Shake And Bake: Air Fryer Style

Shake and bake chicken is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer method yields a crispy and juicy chicken with a crunchy coating and a tender interior. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal preparation and cooking time. The chicken is coated in a seasoning mix, which typically includes breadcrumbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. The air fryer's even circulation of hot air ensures a crispy exterior and moist interior for the chicken.

How to make shake and bake chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, or tenders
• Shake 'n Bake seasoning
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Parchment paper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F (180-200°C).
• Prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels or rinsing it with water. If your chicken breasts are uneven, you can flatten or butterfly them for more even cooking.
• Brush or spray the chicken with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick.
• Place the Shake 'n Bake seasoning in a plastic bag or shallow dish. Add the chicken, one piece at a time, and shake or coat until fully covered.
• Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil for a golden, crispy texture.
• Air fry for 10-18 minutes at 360-400°F (180-200°C), flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can use boneless or bone-in chicken, with or without skin.
• If you want to add more flavour, try combining the Shake 'n Bake seasoning with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or hot sauce.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk or olive oil, and ensure your breading doesn't contain cheese.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between each piece of chicken for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for coating your chicken

• Before coating the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the breading mixture stick better and prevents soggy chicken.
• If using a store-bought shake and bake seasoning packet, pour the mixture into the plastic bag that comes with it. If you're making your own seasoning, use a large freezer bag or a shallow dish.
• Brush or lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before coating. This ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken.
• Place the chicken in the bag with the seasoning and seal it. Shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
• If you have a lot of chicken, coat in batches to ensure each piece is thoroughly covered.
• After coating, place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space so that the pieces are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to achieve a golden colour and crispy texture.
• If you have any leftover coating, you can discard it.

How to reheat shake and bake chicken

Reheating shake and bake chicken in an air fryer is a simple process, but it should be done carefully to ensure the chicken stays juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Allow the leftover chicken to come to room temperature before reheating. This helps ensure that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly and helps retain moisture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187°C).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded. Leave enough space for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
• Reheat the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Chicken is typically considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover shake and bake chicken with the perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy coating.

Can you use foil in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use foil in an air fryer!

Using foil in an air fryer can make cleaning up easier, and it can also help you cook certain foods. For example, you can use foil to secure items that might roll around or drip through the basket, like eggs. You can also use it to line your basket when cooking saucy foods, which will eliminate the need to scrub off burnt sauce after cooking.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, never let the foil touch the heating element of your air fryer. Secondly, make sure the foil is weighted down so it doesn't blow around the basket. Finally, avoid using foil with acidic ingredients, as this can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

It's also worth noting that using foil can interfere with the airflow in your air fryer, which may affect cooking performance. So, while you can use foil, it's not always the best option. In some cases, it may be better to use parchment paper or silicone mats/baskets designed for air fryers.

Is air frying chicken better than baking chicken?

Air fryers have become extremely popular in recent years, but does that mean they are better than conventional ovens? The answer depends on what you are cooking and how you like to cook it.

Benefits of Air Frying Chicken

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional frying and baking. They work by circulating hot air around your food, using only a small fraction of the oil required for deep frying. This delivers a very similar taste and texture without the health consequences of traditional frying methods, which are high in fat and calories.

Air fryers are also:

• Quick and easy to use
• Able to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, in a short space of time
• Safe to use, as they require handling far less hot oil than deep fat fryers
• Able to reduce the risk of certain diseases, as they use less oil

Benefits of Oven Baking Chicken

Ovens have been around for much longer than air fryers and are a trusted way to cook chicken. They use hot air to cook food slowly and indirectly, allowing foods in a more liquid form to take shape while cooking. They are also:

• Able to cook a large amount of food at once, making them ideal for cooking for a group
• More likely to retain nutrients in food, as frying can cause a loss of certain nutrients
• More readily accessible, as most homes will have a conventional oven

Drawbacks of Air Frying Chicken

While air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, they still carry risks that could be harmful. For example, they are susceptible to harmful compounds that can form with use, such as cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines, which are found in meat cooked at high temperatures.

Drawbacks of Oven Baking Chicken

Ovens have limited functionality compared to air fryers, which offer multiple cooking styles. They can also be slower to heat up and take longer to cook food.

So, Which is Better?

It depends! Both air fryers and ovens have their pros and cons when it comes to cooking chicken, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and convenience. If you are short on time and want to cook a small amount of food, an air fryer might be the best option. However, if you are cooking for a large group, an oven may be more suitable.

Frequently asked questions