Air Fryer Chicken Kiev: Can It Be Done?

Chicken Kiev is a traditional Russian and Ukrainian dish consisting of chicken breasts stuffed with garlic butter and coated with breadcrumbs. The dish can be made from scratch or using shop-bought frozen or chilled chicken Kiev. It can be cooked in an air fryer, which makes the chicken breading crispy and cooks the filling perfectly. The air fryer method is also healthier and quicker than the traditional method of deep-frying and then baking.

Making garlic butter

Chicken Kiev is a tasty dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. The star of the dish is the garlic butter, which you can make by following these steps:

Ingredients

You can make garlic butter with just four ingredients: butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. However, some recipes also include spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, as well as Parmesan cheese. If you want to add a kick to your garlic butter, you can include dried red chilli flakes. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use minced garlic from a jar, or even garlic powder. You can also adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.

Softening the Butter

Before you start mixing, make sure your butter is softened. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This will make it easier to mix and combine with the other ingredients.

Mixing the Ingredients

Place the softened butter in a small bowl and add your garlic, parsley, and salt. You can adjust the amount of garlic and salt to your taste. Mix and mash the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can use a fork or a spatula to mix, or even your hands if you don't mind getting a little messy!

Shaping and Storing the Garlic Butter

Once your garlic butter mixture is ready, it's time to shape it. You can simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to shape it into a log, you can use plastic wrap. Spoon the garlic butter onto the plastic wrap and roll it up tightly, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. You can then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to use it.

Freezing

Garlic butter can be frozen and stored for up to three months. You can freeze it in a container or by the tablespoon in ice cube trays, making it convenient for future use.

Preparing the chicken breasts

Next, you need to butterfly the chicken breasts. Place the chicken on a clean work surface and season both sides with salt and pepper. Then, using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the side of each breast to create a pocket for the garlic butter. Be careful not to cut all the way through the breast. Once you have created the pocket, slice the garlic butter into pieces and stuff them into the pockets. Use toothpicks or butcher's twine to secure the openings so that the butter doesn't leak out during cooking.

Now it's time to bread the chicken. Set up three separate bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dip each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. You can use any type of breadcrumbs you prefer, such as panko, for an extra crispy coating.

At this point, you can either cook the chicken breasts right away or place them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C. Spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket. If you're worried about leakage, you can place the chicken on a piece of foil in the basket. Air fry for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and the chicken stays moist. Serve with your favourite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Coating the chicken

Firstly, prepare your garlic butter by mixing softened butter with garlic cloves and parsley, and optionally, a pinch of nutmeg. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Shape the garlic butter into a log using cling film, then place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to harden. This step is essential, as it ensures the butter remains solid while you handle the chicken, making it easier to stuff.

Next, prepare the chicken breasts by butterflying or flattening them using a sharp knife or meat mallet. Make a pocket in each breast by cutting a slit into the side, starting from the thicker end. Be careful not to cut all the way through the breast, as you want to create a pocket to hold the garlic butter.

Now it's time to stuff the chicken. Remove the garlic butter from the freezer and slice it into pieces that will fit snugly into the pockets of the chicken breasts. Place a slice of garlic butter into the pocket of each breast, then secure the openings with toothpicks or butcher's twine. This step ensures the butter stays inside while cooking, creating juicy and flavourful meat.

The breading station is the next critical step. Set up three separate bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs (you can use regular or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture). Season the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully dip them into the flour, coating all sides. Next, dip them into the egg, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating each time.

Your chicken Kievs are now coated and ready for the air fryer! This method of coating the chicken helps create a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and juicy. Enjoy the process and savour the mouthwatering results!

Cooking the chicken

Chicken Kiev is a traditional Russian and Ukrainian dish consisting of chicken breasts stuffed with garlic butter and coated with breadcrumbs. The dish can be made from scratch or using shop-bought frozen or chilled chicken Kiev.

Preparing the Chicken

First, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with garlic cloves, parsley, and nutmeg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and shape it into a log using cling film. Place the garlic butter in the freezer for about 20 minutes to harden. Next, cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket for the garlic butter. Stuff the garlic butter into the pockets, and secure the openings with toothpicks or butcher's twine. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and dip each breast into flour, beaten egg, and finally, breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, preferably lined with foil to prevent butter from dripping. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil. Air-fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even browning. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 74-75°C. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

You can add a twist to the classic recipe by including dried red chilli flakes in the butter for an extra kick. If you prefer to use premade chicken Kiev, follow the same air-frying instructions, but increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes or according to the packet instructions. Additionally, you can cook the chicken Kiev in an oven at 190°C for 30-35 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Kiev cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even chips and peas.

If you're looking for something more substantial, creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional side dish that pairs well with the crunchy texture of the chicken. You can even add a touch of garlic to the potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

For a lighter option, steamed green beans offer a healthy and colorful accompaniment. Their natural flavor complements the savory chicken Kiev, and they add a pop of color to your plate.

If you're short on time, a simple green salad with a wedge of lemon can round out the meal. Wild garlic or dried red chilli flakes can be added to the butter for an extra kick of flavor.

For a more unique side dish, try making rainbow vegetables. These oven-roasted veggies are not only healthy but also add a vibrant touch to your meal.

Finally, if you're serving Chicken Kiev to children, remember to cut the meat into smaller pieces and allow it to cool down for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions