Cooking Chicken In An Air Fryer: Flour Power!

You can definitely cook breaded chicken in an air fryer, and it's a great way to get crispy chicken without the mess of traditional frying. The key to getting the breading to stick to the chicken and achieve that crispy texture is to use a little bit of oil. You can also use a mixture of mustard and oil, or the traditional egg and flour method, to help the breadcrumbs stick. It's important to preheat your air fryer and to ensure the chicken pieces don't touch so that air can circulate around them. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of the meat, but generally, you'll want to cook the chicken for around 10 minutes at 350°F-400°F, flipping halfway through.

Flouring the chicken

Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces. You can opt to use skin-on or skinless chicken, but note that skin-on chicken will result in a crispier crust. Choose your preferred cut of chicken, such as chicken tenders, chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Bone-in chicken pieces are also an option, but keep in mind that they may take longer to cook than boneless pieces.

Marinate (Optional)

For extra juicy and tender chicken, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk before flouring. In a bowl, combine buttermilk with a dash of hot sauce, garlic powder, or your favourite spices. Submerge the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to up to 24 hours. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Prepare the Flour Coating

In a separate bowl, prepare the flour mixture. You can use all-purpose flour, wheat flour, or gluten-free flour. Add seasonings to the flour to enhance the flavour. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and Old Bay Seasoning. Mix the flour and seasonings until they are well combined.

Coat the Chicken with Flour

Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mixture. Ensure both sides of the chicken are well coated. Shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces. For an extra thick coating, you can double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixtures.

Spray with Oil

Once all the chicken pieces are coated in flour, it's time to spray them with oil. Use a cooking spray, olive oil spray, or an oil mister to generously coat the chicken. This step is crucial, as it helps the flour coating absorb moisture and ensures that your chicken will be crispy. It also helps the chicken pieces not stick to the air fryer basket.

Rest and Preheat

Let the coated chicken rest while you preheat your air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.

By following these steps, you'll achieve a delicious, crispy flour coating on your chicken. Remember to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, and always ensure your chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures when using an air fryer:

For chicken tenders, it is recommended to air fry at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. You can also cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 24 to 26 minutes, flipping them once and spraying them with oil again halfway through.

For chicken strips, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes. Then, flip the chicken, spray it with oil, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for white meat and 175 degrees Fahrenheit for dark meat.

For chicken thighs or drumsticks, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, cook the chicken at the same temperature for 25 minutes, misting any dry spots with oil halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken and spraying it with oil again halfway through. Another option is to cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then flip, spray with oil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the specific air fryer model, and personal preferences for doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping of the chicken.

Oil and cooking spray

When cooking chicken in an air fryer, you can use oil or cooking spray in a few different ways. Firstly, it's important to note that you should not spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray, as this can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, spray the chicken pieces directly with oil or cooking spray. This helps to hydrate the flour coating, ensuring it crisps up and doesn't burn. You can also spray the chicken with oil or cooking spray during the cooking process to help achieve an even crispness and colour.

If you are cooking chicken tenders, you can coat them in flour after dipping them in egg, which will help the flour stick. Then, place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch, so that air can circulate. Generously spray the tenders with cooking spray until the flour appears damp, then air fry for 7-10 minutes. Flip the tenders and spritz them again with cooking spray, then cook for another 7-10 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For other chicken pieces, such as chicken legs or thighs, you can also coat them in flour after dipping them in a buttermilk mixture. Then, place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch, and spray them lightly with oil or cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 14 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and spray them lightly with oil a second time, then cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for white meat or 175°F for dark meat.

You can also use olive oil or avocado oil spray when cooking chicken in an air fryer. After coating the chicken pieces in flour, give them a good, even coat of olive oil spray. Place the chicken skin-side up in the air fryer basket, giving each piece some space to ensure proper air circulation. Cook at 360°F for 20-25 minutes, spraying the chicken with another coat of olive oil halfway through. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken cuts and preparation

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When it comes to preparing chicken for air frying, there are a few key steps to ensure optimal results.

First, consider the type of chicken you are using. Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as legs or thighs, are ideal for achieving juicy and flavorful results. However, if you prefer a simpler option, chicken strips or tenders are also suitable and cook faster.

Before cutting the chicken, it is essential to pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the flour coating adhere better and promotes even cooking. Cut the chicken breasts into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm to pound it to an even thickness.

Next, prepare the chicken for cooking. You can opt for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper or create a more complex marinade. A basic marinade can include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover it with the marinade. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and shake off any excess marinade. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten egg, and one for breadcrumbs. First, coat the chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, cover it with breadcrumbs. Ensure that you coat the chicken evenly at each step.

Finally, place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, giving each piece some space to allow hot air to circulate. Spray the chicken and the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to promote even cooking and browning. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F to 375°F, and cook according to the recommended time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Storing and reheating

When you are ready to reheat the chicken, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature again. This ensures that the inside of the chicken cooks thoroughly without the outer crust burning. Preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces do not touch. Reheat for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is ready when it is fully crisped and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore its crispy texture without drying out the meat. It is important to note that the chicken should not be reheated straight from the fridge and that overcrowding the air fryer should be avoided to ensure even cooking and crisping.

Frequently asked questions