Air Fryer Meat: Breaded Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for their ability to fry food with little to no oil. But can you use an air fryer to bread meat? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used to bread a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and fish. The key to successful breading in an air fryer is to create a crispy layer on the outside of the meat without drying out the inside. This can be achieved by using a combination of breading ingredients such as flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and cooking the meat at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time.

What ingredients do you need?

To make bread in an air fryer, you'll need a few basic ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need:

Basic Ingredients

• Flour — You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour. If you opt for bread flour, the crust will be a bit thicker, and you'll need to increase the amount of water in your dough.
• Yeast — You can use instant yeast or active dry yeast. Instant yeast will help your dough rise faster. If you use active dry yeast, it may take 15-30 minutes longer for the dough to rise.
• Liquid — This can be water, milk, or a combination of both. Make sure the liquid is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Fat — You can use butter, oil, or clarified butter (ghee). The fat adds flavour and richness to the bread.
• Salt — This ingredient is crucial for enhancing the flavour of the bread.

Optional Ingredients

• Sugar — A small amount of sugar can be added to enhance the flavour and promote browning.
• Eggs — An egg wash (an egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) brushed on top of the bread will give it a golden colour.
• Spices and herbs — You can add spices and herbs like garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to your dough for a savoury twist.
• Toppings — Honey, powdered sugar, chilli, beans, or savoury toppings can be added to your fry bread after cooking.

How do you prepare the meat?

Preparing your meat for breading and frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to help you get the best results:

Choose the Right Meat

Select a cut of meat that is suitable for frying. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or tenderised steaks are excellent choices. If you're using chicken, remove any excess fat or tendons. For steaks, trim any silver skin or excess fat.

Prepare the Meat

Pound the meat to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step will help ensure even cooking and tenderise the meat. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to enhance the flavour.

Create a Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes or plates. In the first dish, place all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free flour or a flour substitute like cornstarch. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and a little water or milk to create an egg wash. The third dish should contain breadcrumbs. You can use plain, seasoned, panko, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If desired, add some grated Parmesan cheese or your favourite spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Coat the Meat

Take each piece of meat and coat it lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it's evenly coated. Finally, dredge the meat in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing them onto the surface to create a thick, even coating.

Refrigerate

Place the breaded meat on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps the coating set and ensures the meat doesn't become soggy during frying.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F (180-200°C). This step is crucial for getting a crispy texture.

Fry the Meat

Carefully place the meat in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For thicker cuts, you may need to reduce the temperature and increase the cooking time.

Rest and Serve

Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The temperature of your air fryer will depend on what stage of the bread-making process you are at.

First, when you are proving your dough, you should place it in a warm environment, such as an unheated oven, for two to three hours.

Then, when you are preheating your air fryer, you should set the temperature to 400°F for 10 to 20 minutes.

When it comes to the cooking stage, the temperature will depend on the type of bread you are making. For a simple loaf of white bread, you should cook at 320°F for 8 to 10 minutes. If you are making a more rustic loaf, you should cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until golden brown. If you are making a loaf in a cake pan, you should cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and cook for a further 30 minutes. Finally, if you are making a loaf in a springform pan, you should cook at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and cook for a further 25 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in wattage and size, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

How long should you cook the meat for?

The cooking time for breaded meat in an air fryer depends on the type of meat and the size of the portions. Here are some general guidelines for cooking breaded meat in an air fryer:

• For chicken breasts, cook at 375°F or 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For pork chops, cook at 375°F or 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For steak, cook at 375°F or 400°F for 7-14 minutes for a 1-inch steak, or 14-20 minutes for a 1.5-inch steak. Flip the steak halfway through.
• For salmon, cook at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, without flipping.
• For shrimp, cook at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For bacon, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, without flipping.
• For breaded chicken tenders, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that air fryer models can vary, so it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat and ensure it's cooked to the safe minimum temperature. Additionally, make sure to leave enough space between the portions of meat to allow proper airflow and even cooking.

How do you know when the meat is cooked?

Knowing when your meat is cooked in an air fryer is crucial to ensure it is safe to eat and to achieve your desired level of doneness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to know when your meat is cooked:

Use a Meat Thermometer:

The most accurate way to determine if your meat is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get a reading. Different types of meat have specific internal temperature ranges for doneness. For example:

• Steak: Medium-rare (125°F - 130°F), Medium (135°F - 140°F)
• Pork and Seafood: 145°F
• Chicken: 165°F

Visual and Tactile Cues:

You can also use your senses to determine if the meat is cooked. Look for visual cues such as browning or caramelization on the surface of the meat. If the meat has a crust, it should be golden brown. Additionally, touch the meat to check for firmness. A well-done steak, for instance, will feel firmer to the touch than a rare steak.

Rest and Slice:

After removing the meat from the air fryer, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy cut. Then, slice into the meat to observe the color and texture. A rare steak, for example, will have a reddish-pink center, while a well-done steak will be brown throughout with no signs of pink.

Cooking Time and Experience:

Refer to air fryer recipes and guidelines for recommended cooking times based on the type and size of the meat. With experience, you will develop a better understanding of the cooking process and be able to gauge doneness based on time and appearance. However, always use a meat thermometer for the best results and to ensure your meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

Internal Color:

For larger cuts of meat, such as roasts, you can check the internal color by using a kitchen knife to make a small incision in the thickest part of the meat. Look for the color and texture of the meat to determine the level of doneness. Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so remove it from the air fryer just before it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Remember, when cooking meat in an air fryer, it's important to follow food safety guidelines, defrost and season the meat properly, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Always use a meat thermometer for the best results and to ensure your meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

Frequently asked questions