Air Fryer Chicken With A Batter Coating: A Recipe Guide

Can You Put Batter on Chicken for the Air Fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken that's healthier, less messy, and just as tasty as the deep-fried variety. But can you use batter in an air fryer? The answer is yes, but it's important to note that not all batters are created equal when it comes to air frying.

A traditional liquid batter like tempura will drip off and make a mess in your air fryer. Instead, opt for a dry coating or a thicker batter that will stick to your chicken without dripping. One popular method is to use a flour, egg, and breadcrumb dredging process, making sure to use a light hand with the egg so that the batter doesn't become too wet.

Another option is to use a flour and buttermilk batter, which can help create a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. You can also add spices and seasonings to your batter for extra flavour.

When using batter in an air fryer, it's crucial to spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd your air fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking and undercooked spots.

With the right techniques and ingredients, you can certainly enjoy delicious battered chicken from your air fryer!

Using batter in an air fryer

You can use batter in an air fryer, but it is important to note that a traditional liquid batter will not work. The batter will drip off the food and create a mess. Even a thicker wet batter will not work in an air fryer.

Instead, use a dry coating or a thicker batter that will stick to the chicken. For example, a flour batter or breading will work well in an air fryer. You can also use a flour and buttermilk mixture, which will help the flour stick to the chicken and create a crispy coating.

• Make sure to spray your air fryer basket with non-stick spray before placing the battered chicken in it to avoid sticking.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer. Circulating air is essential for even cooking, so leave enough space between the food items. If needed, cook in batches.
• Do not skip the cooking oil spray. This will help create a crunchy fried chicken texture. Spray any areas of the chicken that are still covered in uncooked coating.
• If you are using a very thick batter, try letting the mixture air dry on the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This will help the coating adhere to the skin.
• If you are using a wet batter, such as a flour and buttermilk mixture, shake off any excess before placing the chicken in the air fryer.
• For an extra crispy coating, spray the chicken with oil before and during cooking.

The best coatings for chicken

There are a few options for coatings when it comes to cooking chicken in an air fryer. The most popular choice is a flour-based batter, which can be made with either all-purpose or wheat flour. This batter can be seasoned with a variety of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to add flavor to the chicken. Cornstarch can also be added to the flour mixture to thicken the batter and create an even crispier coating.

Another option for a chicken coating is to use breadcrumbs instead of flour. Breadcrumbs will give the chicken a nice crispy outer layer, similar to traditional fried chicken. Some recipes also call for a combination of flour and breadcrumbs, creating a thicker and crispier coating.

When preparing chicken for the air fryer, it is important to coat the chicken pieces evenly and generously with the chosen coating. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and has a crispy texture. It is also recommended to spray the chicken with oil before cooking to help achieve a golden brown color and extra crispiness.

Additionally, some recipes suggest marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices before coating and cooking. This step adds flavor and moisture to the chicken, as well as helping the coating adhere better. The chicken can be marinated for as little as 10 minutes or up to 24 hours in advance.

How to make fried chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken – a mix of bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, or chicken breasts.
• Buttermilk – this helps the flour adhere to the chicken.
• Eggs – this acts as a binding agent.
• Oil spray – to make the chicken taste like it's been deep-fried.
• Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, and onion powder.
• All-purpose flour – this is the base of the coating that makes the chicken crunchy.

Method

• Marinate the chicken: Add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken.
• Coat the chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Prep the air fryer: Spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry the chicken: Air fry for 15 minutes, flip the chicken, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Be generous with the oil spray to ensure the chicken is crispy.
• Don't stack the chicken in the air fryer. This will cause the coating to come off and the chicken to cook unevenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked.

How to make chicken crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Chicken – Bone-in and skin-on chicken, including a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts.
• Buttermilk – This helps the flour adhere to the chicken for the coating.
• Eggs – This acts as a binding agent.
• Spices – Salt, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper.
• Flour – All-purpose flour or wheat flour.
• Oil – Vegetable, canola, or olive oil.

Method

• Marinate the chicken: Add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken.
• Coat the chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Prep the air fryer: Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket.
• Air fry the chicken: Air fry for 15 minutes, flip the chicken, spray the chicken again with cooking spray, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Be generous with the oil spray to ensure the chicken is crispy and golden brown.
• Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken is cooked.

How to make buttermilk for fried chicken

Ingredients

• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of seasoned salt
• 1/2 tablespoon of ground black pepper
• 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
• 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Method

• Place the chicken thighs in a shallow casserole dish and pour the buttermilk over them. You can also add some hot sauce to the buttermilk for a spicy kick. Leave to marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper.
• Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and dredge the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour.
• Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk, then coat with panko bread crumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place half of the chicken thighs in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
• Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip and spray the tops again. Continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Repeat the process with the remaining chicken.

Tips:

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to measure 1 cup.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken for a crispier crust.

Frequently asked questions