Blackened Chicken In An Air Fryer: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Blackened chicken is a versatile and flavourful dish that can be made in an air fryer. The chicken is coated in a spice rub, known as blackening, Cajun or Creole seasoning, and cooked over high heat to form a dark crust. This method of cooking is commonly associated with Cajun and Creole cuisine.

To make blackened chicken in an air fryer, you will need to coat the chicken in oil and blackening seasoning. You can make your own blackening seasoning by combining dried oregano, basil and thyme, or you can buy a pre-made version in most grocery stores. The chicken is then cooked in the air fryer for 7 to 12 minutes at around 375°F to 400°F.

What is blackened chicken?

Blackened chicken is a flavourful dish made by coating chicken with a blend of spices and cooking it in a hot cast-iron skillet, pan, or air fryer. The cooking process involves high heat, which causes the spices to toast and blacken, giving the chicken its signature dark, spicy crust. The term "blackened" refers to the charred appearance of the seasoning on the chicken rather than the chicken being burnt or overcooked. The chicken is typically juicy and tender on the inside while having a spicy and crispy exterior.

Blackened chicken is often associated with Cajun or Creole cuisine, particularly in the Southern United States. The spice blend used for blackening chicken typically includes paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices can be mixed with a cooking fat like oil or melted butter before being applied to the chicken. The chicken is then cooked over high heat until a dark crust forms on the outside, without burning the spices or the chicken itself.

Blackened chicken is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or added to salads, quesadillas, pasta, tacos, or served over rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes. It is a great option for meal prep as it can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to make blackened chicken in an air fryer

Blackened chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be served on its own or over salad, pasta, or rice. The dark crust and juicy meat make it a delicious meal, and it's super easy to make! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make blackened chicken in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
• Cooking oil (avocado, canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil)
• Lemon juice
• Cajun or blackening seasoning (paprika, salt, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, sugar, and cayenne powder)
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 390°F (175°C to 200°C).
• Prepare the chicken by slicing each breast lengthwise to make them thinner and ensure even cooking. This step also gives more surface area for seasoning.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will help the spices stick better.
• Brush or toss the chicken with oil to coat evenly.
• Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl to create the Cajun or blackening seasoning. You can make a large batch and store it for future use.
• Sprinkle or spoon the seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can cook the chicken right away, or for more intense flavor, let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Spray the grates of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Cook the chicken for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. There is no need to turn the chicken halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Tips:

• You can also use chicken tenderloins for this recipe, which are easy to cook and turn out very tender.
• If you want to remove the tough white tendon from the chicken tenderloins, use a fork and paper towel to grip and pull it away from the meat.
• For a crispier crust, brush the chicken with melted butter or mayonnaise instead of oil before adding the seasoning.
• Blackened chicken pairs well with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salads, or potato wedges.
• To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave. Adjust the temperature and time accordingly to ensure the chicken is heated through without drying out.

How to make blackened chicken seasoning

Blackened chicken is a Cajun dish that involves coating chicken with a spice rub and cooking it over high heat to form a dark crust. You can make your own blackened chicken seasoning at home by mixing the following ingredients:

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• White/black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Basil

Some recipes also include salt, sugar, and lemon juice.

To make blackened chicken, start by mixing your chosen spices together in a bowl or sealable sandwich bag. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and brush it with a little vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or olive oil. You can also spray the chicken with cooking spray. Next, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the spice mix and use your hands to spread the seasoning evenly.

Heat some oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Add the chicken and cook until it is golden brown (almost black) on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with a loose aluminum foil tent. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to remove the tendon from chicken tenderloin

Blackened chicken is a delicious, versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer. To make blackened chicken tenders in an air fryer, you'll need chicken tenderloins, olive oil, and a blend of spices. But before you start cooking, you might want to remove the tendon from the chicken tenderloins. So, how do you do that?

Firstly, gather your tools: a fork, a paper towel or napkin, and a cutting board or plate. Then, lay the chicken tenderloin flat on your cutting board. Locate the tendon, which should be a stringy white piece in the middle of the meat. Now, here's the key step: place the tendon between the prongs of the fork, and grip it with the paper towel or napkin. Finally, gently pull the tendon away from the tenderloin. That's it! You've successfully removed the tendon.

Now that your chicken tenderloins are ready, you can move on to cooking them in the air fryer. Simply coat them with olive oil and your chosen spices, and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for most air fryers, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. And that's how you make delicious blackened chicken tenders in an air fryer, from tendon removal to tasty, tender results!

What to serve with blackened chicken

Blackened chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for what to serve with blackened chicken:

Carbohydrate Sides

• Rice – especially cilantro lime rice or garlic rice with parsley.
• Pasta – Alfredo pasta is a good option, or you could try it with a Cajun-style pasta dish.
• Polenta.
• Couscous.
• Potato wedges or fries – try sweet potato wedges for a healthier option.
• Macaroni and cheese.
• Waffle fries.
• Baked potatoes.

Vegetable Sides

• Green beans – especially Southern-style green beans cooked with bacon fat.
• Broccoli – either steamed or roasted.
• Grilled vegetable skewers – with bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, and tomatoes.
• Carrots – roasted or sliced into coins and cooked with a pinch of cayenne.
• Spinach quinoa.
• Corn – creamed corn or corn on the cob.
• Avocado dip.
• Salad – a green salad, Caesar salad, or a tomato and avocado salad.
• Mango salsa.

Other Sides

• Mashed potatoes – especially with sour cream and chives, or gravy.
• Red beans and rice.
• Black bean and corn salad.

Frequently asked questions