Air Fryer City Chicken: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

City Chicken is a Polish-American dish that originated in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. It is made of battered and deep-fried pork cutlets and gets its name from its resemblance to chicken legs. The dish does not contain any chicken and is usually made with pork and/or veal cubes threaded on a skewer, coated in an egg wash, and then breaded. It is commonly pan-fried or baked, but can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is a quicker and healthier alternative that uses less oil.

City chicken ingredients

City chicken is a Polish-American dish that originated in the early 20th century in the Great Lakes region, specifically in cities like Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh, and gained popularity during the Depression Era. It is called "city chicken" because it is commonly found in metropolitan areas. Interestingly, despite its name, city chicken does not traditionally contain chicken. Instead, it is made with cubes of pork, veal, or both, placed on wooden skewers, and then baked or deep-fried.

The ingredients for city chicken include:

• Pork loin, preferably boneless and cut into cubes
• Italian breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Olive oil or any light-coloured oil, such as vegetable or canola oil
• Salt and black pepper for seasoning
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Additionally, if you want to coat the meat with a batter before frying, you can use the following ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Flour
• Paprika
• Parmesan cheese

Air fryer temperature and duration

City chicken is a dish that does not actually contain chicken. It is made with pork loin, Italian breadcrumbs, melted butter, and olive oil. It is a popular dish in Pittsburgh and its surrounding region.

When cooking city chicken in an air fryer, the temperature and duration will depend on the type of meat being used and the model of the air fryer. For example, some recipes suggest cooking pork skewers for 15-18 minutes at 320°F, while others suggest cooking pork skewers for 12 minutes at 390°F. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F for the former and 165°F for the latter.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so it is recommended to check the meat frequently to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Additionally, when cooking meat and poultry in the air fryer, it is best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Compared to other cooking methods, such as pan-frying or baking, air frying city chicken is faster and requires less effort and oil. It is a healthier alternative that yields consistent and perfect results.

How to prepare the skewers

Preparing the skewers is a crucial step in making city chicken. This dish gets its name from threading cubes of meat onto wooden skewers, resembling chicken legs. The skewers can be made with pork, veal, or a combination of both. Firstly, cut the desired meat into 1-inch cubes. It is important to ensure that the meat is boneless to make it easier to thread onto the skewers. You can use either 6-inch or 8-inch wooden skewers, but avoid using toothpicks as they are too short. It is recommended to soak the wooden skewers in cold water for about 15 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from burning during cooking.

Next, thread the meat cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling. Typically, each skewer holds two to three pieces of meat. If using both pork and veal, you can thread them alternately for a classic presentation. Season the skewers with salt and pepper on all sides. At this point, you can choose to refrigerate the skewers for up to a day before proceeding with the next steps.

To create a crispy coating, set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs and milk. You can also add salt and pepper to the egg wash for extra flavour. In a separate shallow bowl, pour in the seasoned breadcrumbs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs or regular plain breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. Additionally, you can add shredded Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavour.

Now, it's time to coat the skewers. First, dip the skewers in the egg wash, ensuring they are well coated. Then, roll them in the breadcrumbs, making sure all sides are evenly covered. For a thicker coating, repeat the process, dipping the skewers in the egg wash and breadcrumbs once more. If you want an even crispier crust, you can also dredge the skewers in flour before dipping them in the egg wash. This step will also help the breadcrumbs adhere better.

Dipping and coating the skewers

Firstly, prepare the skewers by cutting the pork into cubes and threading them onto skewers, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling. You can also add veal cubes or use a combination of pork and veal, as per your preference. Season the skewers with salt and pepper, or a seasoning salt of your choice.

Next, prepare two shallow bowls for dipping and coating. In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, and in the other, pour in the seasoned breadcrumbs. You can use Italian breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and black pepper. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. You can also add shredded Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavour.

Now, it's time to dip and coat the skewers. Start by dipping the skewers in the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Then, dip them in the flour, followed by another dip in the egg mixture. Finally, coat the skewers in the breadcrumbs, making sure all sides are evenly covered. Repeat this process for each skewer, and if desired, double-coat the skewers by repeating the dipping and coating process.

For an even crispier crust and to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well, you can also dip the skewers in a mixture of melted butter and oil before coating them in the breadcrumbs. This extra step will add a rich flavour to your City Chicken.

Serving suggestions

City chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. The skewers can be served on their own with a side of dipping sauce, such as marinara, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. This allows for an interactive eating experience as guests can dip and enjoy.

For a more substantial meal, you can pair the skewers with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, and a squeeze of lemon can be used as garnishes.

If you want to get creative, you can slice the city chicken off the skewers and serve it on top of a fresh Caesar or Greek salad. You can also tuck the pieces into warm pita bread with tzatziki for a sandwich.

For those who enjoy a juicy, tender meat with a crispy crust, air-fried city chicken is an excellent option. The air fryer's rapid air circulation technology ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to restore their crispy texture. They can also be frozen for future meals by placing the cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Frequently asked questions