Frying Breaded Chicken: Air Fryer Magic

Frying breaded chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy fried chicken with less oil and mess. It's also healthier than deep frying or pan frying, as the chicken absorbs less oil. The cooking time is shorter, and the cleanup is much easier. To make breaded chicken in an air fryer, coat the chicken with a layer of breadcrumbs and spray with oil. Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-425°F, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time and temperature will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken.

How to bread chicken

There are two main ways to bread chicken: the egg and breadcrumb method, and the flour, egg, and breadcrumb method.

The Egg and Breadcrumb Method:

• Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs.
• Coat them with breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.

The Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumb Method:

• Coat chicken pieces with flour.
• Dip them in beaten eggs.
• Coat them with breadcrumbs for a more substantial and textured breading.

Tips for the Best Breaded Chicken:

• Use good quality breadcrumbs—gluten-free breadcrumbs get crispier when air-fried.
• Season the breadcrumbs well.
• Press the breading into each piece of chicken after dipping it in the egg.
• Add some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs or use parmesan breadcrumbs for a super golden and crispy coating.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bread Chicken:

• Prep the chicken by patting it dry with a clean paper towel. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four even-sized pieces. Pound the chicken between plastic wrap with a meat mallet if needed to make it more even.
• Combine the breading ingredients in a shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
• Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated and pressing the breading into the chicken.
• Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer in a single layer. Spray the chicken with a light coating of olive oil spray. Note that you may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the chicken at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What temperature to cook at

The optimal temperature for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is between 380°F and 400°F. However, the exact temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of the chicken, and your personal preference for doneness. It is recommended to start with a temperature of around 380°F and adjust accordingly.

For example, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown. Another source recommends cooking at 390°F or 200°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken after 7 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. It is recommended to check the chicken after 8-10 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

When cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer, it is also important to avoid overcrowding the basket. Cooking in batches may be necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken and the size of the air fryer. For example, chicken tenderloins will take less time to cook than chicken breasts, and a larger air fryer will be able to fit more chicken at once.

Chicken tenderloins should be cooked in the air fryer for around 12 minutes. For chicken breasts, the cooking time is around 10-15 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. For even cooking, it's recommended to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking.

It's also important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, the air fryer should be preheated before adding the chicken. The ideal temperature for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is around 350-390°F (175-200°C).

To check if the chicken is cooked, you can use a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74-75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked. You can also cut into the chicken to check if it's cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

How to stop chicken burning

Yes, you can fry breaded chicken in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to stop chicken from burning:

Lower the temperature

If your food is burning, it could be that the temperature is too high. Try turning down the temperature and cooking for longer. For example, instead of cooking at 390°F (200°C), try 375°F or 380°F. You could also try cooking at 400°F for a couple of minutes to brown the chicken after cooking at a lower temperature.

Flip the chicken

For even cooking, it helps to start cooking the chicken skin side down and then flip it once or twice. The air circulation in an air fryer isn't always even, so food nearer the heating element cooks faster. You could also try cooking at a lower temperature for most of the cooking time and then switching to a higher temperature to finish off the skin.

Use parchment paper

Some people recommend using parchment paper underneath the chicken to prevent burning.

Check the BBQ seasoning

If you're using BBQ seasoning, check that it doesn't contain sugar, as this may contribute to the chicken skin burning.

Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking

Take the chicken out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. You could also use this time to brine the chicken.

Use a meat thermometer

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. If it reads 165°F (75°C), your chicken is fully cooked.

How to reheat air fryer chicken

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy, golden, and tasty leftover chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation:

• Take your leftover fried chicken out of the refrigerator. Separate the chicken pieces to ensure even heating.
• If desired, spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil for an extra crispy finish. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential to ensure even heating and to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece for proper air circulation. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Set the timer for 3-5 minutes for the initial heating. This will warm up the chicken.
• After the initial heating, carefully open the air fryer and check the chicken. It should be warmed through but may not be crispy yet.
• Flip each piece of chicken using tongs to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
• Continue reheating for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
• Check the crispiness again. If desired crispness is not achieved, repeat the flipping and reheating process for another 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Once the chicken is crispy and heated through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the crust to set and become crispier.

Tips for Reheating:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat in batches if needed to maintain crispiness and ensure even heating.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer for the best results. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly reheated.
• Customize with seasonings: sprinkle your favourite seasonings or spice mixes on the chicken before reheating to add extra flavour.
• Serve with dipping sauces: fried chicken pairs well with various sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

Other Reheating Methods:

While the air fryer method is recommended for optimal crispiness, there are other ways to reheat fried chicken:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on an oven-safe rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to ensure even heating. Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
• Stovetop: Heat oil in a heavy-duty stockpot or Dutch oven to 350°F. Slowly add the chicken to the oil, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes until crisp and heated through.
• Microwave: While this method is not recommended as it can make the chicken soggy, it can be done safely by reheating in short intervals and flipping the chicken in between.

Storage and Safety:

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Consume within 3-4 days and reheat only once to minimise the risk of foodborne illness.
• Always ensure that reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.

Frequently asked questions