Breaded Chicken In An Air Fryer: How To Do It Right

You can definitely bread chicken in an air fryer! It's a great way to get crispy, juicy, and tender chicken without using much oil. The key is to use seasoned breadcrumbs and thinly sliced chicken breasts so that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. You can also experiment with different spices, cheeses, and sauces to find your favourite combination.

The process is simple: coat your chicken in a flour or egg mixture, dredge it in breadcrumbs, spray with cooking oil, and then cook in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also brine the chicken beforehand to make it even more tender and juicy.

How to bread chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Method:

• Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets.
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and distribute it evenly with your hands.
• In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check the chicken is cooked by cutting into it with a knife or using a kitchen thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).

Tips:

• You can also use the traditional method of breading chicken with flour and eggs.
• For spicy chicken, add more chili powder or dried chili flakes.
• If you have time, brine the chicken beforehand to make it tender and juicy.

What temperature to cook at

The ideal temperature to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer is between 375-400°F.

For an air fryer, the temperature should be set lower than a regular oven because of the convection heat.

For a boneless, skinless chicken breast, the ideal temperature is 375°F. For chicken wings, the temperature should be set to 360°F. For chicken thighs, the temperature should be set to 400°F.

The cooking time depends on the thickness of the meat. Start with 10 minutes, then flip the chicken halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F or 75°C.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken. Smaller pieces will take less time to cook, while larger pieces may take up to 16 minutes. For example, small chicken fingers may take just 12 minutes to cook, while larger chicken breasts can take up to 16 minutes.

It's important to note that the air fryer's capacity also affects cooking time. If you're cooking a large batch of chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it's recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Small breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes
• Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes
• Large breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes

It's worth mentioning that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Some recipes recommend cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer at a temperature of 390°F (200°C). However, it's important to adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the specific model of your air fryer.

Should you use the bake setting?

While some air fryer models do have a bake setting, it is not necessary to use it when cooking breaded chicken. In fact, some recipes specifically recommend against using the bake setting when cooking chicken in an air fryer. This is because the bake setting can cause the outside of the chicken to cook faster than the inside, leading to dry or unevenly cooked meat.

Instead, it is generally recommended to use the air fry setting, which will allow hot air to circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly and resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The ideal temperature for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is between 375-415°F, and the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. For best results, it is important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the preparation of the chicken and the type of breading used can also impact the cooking time and final texture of the dish. Some recipes suggest pounding the chicken to an even thickness before cooking, while others recommend slicing the chicken into thin strips or cutlets. In terms of breading, some recipes call for a traditional flour and egg coating, while others suggest using seasoned dried breadcrumbs or a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

How to store and reheat

Storing and reheating your breaded chicken is a crucial part of the cooking process. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store and reheat your breaded chicken to ensure it remains moist and crispy.

Storing Breaded Chicken:

It is important to store your leftover breaded chicken properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are the steps to follow:

• Container: Use an airtight container to store your leftover breaded chicken. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigeration: Place the airtight container with the leftover chicken in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the chicken within 3 to 4 days of storage.
• Freezing: If you plan to store the breaded chicken for an extended period, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Breaded Chicken:

There are several methods you can use to reheat your breaded chicken. Each method has its advantages and considerations. Here are the steps for each reheating process:

Oven:

• Temperature and Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack and reheat for about 15 minutes.
• Moisture Retention: To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover it loosely with aluminium foil during the reheating process.
• Internal Temperature: Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or wire rack. This allows proper airflow and helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.

Toaster Oven:

• Temperature and Time: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover breaded chicken on a baking sheet or directly on the toaster oven tray. Reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Internal Temperature: As with the regular oven method, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Air Fryer:

• Temperature and Time: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 375°F. Place the leftover chicken in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Reheat for about 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure the chicken is not only hot but also safe to consume.

Microwave:

It is not recommended to use the microwave for reheating breaded chicken as it may result in soggy breading and uneven heating. However, if you choose to use the microwave, follow these steps:

• Short Intervals: Reheat the chicken in short bursts of 20 to 40 seconds.
• Turn Over: Turn the chicken over after each interval to ensure even heating.
• Paper Towel: Place the chicken on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Frequently asked questions