Air-Fryer Crispy Chicken: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make crispy chicken in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-frying chicken as it uses less oil and creates less mess. The chicken will be crunchy and golden on the outside, and tender, juicy, and full of flavour on the inside.

How to make crispy chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken (bone-in and skin-on, including a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts)
• Buttermilk
• Oil spray (olive or vegetable oil)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or wheat flour)
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
• Cornstarch

Method

• Marinate the chicken: Add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Coat the chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, quickly dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Prep the air fryer: Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket.
• Air fry the chicken: Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for another 5-12 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check when the chicken is cooked.
• Pat dry the chicken before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture to ensure it is extra crispy and juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• Be generous with the oil spray to ensure all the flour on the chicken is cooked.
• You can use boneless and skinless chicken, but the skin helps the coating stick and creates a crispier crust.

What ingredients are needed

Making crispy chicken in an air fryer requires a few key ingredients. The first is the chicken itself. Most recipes recommend using bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, but you can also use chicken breasts or chicken strips. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can remove the skin from the chicken.

The next step is to marinate the chicken. The most common marinade is buttermilk, which helps the batter stick to the chicken and gives it a classic fried flavour. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk to add a bit of spice. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk and vinegar, or use regular milk.

After marinating, the chicken is coated in a dry mixture. Most recipes use a combination of flour and spices. The exact spices vary but commonly include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavour. Cornstarch can also be added to thicken the batter.

Finally, you will need some oil to coat the air fryer basket and help the chicken cook evenly. Olive oil spray is a popular choice, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil.

How long does it take to cook crispy chicken in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook crispy chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken you are cooking, the quantity of chicken, and the temperature of the air fryer.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings take around 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. This includes 10 minutes for the first "fry", followed by a flip, and then another 8-12 minutes for the second "fry". The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings.

Chicken Tenders/Strips

Chicken tenders or strips will take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is important to check these frequently to avoid overcooking and drying them out.

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Chicken thighs and drumsticks will take between 25 and 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless chicken breasts will take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer. It is important to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.

How to store crispy chicken after cooking in an air fryer

You've made a delicious batch of crispy air-fried chicken, but now you're wondering how to store it to keep it crispy and fresh. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your crispy chicken after cooking it in an air fryer:

Storing in the Refrigerator:

• Allow the chicken to cool: Before storing your crispy chicken, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature. Placing hot chicken directly into the refrigerator can be unsafe and affect the texture of the meat. Spread out the chicken pieces on a wire rack to allow for even cooling and better airflow.
• Use an airtight container: Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from absorbing odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Store for up to 5 days: You can safely store your crispy chicken in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to label the container with the date it was made and the date by which it should be consumed.
• Reheat properly: When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, avoid reheating the chicken in the air fryer as this can dry out the meat and make the exterior too crispy. Instead, use a preheated oven at a lower temperature, such as 300°F or 375°F, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Storing in the Freezer:

• Freeze individually: If you plan on freezing your crispy chicken, it's best to freeze the pieces individually on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together.
• Transfer to a freezer bag: Once the chicken pieces are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. This will help retain their freshness and texture.
• Freeze for up to 6 months: Properly stored crispy chicken can be frozen for up to 6 months. Be sure to label the bag or container with the date of freezing and consume it within that timeframe for the best quality.
• Thaw and reheat: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen crispy chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in the air fryer or a preheated oven to retain the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.

By following these instructions, you'll be able to enjoy your crispy air-fried chicken multiple times and retain its delicious texture and flavour!

What to serve with crispy chicken

Crispy chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas to serve with your air-fried crispy chicken:

Classic Sides

Buttery biscuits, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese are classic comfort food options that pair well with the crispy chicken. The savouriness and creaminess of these dishes complement the crunchy chicken.

Fresh Vegetables

In the summer, opt for fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumber salad or a cherry tomato salad. You can also try roasted okra or a zucchini sauté. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried chicken.

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter, salads are a great option. Try an Asian-inspired noodle salad with a sesame ginger dressing or a vegan crispy chicken salad with mint, cilantro, cabbage, and carrots. You could also make a heartier Farmers Market Orzo Salad with seasonal veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, and squash.

Baked Goods

If you want to round out your meal with some baked goods, consider making honey cornbread or buttermilk biscuits. These can be easily made from scratch or purchased from a store to save time.

Spicy Options

If you prefer some spice, try a Three-Bean Baked Beans dish with extra spices or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add some cayenne pepper to your fried chicken breading for an extra kick.

Comfort Food

For a comforting meal, serve your crispy chicken with macaroni coleslaw or creamy stovetop mac and cheese. These dishes are sure to be crowd-pleasers and will balance out the crispiness of the chicken.

Frequently asked questions