Air Fryer Chicken: Oil-Free Cooking Possible?

Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook a variety of foods, including chicken. The convenience of air fryers is undeniable, but can you cook chicken in an air fryer without oil? The answer is yes! It is possible to cook chicken in an air fryer without using any oil. This can be achieved by using a non-stick pan or cooking spray, which helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Additionally, water or broth can be used as an alternative to oil, adding moisture to the chicken and preventing it from drying out. However, some recipes suggest using a small amount of oil or extra virgin olive oil to ensure the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keep it moist.

Characteristics and Values Table

Chicken breast in an air fryer without oil

Yes, you can cook chicken breasts in an air fryer without oil. The air fryer cooks the chicken by circulating hot air, resulting in juicy and tender chicken breasts.

To cook chicken breasts in an air fryer without oil, start by patting the chicken breasts dry. Then, add them to a bowl and rub the desired spices on both sides of the chicken. You can use a combination of smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. If you want to add oil, avocado oil or olive oil are good options.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F or 200C/400F, depending on your model. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for proper airflow. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. For thicker chicken breasts, you may need to increase the cooking time to 13 minutes or more.

Once the chicken is cooked to the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. You can serve the chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as salad, pasta, or rice bowls.

Cooking chicken breasts in an air fryer without oil is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy and tender chicken that is packed with lean protein and vitamins.

Chicken thighs in an air fryer without oil

You can definitely cook chicken thighs in an air fryer without oil. In fact, air-frying is a great way to get chicken to crisp up on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The chicken is still super crispy and tender without oil, and it's healthier too!

Ingredients

To make chicken thighs in an air fryer without oil, you will need:

• Skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Method

• Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
• Combine the spices in a small bowl.
• Season both sides of the chicken thighs, using your fingers to pat the seasoning mixture onto the chicken.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
• Place the chicken thighs smooth/presentation side down in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
• Air fry for 10 minutes.
• Flip each chicken piece with tongs and air fry for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
• Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.

Your chicken thighs are now ready to be served!

Chicken drumsticks in an air fryer without oil

Yes, you can cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer without oil. The air fryer helps to crisp up the chicken skin and fat, giving it a breaded texture without the need for added carbs, gluten, or breading. This is a great way to enjoy crunchy chicken legs while adhering to a keto or low-carb diet.

To cook chicken drumsticks in an air fryer without oil, start by patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken. You can also lightly coat the drumsticks with olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or any other oil of your choice. However, this step is optional if you prefer to cook without oil.

Next, prepare your seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or any other herbs and spices you prefer. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then toss the drumsticks in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.

After the drumsticks are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or stack. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the drumsticks for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also sauce it up with sugar-free BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite marinade. Enjoy your juicy and crispy chicken drumsticks!

Chicken tenders in an air fryer without oil

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer without oil. Chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer are a healthy, tasty, and easy weeknight meal.

Preparation:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. If you are using frozen chicken, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely. If you are not using oil, you can skip this step. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or a spice blend of your choice. You can also try a buttermilk marinade—combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt, and pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to overnight.

Cooking:

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and golden. Smaller pieces of chicken will take less time to cook, while larger pieces may take longer. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Serving:

Chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. They can also be added to salads, pasta, pizza, or sandwiches.

Chicken nuggets in an air fryer without oil

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer without oil. The air fryer works some kind of magic on the chicken, crisping it up into perfectly crunchy chicken as if it had been deep-fried.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Buttermilk

Steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 3/4 inch pieces. You can also use chicken thighs, but the cook time may vary.
• Season the chicken with salt.
• Sprinkle flour over the chicken pieces.
• In a large bowl, add the panko, parmesan cheese, salt, and mix.
• In a second bowl, add the flour, and in a third bowl, add the beaten eggs.
• Dip the chicken pieces in the flour, shake off the excess, and dip it in the egg, then coat it in the panko mixture. Press firmly to make sure the panko sticks to the nuggets.
• Place the breaded nuggets in a greased air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping.
• Spray the tops with spray oil (or water).
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Air fry the chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. You can also check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it's ready to enjoy.

Tips:

• You can add spices like cayenne pepper, oregano, or taco seasoning to the bread crumb mixture for a different flavor profile.
• If you want to make the nuggets ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken nuggets and then throw them directly into the air fryer when you're ready to cook.
• If you have any leftover chicken nuggets, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions