Air-Frying Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken. Using an air fryer means you can achieve a crispy crust and juicy interior without all the mess and oil splatter that comes with deep-frying. It's also healthier, as the chicken absorbs less oil in the process.

You can use any cut of chicken in an air fryer, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a whole chicken cut into pieces. The key to getting crispy air-fried chicken is to ensure there is adequate space for the hot air to circulate, so it's best to cook the chicken in batches.

Marinating the chicken

The key to a good marinade lies in its ingredients. Most marinades consist of oil, lemon juice, herbs, spices, pepper, and salt. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as orange juice, lime juice, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion granules, and cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the marinade to your taste preferences.

When preparing the chicken for marination, it is essential to clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or a bowl, and then pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the chicken is well coated by rubbing the marinade onto the surface of the chicken.

After marinating, you can cook the chicken in your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the timer as per the recipe, and you're good to go!

Remember, the key to a successful marinade is allowing enough time for the chicken to absorb the flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect combination. Happy marinating and happy frying!

Breading the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to marinate your chicken. A mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce is a popular choice, with the buttermilk helping to tenderise the chicken and add a tangy flavour, and the hot sauce adding a bit of a kick. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper to your buttermilk mixture for extra flavour. Aim to marinate your chicken for at least an hour, but the longer you leave it, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

Next, it's time to coat your chicken in a dry mixture. This is usually a combination of flour, salt, and pepper, but you can also add in other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. You can also add in Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Mix your dry ingredients together in a bowl, then coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.

Once your chicken is coated, it's a good idea to let it rest for a few minutes before transferring it to the air fryer. This will help the breading stick to the chicken. You can also place the chicken in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, which will further help the breading to adhere.

When you're ready to cook, give your chicken another quick coat of oil, and place it in the air fryer, making sure the pieces don't overlap. Set your air fryer to around 390°F and cook for around 25 minutes, flipping the chicken and recoating with oil halfway through. Your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Air-frying the chicken

Air-frying chicken is a great way to get crispy fried chicken without the mess and health drawbacks of deep-frying. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious air-fried chicken:

Ingredients

You can use any combination of chicken pieces, such as wings, breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken, as the bones and skin help keep the meat moist and juicy. You'll also need a few simple ingredients for the brine and breading:

• Buttermilk
• Spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.)
• Egg
• Flour
• Corn Starch
• Baking Powder
• Oil Spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Brining the Chicken

Brining the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices is an important step to add flavour and tenderness to the meat. Combine the buttermilk, spices, and egg in a large bowl, and mix in the chicken pieces until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and any additional spices for the breading. Remove the chicken pieces from the brine, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.

Cooking the Chicken

Spray the air fryer basket generously with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces with more oil to ensure even cooking and crispness. Cook the chicken at 300°F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the pieces and spray again with oil. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.

Tips for Success

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to allow for proper air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe minimum temperature for chicken is 165°F.
• For extra crispy skin, try using a higher temperature for the second half of the cooking time.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing whole milk with a small amount of distilled white vinegar.
• For even cooking, choose chicken pieces of similar size and thickness.

Storing and Reheating

Air-fried chicken is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in an oven or on the stovetop, but avoid using the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.

Reheating the chicken

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure it doesn't dry out and that it crisps up nicely.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Firstly, it's best to preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 365°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, but some suggest 350°F or 375°F, depending on the type of chicken. One source recommends preheating for only 4 minutes if you have a large basket air fryer.

Preparing the Chicken

Take your precooked chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will help the chicken cook more quickly and evenly. It's also important to ensure that the chicken pieces aren't overlapping in the air fryer. They should be arranged in a single layer with space around them so that the hot air can circulate and crisp up the skin. If your chicken has skin, you can spray it with olive oil or coconut oil to help it crisp up.

Reheating time will depend on the type of chicken and the size of the pieces. Individual chicken pieces, like a leg, thigh, or wing, should be reheated for 5-6 minutes at 365°F. A whole chicken or rotisserie chicken will take longer—around 10-15 minutes at 375°F. Chicken tenders or breaded chicken fingers will take less time, around 2-3 minutes at 365°F. Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the reheating time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Adding Sauce

You can brush on your favourite barbecue sauce or another type of sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of reheating to add moisture and extra flavour.

Checking the Internal Temperature

To be safe to eat, chicken should have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this.

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken cool down completely before storing leftovers. Then, add the chicken to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It's best not to reheat chicken more than once, as it will dry out.

Storing the chicken

Storing your chicken correctly is essential to keeping it fresh and edible. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken stays tasty and safe to eat:

Firstly, it is important to let your chicken cool down before storing it. Placing hot chicken into a container can cause condensation, making your chicken soggy. While the chicken is cooling, prepare a clean, airtight container. Line the bottom and sides of the container with paper towels to absorb any juices from the chicken, helping it stay crisp. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, place it in the container and cover it with another paper towel before sealing. Your chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four days.

If you don't want to use a container, you can store the chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Create a vacuum seal by folding the bag over to remove excess air. Alternatively, wrap the chicken in a few layers of aluminium foil, ensuring no air bubbles or tears are present.

If you're looking to store your chicken for longer, freezing is an option. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

It's worth noting that fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh, as the meat can dry out and the skin can become tough over time. However, with proper storage techniques, you can help retain its original texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions