Air Fryer Chicken And Potatoes: A Perfect Pair?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's no surprise that people are experimenting with cooking chicken and potatoes together in this handy gadget. This cooking method offers a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal cleanup. By placing the chicken and potatoes in the air fryer basket and adding a variety of seasonings, you can achieve a crispy and juicy texture for a satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Air fryer settings and timings

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 390°F. Some sources recommend 375°F, while others suggest 385°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

While the potatoes are cooking, season the chicken with a mixture of spices and oil. Suggested spices include garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. You can also add onion powder or avocado oil. For an extra crispy texture, dredge the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs.

After the initial 8 to 10 minutes of cooking the potatoes, remove the basket from the air fryer. Move the potatoes to one side and add the seasoned chicken to the other side. Place the chicken in the centre of the basket, as this will help it cook more evenly. Continue cooking for another 10 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken and shaking the potatoes halfway through. The total cooking time for the chicken and potatoes should be between 18 and 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a fork and knife to cut through a small piece and check if the meat is well-cooked in the middle. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F, which can be measured with a meat thermometer. If the chicken is not done after the initial cooking time, you can remove the potatoes and continue cooking the chicken until it reaches the desired temperature.

Chicken and potato preparation

Chicken and potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is also versatile, allowing for a variety of seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing chicken and potatoes in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• Potatoes (baby potatoes or larger potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, red chilli flakes)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 360°F and 390°F (180°C to 190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and browning of the food.
• Prepare the potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle or spritz with olive oil and add half of your chosen seasonings. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with oil and spices.
• Cook the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the chicken: While the potatoes are cooking, take the chicken cubes and place them in a bowl. Add the remaining seasoning mix and olive oil, tossing to coat the chicken well.
• Add chicken to the air fryer: After the potatoes have cooked for about 10 minutes, push them to one side of the air fryer basket. Place the raw seasoned chicken bites in the basket alongside the potatoes.
• Cook the chicken and potatoes: Continue cooking both the chicken and potatoes for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. For thinner chicken breasts, the total cook time might be 20 minutes, while thicker cuts may require up to 30 minutes. Flip the chicken and potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning.
• Check doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a fork and knife to cut into a thickest piece of chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Serve: Remove the chicken and potatoes from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or your favourite herbs.

Tips and Variations:

• You can vary the seasonings and spices used to suit your taste preferences. Try adding cumin, chilli powder, or sugar for different flavour profiles.
• For extra crispiness, consider dredging the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and easily reheated in the air fryer.
• To make a complete meal, add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or corn during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking.
• Parchment paper liners can be used in the air fryer to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Seasoning and spices

When it comes to seasoning and spices for your air-fried chicken and potatoes, the options are endless. You can use a variety of herbs, spices, oils, or even butter to add flavour to your meal. Here are some specific suggestions:

Spices and Seasoning Mixes:

• Smoked paprika
• Red chilli flakes
• Cayenne
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (or fresh garlic cloves)
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Italian seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Dry ranch dressing
• Sumac for a citrusy note

Oils and Fats:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Butter

Other Options:

• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Flour
• Lemon

You can mix and match these spices and herbs according to your taste preferences and create a unique blend for your chicken and potatoes. Remember to use a combination of dry spices and a fat source (like oil or butter) to help the seasoning stick to the chicken and potatoes. You can also adjust the amount of spice used based on your desired level of spiciness.

Additionally, feel free to add other ingredients to your air fryer, such as bell peppers, corn, or green beans, to create a complete meal. You can also sprinkle cheese on top or serve your chicken and potatoes on a bed of rice with gravy. The possibilities are endless!

Cooking process

Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes is a quick and easy meal that can be cooked and ready to serve in under 30 minutes. The recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time and ingredients. It is a great option for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight dinner.

To begin, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 375°F (190°C), but this may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the chicken. Some sources suggest preheating to 385°F, while others recommend 360°F or even 390°F. Adjust the temperature as needed, keeping in mind that thicker chicken breasts may require a longer cook time.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the potatoes and chicken. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, and peel them if desired. Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes work well. You can also use baby potatoes, which don't need to be peeled. For the chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.

Next, assemble your spices and seasoning. Common spices used include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. You can also add herbs like thyme and spices like red chili flakes and cumin for extra flavour. Mix the spices and seasoning with olive oil, which will help adhere the spices to the food and add flavour.

Now, it's time to cook the potatoes and chicken. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping or shaking them halfway through to ensure even cooking. After this initial cooking time, move the potatoes to one side of the basket and add the seasoned chicken to the other side. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The total cooking time for the chicken and potatoes together should be around 20-25 minutes. It's important to note that the chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Once the chicken and potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve. You can garnish with chopped parsley, melted cheese, or a drizzle of sauce like romesco or pesto. Enjoy your delicious and easy Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer chicken and potatoes is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salad

Add a simple side salad to your meal to round it out. You can also drizzle the chicken and potatoes with a sauce like romesco or pesto for extra flavour.

Rice Bowl

Serve the chicken and potatoes on a bed of rice, topped with chicken gravy. You can also add cheese, sour cream, and chopped bacon for a loaded chicken rice bowl.

Chicken and Veggies

For a well-rounded meal, serve the chicken and potatoes with your favourite vegetables. You can cook the veggies in the air fryer as well, such as broccoli, zucchini, or red bell peppers.

Chicken and Potatoes with Cheese

Sprinkle some cheese on top of the chicken and potatoes. Any type of cheese will work, so feel free to use your favourite.

Chicken and Potatoes with Sauce

Try serving the chicken and potatoes with a sauce such as honey lemon sauce or a creamy sauce. This can add extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Leftovers

Don't forget that leftovers can be a great way to enjoy this meal again. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions