Frying Battered Chicken In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Frying battered chicken in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. It uses little to no oil, resulting in a crunchy golden exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The cooking time depends on the cut of chicken and the size of the air fryer basket. For best results, it is recommended to use bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces, marinate the chicken in buttermilk, and coat it with a flour mixture before air-frying.

How to get the crispiest batter

Preparation

Before you batter your chicken, it's important to prepare the meat. Firstly, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will ensure that the chicken is extra crispy and juicy. Next, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices. This will make the chicken more tender and flavourful. Common spices used in the marinade include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the marinade for a bit of extra zing. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

Battering

Now it's time for the batter! The key to a crispy batter is a combination of flour and cornstarch. You can use either all-purpose flour or wheat flour. The cornstarch will help to thicken the batter and create a crispier texture. Mix the flour and cornstarch with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add baking powder to the mixture to create an airy batter with crispy nooks and crannies.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to coat the chicken. First, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides well. Then, dip the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, and finally, dip it back into the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken in the air fryer.

Cooking

To get the crispiest batter, it's important to cook the chicken at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the battered chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Use an oil spray: Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, lightly coat the basket and both sides of the chicken with oil spray. This will help to create a crispy, golden crust. You can also spray any dry spots on the chicken halfway through the cooking process.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure there is enough space between the pieces of chicken to allow for proper air circulation. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices will not only make it more tender and flavourful but will also help the batter to stick better.
• Don't skip the cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the batter and create a crispier texture.
• Use an instant-read thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

By following these tips, you'll be able to achieve the crispiest batter on your air-fried chicken!

How to prepare the chicken

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare the chicken before frying it in the air fryer:

• Chicken (bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts)
• Buttermilk
• Spices (such as salt, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Old Bay Seasoning)
• Flour (all-purpose or wheat flour)
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and spices. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure they are well coated. You can let the chicken marinate for as little as 5-10 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Prepare the Breading

In a separate large bowl or plastic food storage bag, mix the flour, cornstarch, and any additional spices you wish to add. You can also add in baking powder to help crisp the skin.

Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Using tongs, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.

Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil.

Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help the coating crisp up. Air fry the chicken for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. For thicker pieces, you may need to cook for up to 30 minutes.

About halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and check the chicken. If you notice any dry spots or light pockets of color, spray a little more oil over the chicken.

Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.

The best oil to use

While air-frying battered chicken, you can use a variety of oils to achieve the best results. Here are some of the most suitable options:

Canola Oil

Canola oil is an excellent choice for frying chicken due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour. It also contains high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids while being low in saturated fats, making it a healthier option.

Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening, a solid fat commonly used in Southern-style fried chicken recipes, is ideal for achieving a crispy and golden-brown finish. It has a high smoke point of 360 degrees Fahrenheit, and it melts as it heats up.

Lard

Lard is another traditional option for Southern-style fried chicken, giving your chicken a rich, savoury flavour and an exceptionally crispy crust. It has a smoke point of 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is known for its high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and its nutty flavour. It also prevents flavour transfer, making it ideal for establishments serving multiple fried foods. However, peanut oil is less common due to its high price and potential to cause allergies in those with nut allergies.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a healthy alternative for deep frying, containing high levels of lauric acid and healthy fats. It is odourless and lightly flavoured, adding a hint of sweetness while preventing flavour transfer. Coconut oil also has a high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

When frying chicken, it is crucial to maintain an oil temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your chicken is cooked through without burning. For chicken wings, use a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispy crust and juicy interior.

How long to fry the chicken for

The cooking time for battered chicken in an air fryer depends on the cut of chicken used. The thicker the cut, the longer it takes to reach the required temperature of 165°F.

Chicken tenders in the air fryer will take only 15-16 minutes to cook, depending on their thickness. Chicken thighs should be cooked for 25-28 minutes, until they reach a temperature of 180-185°F. Chicken breasts should be cooked for 25 minutes, depending on their thickness. If you have large ones, they will take longer.

For chicken pieces, the cooking time is around 15-20 minutes. Open the basket and spray any flour with the cooking spray. Turn the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.

It's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and chicken sizes vary, so the cooking times provided are guidelines. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and make sure it reaches 165°F.

How to reheat the chicken

Reheating battered chicken in an air fryer is not recommended, as it may burn the exterior of the chicken. Instead, use a conventional oven to reheat your chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide:

How to Reheat Chicken in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F.
• Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
• Reheat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Check the chicken's internal temperature, which should be 165°F for chicken tenders and breasts and 175°F for dark meat pieces, such as thighs and legs.

Tips for Reheating Chicken:

• It is best not to leave chicken at room temperature for more than two hours, as harmful bacteria may start to multiply.
• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 4 months. The sooner you eat it, the better it will taste.
• To reheat frozen chicken, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the reheating instructions above.
• Avoid using a microwave to reheat fried chicken, as it tends to make the breading soggy.

Frequently asked questions