Air-Fryer Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook balsamic glazed chicken in the air fryer. This recipe typically involves marinating chicken in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and seasonings, and then cooking it in an air fryer for a quick and healthy meal. The air fryer helps to cut down on cooking time compared to traditional oven baking, and it also makes the dish healthier than frying or grilling. The result is juicy, flavourful chicken with a tangy balsamic glaze that can be paired with various sides.

Marinating the chicken

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

You can use any cut of chicken you prefer for this dish. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice as they tend to stay juicy and moist. However, you can also use chicken breasts, bone-in thighs, or even a whole chicken. If using chicken breasts, it is recommended to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Marinade

The key ingredient in the marinade is balsamic vinegar, which gives the chicken its signature tangy flavour. You can substitute red wine vinegar and a touch of maple syrup if you don't have balsamic vinegar on hand. Olive oil is also added to thin out the marinade and help it adhere to the chicken. Any type of oil, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, can be used.

Fresh garlic cloves are ideal for adding flavour to the marinade, but if they are not available, garlic powder can be used instead. To add a tangy and spicy kick to the marinade, use Dijon mustard. If Dijon mustard is not available, regular yellow mustard can be substituted. Honey is also a great addition to the marinade, as it balances out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar with its sweetness.

Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt in a large bowl and whisk until fully combined. You can add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the marinade or sprinkle them on the chicken later. Place the chicken in the bowl and toss until it is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 5 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavour will be.

Cooking the Marinated Chicken

Once the chicken has finished marinating, preheat your air fryer to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer. If desired, sprinkle the chicken with additional seasonings. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for another 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your balsamic glazed chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy the juicy and flavourful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a get-together with friends.

Air fryer temperature

The temperature you should set your air fryer to depends on the type of balsamic glazed chicken you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking chicken wings, you should preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). After air-frying the wings for 15 minutes, increase the heat to 400°F and cook for another 5 minutes until they turn brown and crispy.

If you are cooking chicken drumettes, you should adjust the cooking time based on their size. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

For chicken thighs, you should air fry at 350°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway to get a great color on both sides. When finished, broil for 1-2 minutes until you get the perfect caramelization. The internal temperature should be 165°F.

For chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the chicken for 25 minutes at 375°F. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Check the chicken after 20 minutes to ensure it is not overcooked.

It is important to note that all air fryers are different, so the temperature and timing may vary slightly depending on your specific model.

Chicken cooking time

For example, if you are cooking chicken wings, you should preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Then, place the wings in the fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes, shaking and flipping them halfway through. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the wings are crispy.

If you are cooking boneless chicken thighs, you can marinate them in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and herbs for 15 minutes to 2 hours. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish by broiling for 1-2 minutes to achieve the perfect caramelization. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil marinade, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 5 hours, then cook it in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should again reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is important to adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Glaze ingredients

The glaze for balsamic glazed chicken is a marinade that the chicken is soaked in for 20-30 minutes. The key ingredient is balsamic vinegar, which gives the chicken its signature tangy flavour. If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar and a little maple syrup.

Other ingredients include olive oil, which helps the marinade stick to the chicken, and honey, which balances out the acidity of the vinegar. Fresh garlic is preferable, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Dijon mustard adds a tangy and spicy flavour to the marinade, but regular yellow mustard can be used instead.

Some recipes suggest adding Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt to the glaze. One recipe includes chicken broth, soy sauce, chilli sauce, and water in the glaze.

What to serve with the chicken

Yes, you can cook balsamic glazed chicken in the air fryer. Now, what to serve with this juicy, flavourful chicken? Here are some ideas:

Salads and Vegetables

A simple salad is a great, healthy option to serve with balsamic glazed chicken. You could include some green leaves, such as spinach, rocket, or lettuce, and add some vegetables like sliced cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. If you want to make it more substantial, add some quinoa, chickpeas, or boiled eggs. Alternatively, serve the chicken with some steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

Pasta

Pasta is another excellent option to accompany this dish. The chicken can be sliced and served on top of a bed of pasta, or you can create a full pasta salad by adding some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, olives, and peppers, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.

Rice

Rice is a versatile side dish that can be served plain or as a fried rice dish with some vegetables and soy sauce. Brown rice, in particular, pairs well with balsamic glazed chicken.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great option to serve with chicken, and there are many ways to cook them. You could roast some baby potatoes with herbs, make a creamy mashed potato, or bake some large potatoes to serve on the side.

Sandwiches and Wraps

If you're looking for a more casual option, balsamic glazed chicken can be served in sandwiches or wraps with some lettuce, tomato, and a spread of mayonnaise or mustard.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can decide based on your preferences and what you have available. Enjoy your meal!

Frequently asked questions