Air Fryer Chicken: Can You Use Regular Batter?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying or pan-frying chicken, as they reduce the fat and calories of the dish. However, they may not be suitable for all recipes. While an air fryer can be used to cook chicken with a flour batter, it is not recommended for wet batters as they can create a mess and cause the batter to drip off the chicken. Instead, a flour coating or breading is more suitable for air fryers, resulting in a crispy and tender fried chicken.

Can you use batter in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan-frying foods. They use less oil, are healthier, and create less mess. You can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, including chicken wings, fries, and breaded chicken. But what about battered chicken?

Some people advise against using batter in an air fryer. The batter may drip off the food and create a mess. This is especially true for wet batter, which is not suitable for air frying. However, some people have successfully used dry batter in their air fryers. It is recommended to use parchment paper to prevent the food from sticking and to help with cleanup.

Tips for using batter in an air fryer:

• Use a dry batter rather than a wet batter.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Leave enough space between the food for the air to circulate properly.
• Generously spray the food with cooking spray to help the batter crisp up.

Tips for the best results with an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer. This will help the crust crisp up quickly and ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
• Don't stack the chicken in the air fryer. Cook in a single layer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

Air fryer chicken recipes:

There are several recipes available online for air fryer chicken, including air fryer fried chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer chicken legs, and air fryer chicken wings. These recipes typically involve coating the chicken in a dry mixture of flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and then cooking it in the air fryer for a crispy, juicy result.

In conclusion, while it is not recommended to use wet batter in an air fryer, you can successfully use dry batter and achieve good results by following the tips outlined above.

What is the best way to bread chicken for an air fryer?

Preparation

Before breading your chicken, it's important to prepare the meat. Cut the chicken into strips or slices of even thickness. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and that you don't end up with dry or undercooked pieces. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness.

Some recipes recommend brining the chicken beforehand to make it tender and juicy. To brine the chicken, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and let the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to 6 hours in the fridge. Rinse and pat dry before breading.

Breading options

There are two popular methods for breading chicken:

• The traditional method uses an egg and flour batter.
• The other method involves coating the chicken in seasoned dried breadcrumbs and oil.

For the air fryer, the second method is generally recommended as it creates a crispier texture. However, the traditional method can also be used if you prefer.

Seasoning

When using the traditional method, season the flour with your choice of spices. For the breadcrumbs method, season the breadcrumbs. Common spices used include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, and cayenne pepper. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Coating the chicken

If using the traditional method, dip the chicken pieces in the egg and flour batter, ensuring they are well coated.

For the breadcrumbs method, drizzle oil over the chicken and distribute it evenly. Then, coat each piece with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is well-coated and shake off any excess breadcrumbs.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch so that air can circulate. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil, which will help the breadcrumbs crisp up.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
• Make sure the chicken is completely covered in breadcrumbs to seal in the moisture.
• Don't skip the oil or cooking spray, as this helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and adds flavour.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked.

Storing and reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, place in the air fryer at 360°F for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the chicken won't be as crispy.

What are the best alternatives to buttermilk for air fryer chicken?

Yes, you can use normal chicken batter in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that you should not use a wet batter as it will drip off the chicken and make a mess in your air fryer.

Now, here are some of the best alternatives to buttermilk for air fryer chicken:

• Dairy-free milk with lemon juice: You can replace buttermilk with the same quantity of dairy-free milk and add about two tablespoons of lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens and curdles. This option is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Lactose-free milk with lemon juice: Similar to the previous option, you can use lactose-free milk instead of dairy-free milk and add lemon juice to it. This alternative is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant but not necessarily vegan.
• Plain kefir: If you have plain kefir, you can use it as a 1:1 substitute for buttermilk.
• Milk and lemon juice or vinegar: If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by whisking together 3/4 cup of milk with 2 1/4 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes before using it.
• Yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio. It will provide a similar tanginess and moisture to your chicken.

Remember, when preparing chicken in an air fryer, it is important to leave enough space between the pieces to allow air to circulate properly. Additionally, greasing the basket with oil or cooking spray can help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

How do you get the crispiest air fryer chicken?

Air-fried chicken is a healthier, quicker, and less messy alternative to deep-fried chicken. Although the crust might not be as crispy, the overall result is pretty close to the traditional version.

Tips for the Crispiest Air-Fried Chicken:

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for a juicier and more flavourful result. A mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks is a great option.
• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours in advance, to ensure the batter sticks and the chicken stays juicy.
• Pat the chicken dry before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture for extra crispiness.
• Use a single layer of chicken in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Spray the chicken with oil before and during air frying. This helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy, and ensures the flour spots don't burn.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer or a preheated oven to retain the crispiness of the coating.

Air-Frying vs Deep-Frying:

Air-frying chicken is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as the chicken absorbs less oil. It is also quicker and easier to clean up.

It is not recommended to use a traditional liquid batter in an air fryer as it will drip off the food and make a mess. A flour batter or breading works best.

What are the best oils to use for air fryer chicken?

While making air fryer chicken, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. This is because the oil will need to withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning.

• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil
• Peanut oil
• Olive oil spray
• Olive oil (although this has a lower smoke point and is likely to burn)

Frequently asked questions