Air-Fryer Cornflake Chicken: A Crunchy, Golden Treat

Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken is a delicious, crunchy, and juicy dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken as it requires less oil and fat. The cornflake coating provides a crispy crust, and the chicken can be paired with various sides and vegetables. The recipe is simple and includes marinating the chicken in a batter with spices, dipping it in a cornflake mixture, and then air frying it. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. This dish is perfect for family dinners and can be customised with different spices and sides.

How to make cornflake chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or tenders
• Cornflakes
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, cayenne pepper, mustard, mayonnaise, hot honey, thyme, cheese, avocado oil, etc.

Method

• Prepare your chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise to get four even pieces. Aim for a thickness of around 1/2 inch. Alternatively, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips.
• Prepare your cornflakes by crushing them into crumbs, either by putting them in a blender or food processor, or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or cup.
• Set up a breading station with a bowl of beaten egg and a shallow dish of cornflake crumbs.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then into the cornflake crumbs, pressing the cornflakes onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
• Place the chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the chicken generously with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Set the air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and spraying again with oil. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create your own unique flavour combinations.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.

Tips for making cornflake chicken in an air fryer

Prepare your ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. You'll need cornflakes, chicken breasts, eggs, seasoning, and cooking spray. You can also add extras such as flour, buttermilk, mustard, mayonnaise, or cheese for added flavour.

Prepare your cornflakes

Place your cornflakes in a blender or food processor and pulse until they are a breadcrumb-like consistency. You can also put them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or cup to crush them.

Prepare your chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenders, thighs, or drumsticks. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a marinade or spice rub to your chicken before coating.

Set up your breading station

Beat an egg in a separate bowl. You can also add milk and vinegar to the egg mixture for a juicier chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the cornflakes. Make sure the cornflakes stick to the chicken by pressing them gently.

Cook your chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray. Set the air fryer to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken is best served fresh and crispy, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispness. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Enjoy!

What sides go well with cornflake chicken?

There are many sides that go well with cornflake chicken, and it's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips, carbs, and vegetables.

For dips, you could try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. You could also serve with a marinara dipping sauce if you're using Italian seasoning.

Carbs that go well with cornflake chicken include macaroni and cheese, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. You could also serve it with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Zucchini Risotto, or Savory Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Muffins.

Green vegetables are also a good option to serve with cornflake chicken. Good choices include green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. You could also try a Spicy Cilantro Lime Slaw, or a Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Bacon.

How is cornflake chicken healthier than regular fried chicken?

Cornflake chicken is a healthier alternative to regular fried chicken for several reasons. Firstly, it can be cooked in an air fryer, which uses less oil than traditional deep frying. This reduces the amount of fat in the dish, making it healthier. Air-fried cornflake chicken is also healthier than deep-fried chicken because it is not cooked in unhealthy, highly processed oils.

Another benefit of cornflake chicken is that it can be baked in the oven, which is an even healthier option than frying. Baked cornflake chicken produces less mess and is just as crispy and juicy as the fried version. The cornflake coating gives the chicken a delicious, crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

When making cornflake chicken at home, you can control the ingredients used, opting for wholesome and fresh ingredients instead of the fats, sugars, salts, and additives often found in takeaway fried chicken. For example, you can use extra virgin olive oil, which has positive health benefits, instead of unhealthy, highly processed oils.

In addition, cooking cornflake chicken at home allows for better portion control. A single serving of fried chicken tenders from a takeaway can contain more than the recommended daily limit of salt and fat. By making cornflake chicken at home, you can ensure that your meal is not only delicious but also nourishing and healthier for your body.

How long does cornflake chicken last in the fridge?

Cornflake chicken is a delicious, crunchy, and tender meal, but how long does it last in the fridge? Well, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Some sources suggest that it can even be stored for up to 5 days.

It's important to note that the USDA states that refrigeration only slows bacterial growth and does not stop it completely. Therefore, it's crucial to practice safe food handling and store the chicken properly. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated within 2 hours of being left at room temperature and kept at a temperature of 40°F (or less). It's best to store it in an airtight container and label it with the date and contents.

When it comes to raw chicken, the USDA recommends only keeping it in the fridge for approximately 1–2 days. So, if you're meal prepping or have leftovers, make sure to cook and consume your cornflake chicken within the recommended time frame for food safety and to ensure the best quality.

Frequently asked questions