Shake And Bake: Air Fryer Style

Shake and bake is a popular method for cooking chicken, and it can be done in an air fryer. This technique involves coating chicken pieces in a seasoned breading mix, which can be store-bought or homemade, and then cooking them until they are crispy and golden. The air fryer method is said to produce delicious, juicy, and crispy results with less mess and faster cooking times than traditional frying or baking methods.

How to make shake and bake chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or chicken drumsticks
• Breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Olive oil (or vegetable oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil)
• Salt and black pepper
• Honey (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Optional Seasonings:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle powder
• Ancho chilli powder

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Plastic bag
• Cooking spray
• Meat thermometer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (or 375°F/190°C if you're cooking chicken thighs).
• Brush your chicken breasts lightly with olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken.
• Pour your shake and bake seasoning into a plastic bag. You can use a store-bought seasoning packet or make your own by mixing together breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and your chosen herbs and spices.
• Coat the chicken breasts one at a time by placing them in the bag and shaking until they are evenly covered.
• Place the coated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer. Make sure the pieces aren't touching and cook in batches if necessary.
• Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil.
• Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 380°F for 14-18 minutes (or 25-30 minutes at 375°F if cooking chicken thighs), flipping halfway through. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool on a cooling rack.
• (Optional) Prepare a honey butter drizzle by mixing melted butter with honey. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
• Drizzle the honey butter over the crispy chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips:

• If you're using thinner cuts of chicken, reduce the cooking time and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Don't flip the chicken in the air fryer—the air circulation will cook and crisp it evenly without needing to flip.
• If you're worried about the chicken sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it with some non-stick cooking spray before adding the chicken.

Tips for coating the chicken

• Before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading mixture stick better and prevent soggy chicken.
• If using a store-bought shake and bake seasoning packet, simply shake your chicken in a bag with the seasoning. Be sure to twist and hold the bag closed before shaking.
• If making your own shake and bake mixture, combine breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a medley of herbs and spices in a mixing bowl. Then transfer the mixture to a large ziplock bag.
• For a thicker coating, coat the chicken in oil and return it to the bag for a second coat.
• Place the chicken in the bag with the seasoning, one piece at a time, and shake until it is evenly coated.
• After coating the chicken, lay the pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough space so they are not touching.
• Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to achieve a golden colour and crispy texture.

Reheating shake and bake chicken

Preparation:

• Let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This ensures that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly and helps keep the meat moist.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). It is best to put food into a hot basket, so preheating is essential.

Reheating:

• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for the hot air to circulate. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy coating.
• Reheat for about 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. Thinner pieces of chicken may require less time, while thicker pieces may need a little longer.
• If desired, brush the chicken with a sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of reheating to add moisture and extra flavor.

Tips for Best Results:

• When cooking the chicken initially, it is important to pat the chicken dry before applying the breading mixture. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating.
• When reheating, avoid the temptation to flip the chicken. The air circulation in the air fryer will cook and crisp the chicken evenly without flipping.
• If you are reheating breaded chicken, it is crucial to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps prevent moisture release, ensuring a crispy texture.
• If your shake and bake chicken is frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Using foil in the air fryer

Yes, you can use foil in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it's important to only use a small amount of foil. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, and if you block the airflow, your food won't cook properly. Make sure the foil doesn't flap about and get caught in the heating element. Weigh it down with enough heavy food to keep it in place.

Second, be aware that acidic foods can react with the aluminium in the foil, and leach small amounts into your food. While these amounts are deemed safe by researchers, you may prefer not to risk it.

Third, always place food on top of the foil. Don't line the bottom of the fryer with foil, as this can interrupt the airflow and impact cooking.

Finally, if you're worried about the mess, you might want to consider using parchment paper or a reusable air fryer liner instead of foil.

Comparing air frying to baking

Air frying and baking are two different cooking methods that produce distinct results. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Air Frying:

Air frying is a cooking method that uses intense heat and a fan to rapidly circulate hot air, helping to remove moisture from the exterior of foods and create a crispy finish. It is ideal for creating recipes like crispy vegetable side dishes or fried chicken. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses little to no oil. It is also faster than traditional ovens due to rapid air circulation.

Baking:

Baking, on the other hand, uses still, hot air and is better suited for dishes that require even cooking or rising, such as delicate pastries, cakes, and yeasted bread. It provides dry heat at lower temperatures to slowly cook food. Baking is typically done in a full-sized oven, which can handle multiple dishes or larger portions at once.

Key Differences:

The main differences between air frying and baking lie in the type of heat, airflow, and cooking time. Air frying uses high heat and rapid air circulation, resulting in crispy food, while baking uses moderate heat and still air, maintaining moisture in delicate recipes. Air frying is perfect for quick, crispy results, while baking is essential for soft and delicate bakes.

When to Use Each Method:

Use air frying for recipes that benefit from a crispy exterior, such as fries, chicken wings, cookies, or skin-on roasts. Baking is ideal for delicate foods, liquid batters, and recipes that need to rise, like cakes, bread, and souffles. If you're baking large portions, a traditional oven is usually the best option. However, if you're baking a single dish or smaller portions, an air fryer can be a convenient choice.

Frequently asked questions