Air Fryer Shake And Bake: Is It Possible?

Shake 'n' Bake is a convenient mix of breadcrumbs and seasonings that can be used to prepare chicken or pork. The mix can be easily applied to your meat of choice and then baked in the oven until crispy and golden. But what if there was a way to enjoy this classic dish without the need for traditional frying methods? Well, you're in luck! It is indeed possible to use Shake 'n' Bake in an air fryer, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish without sacrificing that delicious crunch.

Tips for coating chicken

Coating chicken with shake and bake is a simple process, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best results. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve a delicious and crispy coating:

Dry the Chicken

Before coating the chicken, it is important to pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the breading adhere better and result in a crispier texture. This step is crucial, especially if you are using frozen chicken that has been thawed, as it tends to retain moisture.

Use Oil or Mayo

Lightly coating the chicken with mayonnaise or oil before shaking it in the breading mixture is an optional but recommended step. This helps the breading stick to the chicken and also enhances the crispiness of the final product. You can use canola oil, olive oil, or any other vegetable oil of your choice.

Even Coating

To ensure an even coating, shake the chicken in small batches. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag with the breading mixture, seal the bag, and shake until each piece is evenly coated. Be sure to twist and hold the bag closed tightly before shaking. You can discard any leftover coating.

Single Layer in the Air Fryer

When placing the coated chicken in the air fryer, arrange the pieces in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. This promotes even cooking and air circulation. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Spray with Oil

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray the basket with oil or line it with parchment paper. This step prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket. You can also spray the tops of the chicken pieces with oil for added crispness.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and size of chicken pieces you are using. For boneless chicken breasts, cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bone-in chicken pieces will take longer to cook, so adjust the time accordingly. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Flipping

Resist the urge to flip the chicken in the air fryer. The air circulation will cook and crisp the chicken evenly without the need to flip it. However, if using a conventional oven, flipping halfway through the cooking time is recommended.

By following these tips, you'll be able to achieve perfectly coated and delicious shake and bake chicken in your air fryer!

Reheating shake and bake chicken

Firstly, it is best to let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This will ensure that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly and help keep the meat moist.

When reheating, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through.

If you are reheating multiple pieces of chicken, ensure they are not touching, as this will prevent the coating from flaking off.

You can also lightly spray the chicken with oil to help it crisp up. However, this is not necessary if you are looking to reduce the calorie count of your meal.

Finally, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Using foil in the air fryer

Using foil in an air fryer is a great way to cut down on mess and speed up cleanup. It is generally safe to use foil in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, always check your air fryer model's instruction booklet, as the manufacturer may have specific recommendations or warnings regarding the use of foil. Some manufacturers, such as Philips, do not recommend using foil at all, while others, like Frigidaire, approve of its use as long as you line the basket and not the bottom of the fryer. This is because the air fryer works by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer, and lining it with foil can constrict the airflow and impact cooking.

If you do use foil, only put it in the bottom of the air fryer basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the fryer itself. Make sure the foil is weighed down by food or another object to prevent it from blowing around the basket. Also, avoid using foil with acidic foods or foods marinated in highly acidic ingredients, as the acid can break down the aluminum and cause it to leach into your food, resulting in a metallic taste.

Using foil in an air fryer is especially useful for cooking foods that are prone to sticking, such as eggs, or foods with sticky sauces or breading that can fall through the basket and overcook. It can also be helpful for securing items that may roll around or drip while cooking, and for reheating leftovers that are already wrapped in foil.

Comparing air frying to baking

Air frying and baking are two different cooking methods that can be used to prepare a variety of dishes. Here is a comparison of the two:

Air Frying

Air frying uses rapid hot air circulation and minimal oil to cook food, creating a crispy exterior. It involves placing food in a perforated basket, which exposes all sides to the circulating hot air, resulting in an even crispness. The intense heat and airflow remove moisture from the food's surface, making it ideal for recipes that call for a crispy texture, such as fried chicken or crispy vegetable side dishes. Air frying is also suitable for smaller portions, reheating leftovers, and quick cooking.

Baking

Baking, on the other hand, uses still, hot air to cook food. It is better suited for dishes that require even cooking or rising, such as delicate pastries, cakes, and yeasted bread. Baking uses dry heat at lower temperatures to slowly cook food, maintaining moisture in delicate recipes. It is ideal for liquid batters and bakes meant to retain moisture.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

The main difference between an air fryer and an oven is their size and function. An air fryer is a countertop appliance that cooks one dish at a time, while an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Additionally, an air fryer circulates heated air to create a crispy exterior, whereas a conventional oven uses heating elements at the top and bottom of the cavity, leaving the air static.

Air Fry vs. Bake Settings

Some air fryers offer a bake setting, which is similar to convection baking. The bake setting typically lowers the temperature and may eliminate the fan function or alternate between heating elements. The bake setting in an air fryer is suitable for recipes with higher fat and moisture content, such as fruit cakes or creamy casseroles. It can also be used for baked potatoes, marinated salmon bites, and banana bread.

In summary, the choice between air frying and baking depends on the desired outcome and the type of dish being prepared. Air frying is excellent for crispy, fried-like results and recipes that benefit from a crispy exterior. Baking is ideal for delicate baked goods, liquid batters, and dishes that need to rise.

Using other cuts of chicken

For example, if you are using chicken thighs or drums, cook until you reach an internal temperature of 175°F-195°F for the tastiest results. Although they are safe to eat at 165°F, dark meat has more tendons and collagen, and the slightly higher temperatures help break those down.

Chicken tenderloins and nuggets will cook quicker, so remove them first if you are also cooking other thicker cuts of chicken.

If you are using boneless chicken breasts, slice them lengthwise so they are a little thinner. The cooking time will be quicker, so check the chicken at around 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes.

You can also use chicken wings, breasts, or a combination of different cuts.

Frequently asked questions