Air-Fryer City Chicken: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

City chicken is a dish that originated in the American Midwest and Northeast. It is made with cubes of pork or veal skewered to resemble chicken drumsticks. This dish became popular during times when chicken was more expensive than pork. Using an air fryer to prepare city chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it reduces the amount of oil needed. The air fryer's rapid air circulation technology crisps the meat while keeping it juicy inside. This cooking method also preserves the dish's unique taste and texture.

What is 'city chicken'?

City chicken is a dish that traditionally consists of cubes of pork, veal, or both threaded onto skewers and battered with flour and breadcrumbs. It is then baked or deep-fried to a tender finish. The skewered meat is often shaped to mimic chicken drumsticks, and the dish is said to taste like chicken.

The dish dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when Midwestern newspapers and cookbooks published recipes for mock chicken and mock duck, made with more affordable meats such as veal, flank steak, and lamb kidneys. During the Great Depression, chicken was a luxury, and city chicken became a staple dish for many. It gained particular popularity in Rust Belt cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit, and other cities in the Great Lakes region.

Today, city chicken is often made with just pork due to the cost of veal. It remains a popular dish in communities with Polish and Ukrainian heritage, and is typically served with brown gravy.

How to make city chicken in an air fryer

City Chicken is a Polish-American dish that traditionally consists of cubes of pork or veal skewered to resemble chicken drumsticks. It is said to have originated during a time when chicken was a luxury, and so people used cheaper meats to mimic the taste and appearance of fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• Boneless pork (or veal)
• Olive oil
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Italian or gluten-free)
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if they are wooden)

Instructions:

• Cut the pork or veal into 1-inch cubes.
• Thread the meat cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
• In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and any desired seasonings.
• Dip each skewer into the beaten egg, ensuring all sides are covered, and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F for about 3-5 minutes.
• Place the skewered meat in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook for 10-18 minutes, then flip the skewers and cook for an additional 10-18 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of your skewers.
• Check that the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer.
• Let the City Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can use either pork or veal, or a combination of both.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavour profile.
• If you don't have skewers or prefer not to use them, you can place the meat cubes directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart for proper air circulation.

How to make low-carb city chicken in an air fryer

City Chicken is a Polish-American dish that typically consists of cubes of meat (usually pork or veal) skewered on wooden sticks and breaded to resemble fried chicken legs. It's called "City Chicken" because, historically, chicken was more expensive than pork or veal, so people used these meats to mimic fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless country pork loin ribs, cut into kebab pieces
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

• Cut the pork into cubes and place them on wooden skewers that fit into your air fryer.
• In a large shallow bowl, mix the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to make the low-carb breading.
• Dip the kebabs into the beaten egg and then coat them with the breading mixture. Ensure all sides are covered.
• Spray both the air fryer basket and kebabs with cooking spray.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F and cook for about 12 minutes. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the kebabs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

You can also make this recipe in the oven by browning the skewered meat in an oven-safe skillet first and then baking in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

How to make gluten-free city chicken in an air fryer

City Chicken is a dish that dates back to the Great Depression, when chicken was more expensive than pork, and so people came up with a way to make pork resemble fried chicken drumsticks. The dish is made by cutting pork into cubes, skewering them, breading them, and then frying them.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Optional:

• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter
• Cooking oil

Steps:

• Cut the pork tenderloin into 1-inch cubes.
• Thread the pork cubes onto soaked skewers, leaving a little space at the end of each skewer, and mimic the look of a chicken leg.
• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each skewer into the beaten eggs, ensuring all sides are covered.
• Roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes.
• Place the skewered meat in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the skewers and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Check that the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For an extra burst of flavor, add shredded parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
• You can also add your favorite seasonings and flavor combos!
• You can use almond flour or pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• If you are making this recipe for multiple people, you can cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to make vegetarian city chicken in an air fryer

City chicken is a classic dish that has its roots in the American Midwest and Northeast. It is traditionally made with cubes of pork or veal skewered to resemble chicken drumsticks. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by using firm tofu or seitan cut into cubes and following the same breading and cooking process as you would with meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious vegetarian city chicken in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu or seitan
• Vegetable broth or water
• Olive oil
• White miso paste
• Thyme
• Vegetable broth paste or bouillon cube
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Vital wheat gluten flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cut the tofu or seitan into 1-inch cubes.
• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
• In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each tofu or seitan cube into the beaten egg, ensuring all sides are covered, and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
• Place the breaded tofu or seitan cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow air to circulate freely.
• Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the cubes and cook for an additional 10 minutes. The high temperature ensures a crispy coating while keeping the inside tender.
• Check the doneness of the tofu or seitan cubes. They should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
• Once cooked, let the vegetarian city chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Serve your vegetarian city chicken with sides of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor of your vegetarian city chicken.
• Ensure even coating by dipping each tofu or seitan cube thoroughly in the egg and then rolling it in the breadcrumbs.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Good airflow is crucial for a crispy texture.
• Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving a crispy exterior and reducing cooking time.
• Flipping the tofu or seitan cubes halfway through cooking ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Frequently asked questions