air fry tenderloins at 375°F for 7-10 minutes.

Whole Chicken

You can also cook a whole chicken in your air fryer! This option gives you a variety of meat options and is great for feeding a crowd. Air fry a whole chicken at 360°F for 30-40 minutes, depending on its size.

Remember, the cooking times mentioned above are just guidelines, and the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken pieces. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Frequently asked questions