Air-Frying Chicken Kiev: A Tasty, Healthy Treat?

Chicken Kiev is a delicious dish consisting of lean and tender chicken breast filled with garlic butter and coated in breadcrumbs. It can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken Kiev. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy texture without the need for large amounts of oil. The cooking time for chicken Kiev in an air fryer depends on the number of chicken breasts being prepared and the power of the air fryer, but it typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 180°C.

Chicken Kiev recipe

Chicken Kiev is a delicious dish that can be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried version. The air fryer gives the chicken a nice crispy texture without the need for a lot of oil. Here is a step-by-step recipe to guide you through the process of making this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Butter (softened)
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Flour
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or Ciabatta)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Toothpicks or butcher's twine

Instructions:

Preparing the Garlic Butter:

Start by preparing the garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with crushed garlic, parsley, and nutmeg (if desired). Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Shape the garlic butter into a small log or block by wrapping it tightly in cling film. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to harden.

Preparing the Chicken:

• Butterfly or cut a deep horizontal slit across each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Stuff the cavity or pocket of each chicken breast with a slice of the prepared garlic butter.
• Secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks or butcher's twine to prevent the butter from melting out during cooking.
• Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and the third with breadcrumbs.
• Coat each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs.
• Spray the crumbed chicken breasts with olive oil spray.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 180-200°C. Different recipes suggest different temperatures within this range.
• Place the breaded chicken breasts into the air fryer basket. If you're concerned about leakage, you can put foil at the bottom of the basket to catch any butter that may melt out.
• Air-fry for 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer.
• To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 74-75°C.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Kiev can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad with a wedge of lemon. Enjoy your delicious and crispy Chicken Kiev!

How to prepare chicken breasts

Chicken Kiev can be cooked in an air fryer, providing a healthier alternative to the classic deep-fried dish. The air fryer method produces chicken that is crispy on the outside without the need for large amounts of oil.

To prepare chicken breasts for this dish, you will first need to make garlic butter. Mix softened butter with crushed garlic, parsley, and nutmeg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then shape it into a log using cling film. Place the garlic butter in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to harden.

Next, prepare the chicken breasts by butterflying or cutting a slit into the side of each breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut through to the other side. Once the garlic butter has hardened, slice it into pieces and stuff the pockets of the chicken breasts. Secure the openings with toothpicks or butcher's twine.

Now, you can coat the chicken breasts. Set out three shallow bowls. One bowl should contain flour seasoned with salt and pepper, the second should contain an egg, and the third should contain breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket and spray with nonstick spray or olive oil spray. Air-fry for 5 minutes, then spray again and cook for another 5-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C-75°C. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to make garlic butter

Yes, you can cook chicken kiev in an air fryer! It's a healthier alternative to the deep-fried classic, resulting in a crispy texture without the oil.

Now, for the star of the show: the garlic butter. This simple yet decadent compound butter is a must-have in your refrigerator. With just a few basic ingredients, you can elevate your cooking and add flavour to numerous dishes.

Here's a detailed guide on how to make garlic butter:

Ingredients:

• Butter (softened): Use unsalted or salted butter according to your preference. You can also use vegan butter for a plant-based option.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or crushed garlic is key to achieving the best flavour. Avoid using jarred garlic as it can affect the taste.
• Parsley: Finely chopped parsley leaves add a subtle herby flavour and a pop of colour.
• Salt: Kosher salt or garlic salt is used to bring all the flavours together. If using salted butter, you may omit the additional salt.
• Optional: You can enhance the garlic butter with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also take your garlic butter to the next level.

Instructions:

• Prepare the butter: Take the desired amount of butter and let it soften by bringing it to room temperature. You can speed up this process by grating the butter using a box grater.
• Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, add the softened butter, crushed or minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. If you're feeling adventurous, add your choice of spices and/or Parmesan cheese.
• Mix and mash: Using a spoon or a fork, mix and mash all the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and well combined.
• Shape and store: If you're not using the garlic butter right away, you can shape it into a small log or block. Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap or cling film and roll it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to harden.
• Use and store: Your garlic butter is now ready to use! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Now that you've mastered the art of making garlic butter, you can use it in a variety of ways. Spread it on bread, baguettes, or cornbread, melt it over mashed potatoes, toss it with pasta, or even use it as a flavourful addition to meats like chicken or steak. Enjoy experimenting with your homemade garlic butter!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for cooking chicken Kiev in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe used. Some recipes call for preheating the air fryer to 180°C for about 12 minutes, while others suggest a higher temperature of 200°C. The cooking time also differs, ranging from 15 to 25 minutes.

For example, one recipe recommends preheating the air fryer to 180°C and cooking the chicken Kiev for 18 to 20 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C, which can be checked with a meat thermometer. Another recipe suggests a slightly higher temperature of 180°C to 350°F and a cooking time of 12 minutes, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast and the desired doneness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific air fryer model. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the recommended temperature of 74°C to 75°C.

Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the chicken breasts with a nonstick spray before placing them in the air fryer, which can affect the cooking time and temperature. It is also recommended to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Kiev cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes. It is often served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. If you want to add some extra flavour to your mashed potatoes, you can add some garlic. Steamed green beans are also a great option as they are light and healthy, and their natural flavour complements the savoury chicken Kievs.

If you are serving your Kievs with chips, you can cook them in the air fryer at the same time as your chicken. Simply place the chips in the second drawer of your air fryer and give them a shake so that they are spread out. When the chicken is done, replace it with a ramekin of frozen peas and some butter, and cook for a final four minutes at 200°C/400°F to finish the chips and warm through the peas.

If you are serving your chicken Kiev to children, remember to cut it up into pieces beforehand. It is also important to let the chicken cool down for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions