Air-Fried Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan-frying chicken. Using an air fryer is healthier, easier to clean, and faster than traditional frying methods. Air-fried chicken is tender and juicy on the inside with a perfectly golden-brown, crispy, and flavorful exterior.

Marinating the chicken

The ingredients you use for the marinade will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve. A simple mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce is a popular choice, with the buttermilk tenderising the chicken and adding a tangy flavour, and the hot sauce adding a bit of a kick without making the dish spicy.

You could also try a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs, or a blend of Greek yoghurt, chilli flakes, paprika, garlic, mixed herbs, lemon, and olive oil. For a more unique flavour, experiment with Indian spices like ground cumin, mild curry powder, and turmeric.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk and vinegar, or sour cream or plain yoghurt mixed with a little milk or water.

Breading the chicken

Firstly, you will need to prepare a breading mixture. This typically includes flour, and a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add in cornstarch and baking powder to help crisp the skin. Mix these dry ingredients together in a large bowl or plastic bag.

Next, you will need to prepare your chicken. You can use any combination of chicken pieces, such as wings, breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into separate portions. It is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces as they tend to be more flavourful and juicy. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.

Before coating the chicken in the breading mixture, it is best to soak or marinate the chicken in buttermilk. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavour. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavour. Allow the chicken to soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best results.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid. Then, coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered in the breading. You can use tongs or your hands to do this, shaking off any excess flour.

After coating the chicken, it is a good idea to let the chicken rest on a baking sheet or wire rack while you preheat the air fryer. This will help the breading stick to the chicken and ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F.

Finally, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the chicken with oil to ensure even cooking and crispness. Air fry for around 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and spraying with additional oil if needed. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking the chicken

There are a few steps to follow when cooking chicken in an air fryer. First, you'll want to prepare your chicken by cutting it into pieces or strips. You can use a whole chicken, or just chicken breasts, depending on your preference. If you're using a whole chicken, cut it into 10 pieces, including two breasts, two wings, two legs, and two thighs. You can also remove the skin and trim any excess fat from the edges if you prefer.

Next, you'll need to marinate the chicken. This step is optional but recommended, as it adds flavour and tenderness to the meat. You can use a variety of marinades, but a common option is to combine buttermilk with hot sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of buttermilk, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavour.

Now it's time to bread the chicken. In a large plastic bag or bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag or mix the ingredients well to ensure everything is combined. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place it in the flour mixture. Use tongs or your hands to ensure the chicken is fully coated, then shake off any excess flour.

Place a piece of parchment paper with holes in your air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also brush the basket with canola or vegetable oil, or use an oil spray. Place the chicken pieces on top of the parchment paper or directly into the basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch. Leave enough space between the pieces for the air to circulate, as this will help the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.

Close the air fryer drawer and set the temperature to 390°F. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you're using, but on average, it should take around 20-25 minutes. For chicken strips, check the air fryer frequently to ensure they don't overcook and dry out. For bone-in pieces, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

About halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and spray any dry flour spots on the chicken with oil. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken pieces and spray the other side with oil as well. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Once the timer goes off, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If so, your chicken is ready to be served!

Reheating the chicken

If you have any leftover fried chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to four months. However, the sooner you eat it, the tastier it will be.

When it comes to reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can make the breading soggy. Instead, use your air fryer or a conventional oven.

To reheat in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F to 375°F and cook the chicken for about four to five minutes, flipping it halfway through. This will preserve the crispy texture of the chicken.

If you're using a conventional oven, preheat it to 300°F to 400°F and place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Bake them until they are warmed through, which should take about eight to ten minutes. This method will also help keep the crust relatively crispy.

Storing the chicken

Storing your chicken correctly is essential to preserving its crispy texture and delicious flavour. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your fried chicken:

Cool it Down

Allow the fried chicken to cool down completely before storing it. Placing hot chicken directly in the refrigerator can cause condensation, which can lead to soggy breading. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before transferring it to storage containers.

Use Airtight Containers

Store the chicken in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. These containers help prevent air from getting to the chicken, which can cause it to become soggy. Make sure the containers are the right size to avoid excessive empty space.

Avoid Overcrowding

When packing the chicken, leave space between the pieces to maintain crispness. If the pieces touch or stack on top of each other, they can become damp and lose their crunch. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, allowing air to circulate around each piece.

Use Paper Towels

Place a paper towel in the container with the chicken to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. The paper towel also acts as a barrier between the chicken and the container, preventing sticking.

Refrigerate Promptly

Once the chicken has cooled, refrigerate it immediately. The refrigerator's low temperature will help maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume the leftover fried chicken within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and flavour.

Freeze for Longer Storage

If you want to store the chicken for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen fried chicken can be stored for up to 12 months at 0°Fahrenheit.

Reheating Tips

Avoid reheating fried chicken in the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, use a conventional oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to reheat the chicken and restore its crispiness. Preheat the oven to around 375-400°Fahrenheit and warm the chicken for about 10-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions