Air-Frying Chicken: Crowd-Pleasing, Quick, And Crispy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken breasts, making them juicy and tender. However, it's important not to crowd the basket when cooking. While air fryers are great for achieving a crispy, golden brown crust, they also render lean chicken breast supremely tender and juicy.

It is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking, and to ensure they are well-coated in oil and seasoning. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer, but it usually ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.

Don't crowd the basket

When air frying chicken, it's important to ensure that you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it's crucial to leave adequate space for the hot air to move around. If the basket is overcrowded, the hot air won't be able to circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking and undercooked spots in your chicken.

To avoid overcrowding, it's best to cook the chicken in batches. For example, if you're cooking chicken thighs and drumsticks, cook them in two batches to ensure even cooking. You can adjust the number of batches depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of chicken you're cooking.

Additionally, it's important to place the chicken pieces in the basket without letting them touch each other. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece of chicken, ensuring that it cooks evenly on all sides.

By following these simple tips, you'll ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, without overcrowding your air fryer basket.

Marinate the chicken

Marinating the chicken is an important step in ensuring your chicken is juicy and flavourful. The longer you leave the chicken to marinate, the more tender and flavourful it will be. You can marinate the chicken for as little as half an hour, but leaving it for longer, or even overnight, will improve the taste.

There are a variety of ingredients you can use to marinate your chicken. One option is to use Greek yoghurt, which acts as a tenderising marinade and adds a tangy, creamy flavour. You can also add chilli flakes, paprika, garlic, mixed herbs, lemon, and olive oil to the yoghurt marinade. Another option is to use buttermilk, which adds tenderness and flavour to the chicken. You can add garlic, salt, and pepper to the buttermilk marinade. If you don't have buttermilk, you can use a yoghurt or sour cream instead.

If you prefer a different flavour profile, you can try a marinade. A blend of Greek herbs, garlic, and lemon juice will give your chicken a Mediterranean flair. You can also try a blend of barbecue sauce, a little juice, smoked paprika, pepper, garlic salt, and olive oil. For a spicier option, add some cayenne pepper to your marinade.

Once you've chosen your marinade ingredients, simply add them to a bowl or ziplock bag with the chicken and stir or shake to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and place it in the fridge to marinate for your desired amount of time.

Use buttermilk

Buttermilk is a key ingredient in achieving juicy, tender, and flavourful fried chicken in an air fryer. It is a popular ingredient in traditional Southern soul food recipes. The slightly acidic nature of buttermilk helps tenderise the chicken by breaking down its proteins without toughening the meat. This results in a juicy texture and a tangy flavour.

To use buttermilk in your air fryer fried chicken recipe, start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk to enhance the flavour. The chicken should be covered in the buttermilk mixture and refrigerated for at least an hour or up to 24 hours. This step will ensure that the chicken absorbs the tangy flavour and becomes tender.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken with a breading mixture. You can use a variety of seasonings in the breading, such as flour, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or black pepper. Make sure all sides of the chicken are well coated.

Once the chicken is coated, place it in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap or touch. The air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking and crisping. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with oil to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy finish.

Set the air fryer temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray the other side with oil. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your air fryer buttermilk fried chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy and crispy treat with your favourite sides.

Don't overcook the chicken

Overcooking chicken in an air fryer can result in dry and tough meat, so it's important to avoid this mistake. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Removing the chicken from the air fryer once it reaches this temperature is crucial to prevent overcooking.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
• Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure there's enough space around the chicken pieces by not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Marinate or Brine the Chicken: Marinating or brining chicken before cooking adds flavour and moisture. Even a brief soak in a simple saltwater solution can improve the texture and taste of your chicken.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try different spices, marinades, or coatings to enhance the flavour of your chicken. A buttermilk marinade or a coating of crushed nuts can add a delicious twist.
• Check the Chicken Regularly: Keep a close eye on your chicken while it's cooking. Check on it halfway through the recommended cooking time and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking.
• Be Mindful of Cooking Time: Different cuts of chicken have varying cooking times. For example, chicken breasts are lean and quick-cooking, while chicken thighs take slightly longer due to their higher fat content.
• Spray with Cooking Oil: Applying a light coating of cooking oil to your chicken before air frying can help retain moisture and promote a golden-brown crust.
• Cover with Foil: Covering the chicken with foil during the initial cooking phase can help trap moisture and prevent dryness.

Use an instant-read thermometer

Using an instant-read thermometer is a great way to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Here are some tips on how to use an instant-read thermometer for your air fryer chicken:

First, it is important to know the ideal temperature for cooked chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165 °F. However, for the best results, you can remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches between 155 to 160 °F. The residual heat will continue to cook the chicken, bringing it to the ideal temperature without overcooking it.

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is best to use a wireless thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. Wireless thermometers allow you to keep track of the temperature without constantly opening the air fryer, which can interrupt the cooking process and affect the consistency of heat being applied to the meat.

• Prep your chicken by seasoning it or marinating it as desired.
• Insert the probe of the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If you are cooking a whole bird, the thickest part will be on top. For other cuts, use your best judgment to find the thickest area.
• Depending on the type of wireless thermometer you have, you may need to input the type of meat and your desired final temperature into an app or a physical device that comes with the thermometer. This will allow the thermometer to guide you through the cooking process.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer and start the cooking process.
• Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken throughout the cooking process using your app or receiver. Most wireless thermometers will provide real-time temperature readings and estimated completion times.
• When the thermometer indicates that the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Some thermometers will even guide you through this process.
• Finally, enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken!

Using a wireless thermometer will give you confidence in your cooking and help you avoid undercooking or overcooking your chicken. It is a valuable tool to ensure food safety and improve your overall cooking experience.

Frequently asked questions