Air-Frying Battered Chicken: A Healthy, Guilt-Free Treat?

Frying chicken in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-fat frying, and it's also less messy and easier to do. The air fryer's circulating air cooks the chicken, so it's important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. To get crispy chicken, it's best to cook it at a high heat and arrange it in a single layer. You can use a variety of oils, including vegetable, canola, and olive oil, but it needs to be in the form of a spray. The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking spray and oil

While it is possible to use cooking spray and oil in air fryers, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Oils with lower smoke points, such as olive oil, can smoke and affect the taste of your food.

Cooking spray can be used to coat the air fryer basket and to spray the chicken pieces to promote even cooking and a crispy texture. However, it is important to note that cooking spray can sometimes lead to sticky spots and residue build-up on your air fryer basket or racks. This build-up can be difficult to remove and may degrade the non-stick coating over time. Therefore, it is crucial to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use to prevent any residue from baking onto the surface.

When using cooking spray, it is generally recommended to spray the chicken pieces lightly and not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches, if necessary, will ensure even cooking and browning. Additionally, spraying the chicken with oil after flipping it during the cooking process can help ensure even browning on both sides.

Some popular options for cooking spray include the Mantova Air Fryer Spray, which has a smoke point of 450°F and is suitable for high-heat cooking. It is made with pure oil, free of additives, and has a neutral taste that does not affect the flavor of the food. Another option is to use a Misto, which allows you to fill it with the oil of your choice and create your own cooking spray.

In conclusion, when using cooking spray and oil in an air fryer, it is important to choose oils with high smoke points and to clean your air fryer thoroughly after each use to prevent residue build-up. Cooking spray can be used to coat the air fryer basket and the food itself, promoting even cooking and a crispy texture. By following these tips, you can ensure that your battered chicken cooks evenly and achieves the desired golden brown color.

Chicken preparation

Choosing the Right Chicken:

Start by selecting the type of chicken you want to cook. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken, but it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for juicier and more flavorful results. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, breasts, legs, and wings are all great options, and you can choose to use a mix of these cuts or stick to just one type. If you opt for boneless chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time, as the bone adds moisture and flavor.

Marinating the Chicken:

Before coating the chicken, you can choose to marinate it to infuse flavor and tenderness. Create a mixture of buttermilk and spices such as salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Battering and Coating:

After marinating, it's time to batter and coat the chicken. First, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture to make the coating even crispier. If you prefer a thicker coating, you can double dip the chicken by repeating the process and dipping it in the buttermilk and flour mixture again.

Oil Spray:

Once the chicken is coated, it's important to spray it generously with oil. You can use canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil in the form of a spray. This step ensures that the batter crisps up and gives it that golden, fried color. Make sure to spray the air fryer basket as well to prevent sticking.

Cooking in Batches:

When placing the chicken in the air fryer, arrange the pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If you have more chicken than can fit comfortably, cook it in batches. This ensures that the heat circulates properly around each piece of chicken, cooking it evenly.

By following these steps, your chicken will be well-prepared for cooking in the air fryer, resulting in juicy, tender, and crispy chicken perfection!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for battered chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to cook the chicken at a high temperature and in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

For boneless chicken breasts, a higher temperature of 370° F is recommended, with a cooking time of 15 minutes on one side, followed by 8-15 minutes on the other side. This longer cooking time is due to the larger size of chicken breasts. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165° F to achieve a crispy and juicy texture.

For bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, a cooking temperature of 360° F is suggested. The chicken should be cooked for 15-20 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for an additional 5-10 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165° F >.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in cooking times and temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary. Additionally, if using chicken strips, a lower temperature of 350° F is recommended, with a shorter cooking time to prevent overcooking.

To achieve a crispy texture, it is crucial to spray the chicken generously with cooking spray or oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to ensure that the batter crisps up evenly during cooking.

Reheating chicken

Yes, you can batter chicken and cook it in an air fryer. In fact, air fryers are a great way to cook chicken with a crispy, browned coating and juicy, tender meat without the mess of traditional frying.

When it comes to reheating chicken, the air fryer is once again a great option. It's important to note that you should never reheat chicken more than once, as this can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

• Always let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the outer crust from getting too browned.
• Preheat the air fryer to around 360°F (182°C).
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispness.
• Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. This allows for even cooking and proper air circulation.
• Reheat for a total of 10 to 20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
• Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• For extra crispness, you can add a light coating of oil to the chicken before reheating, but this is optional.
• If you're reheating oily chicken, the air fryer can help by allowing excess oil to drip away.
• You can also add more seasoning to the chicken before reheating for enhanced flavor.

Storing chicken

If you've bought fresh chicken from the store, it's important to refrigerate it as soon as possible. Fresh, raw chicken should always be stored in the refrigerator and never left out at room temperature. Raw chicken can be stored in its original packaging or transferred to an airtight container. Make sure to use the chicken within the recommended time frame, which is typically within 1-2 days for best quality and food safety.

If you've seasoned and floured chicken but haven't cooked it yet, it's best to store it separately from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, freezing seasoned and floured chicken is not recommended as the flour may not hold up well during thawing.

Storing Cooked Chicken

When storing cooked chicken, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature first. Place the chicken in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.

If you want to freeze cooked chicken, it's best to flash-freeze it first by placing it in the freezer on a baking sheet or plate until frozen solid, then transferring it to a ziplock freezer bag. Frozen cooked chicken can be stored for up to 6 months.

To reheat your cooked chicken, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, reheat it in an air fryer or a preheated oven to retain its crispiness.

Frequently asked questions