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

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, tender, and juicy chicken without the mess and grease of deep frying. Breaded chicken in an air fryer is easy to make, uses less oil, and stays juicy and tender. It is also a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken as it uses less oil and cooks faster. The cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer.

How to bread the chicken

Breaded chicken is a great, healthier alternative to fried chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bread chicken for your air fryer.

Firstly, prepare your dredging bowls. You will need three shallow bowls or trays. In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. In the second bowl, whisk together your eggs. In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs. If you want to add extra flavour, you can mix in some grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs.

Next, take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create two thinner fillets. If your chicken breasts are already thin, you can skip this step. You can also pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to make them more even in size and thickness. This will help them cook more evenly.

Now, you are ready to start dredging! Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is well-coated at each stage.

Once your chicken is breaded, spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the exposed surface of the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Close the lid of your air fryer and cook the chicken for 6 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the chicken over using tongs, and spray the other side with cooking spray. Cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer model. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken!

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for breaded chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the desired level of crispiness. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary between different air fryer models, so adjustments may be necessary. Here is a detailed guide on how long to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer:

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 390°F or 400°F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

For thin chicken breasts, cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. The chicken is ready when it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For medium-sized chicken breasts, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes, flipping once midway.

For larger or thicker chicken breasts, cook for approximately 12-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is worth noting that the chicken will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise even after it is removed from the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to take the chicken out when it reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F.

Additionally, to ensure the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, allowing adequate space for air circulation. This helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Whether to use oil or not

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded chicken, and you may be wondering if you need to use oil. The answer is not straightforward, as some recipes call for a small amount of oil, while others suggest cooking the chicken without any oil at all. Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of using oil when cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer.

The case for using oil

One of the main benefits of using oil when cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is that it can help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture. Oil can also enhance the flavour of the chicken and prevent it from drying out. In addition, a small amount of oil can go a long way in an air fryer, so you don't need to use much. Some recipes suggest using olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for this purpose.

The case for not using oil

On the other hand, some people prefer to cook breaded chicken in an air fryer without using any oil. This method can be healthier, as it reduces the amount of fat in the dish. It can also be more convenient, as it eliminates the need to measure and add oil. Additionally, air fryers are designed to cook food evenly and create a crispy texture without the use of oil.

Tips for using oil

If you decide to use oil when cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, a little oil goes a long way, so you only need to use a small amount. Second, it's important to coat the chicken evenly with oil to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't end up greasy. Finally, if you're concerned about adding too much oil, you can try using an oil spray or mister, which will give you more control over the amount of oil you use.

Tips for not using oil

If you decide not to use oil, there are still a few things you can do to ensure your breaded chicken turns out crispy and delicious. First, make sure to season the breadcrumbs well, as this will add flavour to the chicken. Second, consider using a cooking spray on the air fryer basket and the chicken to help create a crispy texture. Finally, be sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Whether to brine the chicken beforehand

Brining your chicken beforehand is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. The process of brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in a more flavourful and moist chicken breast.

Benefits of brining

Brining your chicken is a simple step that can make a massive difference to your results. The salt in the brine flavours the meat throughout, so your chicken will taste seasoned, rather than bland. The liquid in the brine also helps to keep the meat moist, so it doesn't dry out during cooking.

How to brine your chicken

To brine your chicken, you can use either a wet brine or a dry brine. A wet brine involves dissolving salt in water, and sometimes adding other flavourings such as herbs or spices. The chicken is then submerged in this solution for a few hours. A dry brine is less messy and simply involves sprinkling salt over the meat and leaving it to rest.

How long to brine

You can brine your chicken for as little as 15 minutes, but the longer you leave it, the more intense the flavour and moisture-boosting effects will be. However, if you brine your chicken for too long, it can become too salty and the texture can become unappealing, so it's important not to overdo it. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but no more than six hours.

Other tips for cooking chicken in an air fryer

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is better than overcrowding, as this can create a steaming effect instead of the desired crisping effect.
• Flip the chicken halfway through. This will help to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Be thorough with the breading. Make sure the chicken is completely covered, as this will seal in the moisture and keep the meat juicy.
• Check the temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

What to serve the chicken with

Breaded chicken cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy meal. The air fryer's small size and efficiency mean that the chicken can be cooked in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

What to Serve with Breaded Chicken

When it comes to serving breaded chicken, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the flavours of the chicken and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options:

• Salads: Breaded chicken goes well with a variety of salads, such as a cherry tomato salad, a cucumber salad, or a Mediterranean broccoli salad. You can also add some crunch to your salad by topping it with the chicken.
• Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are a simple and satisfying option, especially in the summer. Some specific options include roasted okra, green beans, or asparagus and mushrooms.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the chicken. Other options include crispy smashed potatoes, potato wedges, or potato salad.
• Bread: Buttery biscuits or cornbread are a savoury match for the chicken and can round out the meal.
• Rice: Rice dishes like orzo salad, Mexican street corn bake, or rice with mushrooms can add some variety to the meal.
• Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is a restaurant-worthy side dish that provides a nice textural contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can bring bright notes to the meal and surprise your taste buds.
• Other Dishes: Other options include tater tots, roasted cauliflower with Parmesan, cheesy mashed potato cakes, or stuffed artichokes.

There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can mix and match to create a meal that suits your tastes and preferences.

Frequently asked questions