Air Fryer Shake And Bake Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Shake and bake chicken is a delicious, juicy, and crunchy dish that can be made in an air fryer with minimal prep time and simple ingredients. It is a perfect meal for busy weeknights and can be paired with various side dishes to make a complete meal. The air fryer method makes the chicken crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and it is also a healthier option compared to deep frying or oven baking.

How to make shake and bake chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• Olive oil
• Shake and bake seasoning
• Cooking oil spray

Optional Ingredients

• Water for moistening
• Honey (or hot honey for extra kick)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Honey butter
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter

Method

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F. The prep time for this recipe is quick, so you'll want to have your air fryer heated up and ready to start cooking right away.

Step Two: Brush your chicken breasts lightly with olive oil. This step is essential to guarantee that the seasoning sticks to the chicken.

Step Three: Pour your shake and bake seasoning into a plastic bag. You can also use a shallow plate. Coat the chicken breasts one at a time by dropping them into the bag and shaking until covered evenly. Be sure to twist and hold the bag closed before you shake it. You can discard any leftover coating.

Step Four: Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer.

Step Five: Spray the tops of the chicken with oil using a spray bottle, then cook in the air fryer at 380 degrees F for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Your chicken will be ready once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Tips

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F or 200C. Take a baking tray and line it with parchment paper. Lay the coated chicken breasts, keeping space in between. Bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Don't forget to spray them with oil and flip them midway.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk or just olive oil. Also, ensure that your breading does not contain any cheese.
• If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, you can flatten them slightly using a mallet or butterfly them for faster cooking.
• You can also make your own shake and bake seasoning by mixing seasonings with breadcrumbs.

Tips for coating your chicken

• Before coating your chicken, pat the meat dry with clean paper towels. The drier the surface, the better the breading will stick.
• Lightly brush or spray the chicken with olive oil or canola oil. This will help the breading adhere and create an extra crispy skin.
• If you're using a store-bought shake and bake mix, pour it into the plastic bag that comes with the mixture. If you don't have a bag, use a shallow bowl or plate.
• Coat the chicken breasts one at a time. Drop them into the bag or dip them into the shallow plate, ensuring they are entirely covered.
• Shake off any excess breading to keep things crispy.
• If you're making your own breading, try adding a drizzle of oil to the mixture and massaging it in. This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
• For an extra crispy coating, spray the chicken with oil while it's air frying.

Reheating shake and bake chicken

Preparation:

• Let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This ensures that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly and helps keep the meat moist.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. It is best to put food into a hot basket, so preheating is essential.

Reheating:

• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space around each piece for air to circulate. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and sogginess.
• Reheat for about 4-5 minutes, or until heated through.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Brush the chicken with a sauce of your choice in the last minute or two of cooking to add moisture. Alternatively, you can add sauce at the end.

Tips:

• If you are reheating breaded chicken, ensure you remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps it cook quicker and prevents moisture release, keeping the breading crisp.
• Spray the chicken with olive oil or coconut oil before reheating to help achieve a crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and juicy shake and bake chicken from your air fryer!

Can you use foil in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use foil in an air fryer! However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure the foil doesn't touch the heating element, and weigh it down with food so it doesn't fly around. You should also avoid using foil with acidic ingredients, as this can cause the foil to leach onto your food. In addition, using foil can interfere with the airflow in the air fryer, which may affect the cooking performance and evenness. Therefore, it is recommended to only use foil when necessary, such as when cooking saucy foods or foods that might roll around.

Is air frying chicken better than baking chicken?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, but is it true that air-frying is better than oven-baking?

Health Benefits

Air-frying delivers a similar taste and texture to deep-fried foods without the same health consequences. Air fryers use only a small fraction of the oil required for deep frying, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food. This can promote a healthy weight and lower your chances of illness and disease.

However, air-frying is still susceptible to harmful compounds that can form during use, such as cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines, which are found in meat cooked at high temperatures.

Oven-baking, on the other hand, requires no additional oil, reducing the risk of harmful contaminants. It also results in lower fat content and better preserves vitamins and minerals.

Taste and Texture

Air-frying can deliver incredibly crispy and juicy chicken with a golden, fried appearance. It can also speed up the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Oven-baking can deliver delicious, evenly cooked chicken, especially when using methods like roasting or baking. It is a great option if you're cooking for a larger group or preparing multiple dishes at once.

Practical Considerations

Air fryers are typically compact, countertop appliances that heat up quickly and are ideal for smaller kitchens. They are also inexpensive and easy to use, making them a convenient option for beginners.

Ovens, on the other hand, are more commonly found in kitchens and offer multiple racks for accommodating different dishes. They are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking styles, such as roasting, broiling, toasting, and baking.

So, which is better? The answer depends on your personal preferences, budget, and cooking needs. If you're looking for a quick, convenient, and healthy way to cook crispy chicken, an air fryer might be your best bet. If you're cooking for a larger group or prefer the taste and texture of oven-baked chicken, a traditional oven may be the way to go. Ultimately, the key to perfectly cooked chicken is reaching the right internal temperature, regardless of the cooking method.

Frequently asked questions