Air Fryer Chicken: Can You Use Batter?

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, offering a healthier, less messy option for cooking fried chicken. While the crust may not be as crispy as cast-iron or deep-fried chicken, it still provides a tasty, golden-brown exterior with a juicy interior. The high heat of an air fryer can cook battered chicken, but there are some considerations to ensure optimal results. Firstly, a wet batter is not recommended as it may drip off and cause a mess. Secondly, the batter thickness is crucial; a thick batter may not cook evenly, resulting in uncooked spots. To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken into smaller pieces and follow a recipe to ensure the batter adheres properly during cooking.

Cooking Battered Chicken in an Air Fryer

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for battered chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the specific recipe followed. Here are some general guidelines and tips:

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of chicken you are using. Chicken strips or smaller pieces will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so they require shorter cooking times to prevent overcooking and drying out. It is recommended to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

For cooking temperature, preheat your air fryer to around 350-360°F (some sources recommend 400°F). The ideal temperature will depend on your specific air fryer model and the type of chicken being cooked. It is crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

The cooking time can range from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of the chicken pieces. For example, one recipe suggests cooking the chicken for 14 minutes, then flipping and cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking for 7 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.

To achieve a crispy and evenly browned exterior, it is recommended to spray the chicken with oil periodically during the cooking process. This helps create a golden-brown crust and prevents the flour from remaining white and floury. Additionally, ensure that the chicken pieces do not touch each other in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Chicken preparation

Cutting the Chicken:

Ensure you cut the chicken into at least 12 pieces. Smaller, thinner, and flatter pieces are recommended for even cooking and to prevent the chicken from burning on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.

Brining or Marinating:

Brining the chicken pieces before cooking can significantly enhance the flavour and juiciness. To brine, simply sprinkle salt over the chicken pieces and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. You can also create a marinade by mixing buttermilk with spices like salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Allow the chicken to sit in this mixture for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavours.

Battering and Coating:

After brining or marinating, it's time to dip the chicken pieces in the batter. Ensure the chicken is well coated, then dip it in flour, cornstarch, or a flour mixture. This step may be repeated for a thicker coating, but be cautious as thicker coatings may not cook evenly in the air fryer. You can also add spices to the flour mixture for extra flavour.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer, and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the battered chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch, as air circulation is important. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with oil to help achieve that crispy texture.

Cooking:

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces. For thinner pieces, 10-15 minutes at 375-415°F should be sufficient. For larger pieces, increase the cooking time to around 13-15 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces halfway through and spray with oil again to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the temperatures and timings based on your specific air fryer and preferences.

Battering and breading

Battering:

The first step is to prepare your batter. You can use a variety of liquids as your base, such as buttermilk, egg, or a combination of both. Add your choice of spices and herbs to the liquid base to infuse your chicken with flavour. Spices like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are excellent options. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Thicken your batter with cornstarch if you like a thicker consistency.

Next, cut your chicken into pieces. For even cooking, it's best to cut the chicken into at least 12 pieces. Place the chicken pieces in the batter and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavours. If you're using a thicker batter, you might need to let the chicken sit for a bit longer.

Breading:

The breading process involves coating your battered chicken with a layer of dry ingredients, typically flour, breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. If you're using flour, season it generously with spices, salt, and pepper. You can also add grated cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino romano, to your breading for an extra flavour boost.

Remove the chicken pieces from the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, use tongs to dip the chicken into the breading, making sure both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess breading, and place the chicken on a clean plate or wire rack to rest.

Frying:

Once your chicken is battered and breaded, it's time to fry! Spray your air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or oil. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, adjusting the temperature and timing as needed. Typically, you'll want to cook the chicken for around 14 minutes, flip it, spray again, and then cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

And there you have it! Perfectly battered and breaded chicken cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious creation with your favourite sides and sauces.

Air fryer preparation

Firstly, cut the chicken into at least 12 pieces to ensure even cooking and reduce the risk of burning. Then, prepare the batter. A simple batter can be made by combining buttermilk and eggs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, add flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well. You can also add cornstarch to thicken the batter and spices such as cayenne pepper to make it spicy.

Next, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, before dipping it into the buttermilk mixture. Finally, roll the chicken in the flour mixture again, ensuring it is completely covered. You can also add a layer of breadcrumbs at this stage for extra crispness. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or wire rack to rest.

Before cooking the chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, then place the chicken inside, ensuring the pieces do not touch so that air can circulate. Spray the chicken with oil and cook for 14-20 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with oil again. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden-brown colour.

You can serve the chicken with dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to storing your battered dipped chicken, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can put it in a ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 6 months.

Now, for reheating, the air fryer is the best option to maintain the crispiness of your chicken. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 375°F.
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap to allow airflow.
• Reheat for 5 to 6 minutes, then flip or shake the basket.
• Continue reheating for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You can also sprinkle your favourite seasonings on the chicken before reheating for some extra flavour. It's important to note that you should avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it tends to make the chicken soggy.

Frequently asked questions