Air-Fried Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken. Not only does it require less oil, but it also reduces the calories and fat content of the dish. The result is a chicken that is just as crispy and juicy as its deep-fried counterpart, with a fraction of the mess and time.

How to make fried chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 ½ cups of buttermilk
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Salt to taste

Method

• Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined. Add the chicken pieces and push them down to submerge them in the liquid. Let the chicken marinate for 5 to 10 minutes or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Bread the chicken: In a separate bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper, and whisk well. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the buttermilk mixture. Roll it again in the flour, covering it completely. Set it on a baking sheet and dredge the remaining pieces.
• Prep the air fryer: Generously spray the chicken with olive oil spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between each piece to allow for airflow.
• Air fry the chicken: Air fry at 360°F for 15-20 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve: Enjoy your crispy, juicy fried chicken!

Tips:

• Use parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and to make cleanup easier.
• Always cook chicken in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If you have more chicken than can fit in a single layer, cook in batches.
• Be generous with the olive oil spray to ensure all areas of the chicken are coated. This will help you achieve a golden brown and crispy coating.
• You can use skin-on or skinless chicken, depending on your preference.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan frying, offering a healthier way to cook fried chicken without compromising on taste. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Health Benefits

Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing the fat and calories in your food. This is a healthier option as research links the oils used in deep frying to health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Air frying can cut calories by 70% to 80% and lower the amount of acrylamide—a chemical formed when frying starchy foods that has been linked to cancer—by 90%.

Taste and Texture

Despite using less oil, air fryers still deliver on the taste and texture of deep-fried foods. They create a crispy, golden-brown coating on the outside while keeping the inside soft and juicy. This is achieved through circulating hot air around the food, cooking the outside first and creating a crispy brown coating.

Ease of Use and Time Saving

Air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them perfect for busy weeknights. They heat up and cook food faster than a conventional oven. There is also less mess and cleanup compared to dealing with big pots of hot oil. Additionally, air fryers don't require preheating, so you can start cooking right away.

Versatility

While fried chicken is a popular choice for air frying, these appliances are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of foods. They can cook anything from vegetables and meats to desserts and leftover meals. Many air fryers also come with additional accessories, such as baking pans or grill grates, further expanding your cooking options.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are energy-efficient, using less energy than traditional ovens and stovetops. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money on your electricity bill.

How to get the crispiest chicken

Ingredients

• Bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or a mix)
• Buttermilk
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Flour (all-purpose or wheat)
• Cornstarch
• Spices (salt, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, onion powder)
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least 10 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavour.
• Combine flour, cornstarch, and spices in a separate bowl.
• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess.
• Coat the chicken with the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered.
• Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
• Air fry at 360-415°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil during cooking, targeting any dry or floury spots.

Tips

• For even cooking and maximum crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping in the air fryer basket.
• Use an oil spray or mister to control the amount of oil used and ensure an even coating.
• Pat the chicken dry before coating with the marinade and breading mixture for a crispier, juicier result.
• For a thicker breading, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture before air frying.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy, golden, and delicious leftover chicken. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Preheating is important to ensure the chicken reheats evenly and helps retain its crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover fried chicken out of the refrigerator. If the chicken pieces are stacked, separate them to ensure even heating and heating throughout.

Step 3: Optional – Use Cooking Spray

For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the chicken.

Step 4: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. This allows for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the chicken in batches to ensure even heating and crispiness.

Step 5: Reheat in the Air Fryer

Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for the desired duration. The reheating time will depend on the size and number of chicken pieces. For larger pieces, reheat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For chicken tenders or wings, 5-7 minutes should be sufficient. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the initial heating time, carefully open the air fryer and check the chicken. It should be warmed through and crispy. If not, continue reheating in small intervals until done.

Step 7: Finish Reheating and Serve

Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two. This helps the crust to set and become even crispier. Your fried chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness and ensure all pieces are heated evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is thoroughly reheated. The internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C.
• Customize with seasonings: sprinkle your favourite seasonings or spices to add extra flavour before reheating.
• Serve with dipping sauces: fried chicken pairs well with various sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

Other Reheating Options:

Although the air fryer is the best option for reheating fried chicken, you can also use an oven, toaster oven, or microwave. However, these methods may result in a softer exterior and uneven heating.

What to serve with air-fried chicken

If you're looking for some side dishes to serve with your air-fried chicken, here are some ideas:

• Stovetop baked beans
• Quick stovetop mac and cheese
• Southern-style collard greens
• Salad
• Coleslaw
• Mashed potatoes
• Spinach strawberry salad
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Stir fry
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Roasted potatoes and carrots

These suggestions offer a range of options to accompany your air-fried chicken, from classic comfort foods to fresh and healthy choices.

Frequently asked questions