Air-Fried Adobo: A Tasty Take On A Classic

Adobo is a popular Filipino dish, often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. It is known for its salty, sour, and savory flavors, with a tender meat and crispy exterior. While the traditional method involves simmering chicken in a flavorful sauce on the stovetop, you may be wondering if it's possible to cook this delicious dish in an air fryer. The answer is yes! Chicken adobo can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy version of this beloved dish. Not only does it require minimal ingredients and cooking time, but it's also a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. So, if you're looking for a new go-to family dinner idea or a fun new recipe to try, consider giving Air Fryer Chicken Adobo a go!

Chicken adobo wings

Chicken adobo is a popular Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and flavorful taste. It is often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. The dish typically consists of chicken pieces marinated and simmered in a sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.

You can use an air fryer to make a different, crispier version of this beloved Filipino dish. The air fryer will create a crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. This method is a convenient and healthy way to prepare chicken adobo, as it requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, and there is no need for oil or greasy pans.

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (party wings are ideal)
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• White distilled vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper (whole or ground)
• Bay leaves
• Pineapple juice (optional)
• Coke (optional)

Marinade:

In a bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. You can also add pineapple juice to the marinade, but limit the marinating time to 1-2 hours, as it contains enzymes that can break down the meat quickly. For a more intense flavor, pierce the chicken wings with a fork before marinating. If you want to make your wings stickier and saucier, use a medium saucepan to make the sauce.

Marinate the chicken wings in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, ensuring they are coated evenly. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate overnight.

Cooking:

Place the marinated chicken wings in the air fryer basket, shaking off any excess marinade. Set the air fryer to 415°F. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the wings. Cook for another 7 minutes, then turn them again. Finally, cook for an additional 3 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 20-25 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken wings.

Finishing Touches:

Remove the chicken wings from the air fryer once they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with the reduced Adobo sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the wings for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy Chicken Adobo Wings!

Marinating the chicken

To make the marinade, you will need to combine vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in a bowl. You can also add brown sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want a slightly different flavour profile. Mix the ingredients well, and then add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are coated evenly.

If you are making chicken adobo wings, you can lightly pat the chicken wings with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the marinade. After the wings have been coated in the marinade, you can dip them in a mixture of potato starch and baking powder. This will give the wings an extra crispy texture when cooked.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, shake off any excess marinade before placing the chicken in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking.

Health benefits

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air to cook food, creating a crispy exterior and a moist interior without the need for oil or fat. This can lead to reduced fat and calorie intake, which can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Air fryers are also versatile and can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and even desserts. They can be used for baking, grilling, and roasting, making it easier to incorporate healthy cooking into your lifestyle. For example, you can air fry vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots, which can help retain their nutrients, unlike boiling or steaming methods that can leach out essential vitamins and minerals.

The quick cooking time of air fryers also helps preserve the nutritional content of the food, resulting in healthier meals. Prolonged cooking can destroy some essential vitamins and minerals, but the shorter cooking times of air fryers help mitigate this.

Additionally, air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for those who are short on time or looking to multitask. They typically have a compact design, making them ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

While air fryers offer these health benefits, it's important to note that some studies have found that air-frying fish increases the amount of "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs), which have been linked to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, and cancer. However, adding fresh parsley or chives while cooking can help reduce these negative effects.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for adobo in an air fryer depend on the type of meat or protein you are using, the specific recipe you are following, and your desired level of crispiness. Here is a breakdown of the cooking time and temperature for different variations of adobo:

Chicken Thighs:

If you are making chicken adobo with chicken thighs, the cooking time is typically around 15 to 20 minutes at 380°F (190°C). It is recommended to coat the chicken thighs with a dry rub of adobo seasoning and spray them with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This method will result in fork-tender chicken with a smoky and zesty flavour.

Chicken Wings:

For chicken adobo wings, the cooking time is generally around 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It is important to pat the wings dry, coat them evenly with the marinade, and allow them to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavour. During the cooking process, flip the wings at the 8-10 minute mark and again at the 16-18 minute mark to ensure even cooking and browning.

Chicken Breasts, Drumsticks, and Other Cuts:

You can also use an air fryer to cook other cuts of chicken, such as breasts, drumsticks, or wings, with adobo seasoning. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and type of chicken pieces. Bone-in pieces may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. It is recommended to marinate the chicken in the adobo sauce for at least 30 minutes or longer for a more intense flavour. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.

Pork:

When making adobo with pork, the cooking time is similar to that of chicken thighs, around 25 to 30 minutes in the air fryer. It is important to shake off any excess marinade before placing the pork in the air fryer basket. You can also combine the remaining marinade with water and simmer it in a separate saucepan to create a sauce to serve with the dish.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size or thickness of the meat pieces. Always refer to the recipe you are following for the most accurate cooking time and temperature recommendations. Additionally, marinating the meat or protein in the adobo sauce or marinade can enhance the flavour, and the length of marination can vary from 30 minutes to several hours or even overnight.

Sides and sauces

Chicken adobo is a popular Filipino dish with a rich history. The term "adobo" comes from the Spanish word for "marinade" or "sauce", reflecting the Spanish influence on the Philippines during the colonial period. However, the dish itself predates Spanish colonisation, with indigenous Filipino roots.

Chicken adobo is typically served with steamed rice, but it also pairs well with sautéed vegetables or a fresh side salad. If you're serving chicken adobo wings, you could also offer sides like Filipino macaroni salad, dinner rolls, and dips such as banana ketchup, regular ketchup, chilli garlic sauce, and sriracha mayo.

For a sauce to drizzle over your chicken adobo, you can use the reserved marinade. Just be sure to simmer it in a saucepan first to ensure it's safe to consume. You can also thicken the sauce by adding a slurry of potato starch and water, or by simply reducing the sauce over a low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Frequently asked questions