Air Fryer Shake And Bake: Is It Possible?

Shake and Bake chicken is a quick and easy meal to make, and cooking it in an air fryer makes it even simpler. The air fryer's initial blast of hot air crisps the outside of the food while keeping the inside moist and tender. The air fryer also cuts down on cooking time by about 10 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. Preparing the chicken is straightforward: coat it with oil or mayonnaise, then shake it in a bag with the seasoning. The air fryer does the rest of the work, cooking the chicken evenly without the need to flip it.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking shake and bake chicken. It ensures an even cook and helps achieve a desirable crispy texture. The preheating process takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and its initial temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken is between 375°F and 400°F (190-200°C) as it helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Different recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to different temperatures. Some sources suggest preheating to 380°F, while others recommend 350°F or 375°F. It is important to refer to your specific recipe for the best results.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you are ready to cook your shake and bake chicken. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking and browning. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer, but it typically takes around 12-18 minutes for the chicken to reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remember, the key to successful shake and bake chicken in the air fryer is to ensure an even coating of spices and oil before cooking, which promotes even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Prepare the chicken

Preparing the chicken for shake and bake in an air fryer is a simple process. First, gather your ingredients: chicken, olive oil, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, parsley, thyme, and garlic and onion powder. You can also add Parmesan cheese for an extra flavour boost.

Next, prepare your dry mixture. In a large freezer bag, mix together the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, parsley, and thyme. If you're using Parmesan cheese, add it to the bag as well. You can also add in other seasonings, like garlic powder, oregano, or smoked paprika, to suit your taste. Give the bag a good shake to combine all the ingredients.

Now it's time to coat the chicken. Brush or rub the chicken pieces with olive oil or melted butter. This step will help the dry mixture stick to the chicken. You can also try coating the chicken in oil, then dipping it in the dry mixture, and finally giving it a second coat of oil and dry mixture for an extra-thick coating.

Finally, place the chicken in the air fryer. Make sure the pieces are in a single layer and not crowded together, as this will ensure they get nice and crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (some recipes suggest 400°F or 350°F) and cook for 14-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

And that's it! You're ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy, shake-and-bake air-fried chicken.

Coat the chicken

To coat the chicken, you can use either a store-bought shake and bake seasoning or make your own. If you're making your own, combine the dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, parsley, and thyme) in a large freezer bag. Add in a tablespoon of olive oil and mix until you get a sandy texture. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to make the chicken crispier.

If you're using a store-bought shake and bake, simply pour the seasoning into a plastic bag. You can use the one that comes with the mixture. If you're using a homemade coating, you can use a brown paper bag or a large Ziploc bag.

Before coating the chicken, it's important to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the coating stick better. You can also lightly brush the chicken with olive oil or moisten it with a bit of water, mayonnaise, buttermilk, or a beaten egg. This will ensure that the breading adheres properly and results in a crispier crust.

Once the chicken is prepared, place it in the bag with the coating. Seal the bag and shake until the chicken is evenly coated. Make sure there are no dry spots. You can also double-coat the chicken by coating it with oil and shaking it in the bag a second time.

Cook the chicken

Cooking shake and bake chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The air fryer's air circulation cooks and crisps the chicken evenly, so there is no need to flip the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick to the chicken. You can use any type of chicken pieces, but cooking times will vary depending on the size of the pieces. Choose pieces of similar size so they cook at the same rate.

Coat the Chicken

Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil or mayonnaise to help the coating stick. You can also moisten the chicken with buttermilk or a beaten egg. Then, place the chicken in a bag with the shake and bake seasoning and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer, making sure the pieces are not overlapping. Spray the tops of the chicken with oil and cook for 14-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy.

Serve the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter. You can drizzle honey butter over the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy shake and bake chicken!

Reheat and serve

Leftover shake and bake chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few ways to reheat your chicken to ensure it stays juicy and crispy.

First, let your chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This helps ensure that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly and helps keep the chicken moist. Reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for about 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat chicken in a skillet on the stove, or chop and add to a stir fry, omelet, or wrap.

When serving, slice your chicken and serve with sides like cheesy scalloped potatoes, kale salad, or ranch chicken salad. You can also serve your chicken cold over a salad.

If you're reheating store-bought shake and bake chicken, be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

Frequently asked questions