Air Fryer Battered Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep frying or pan-frying chicken, offering a healthier, less messy option. But can you put battered chicken in an air fryer? The short answer is no. While air fryers are great for cooking chicken wings or fries, wet batter will not work and will create a mess. However, you can use a dry batter or breading on your chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This involves coating the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, or a flour and egg mixture, which will give your chicken a crispy texture.

Can you put battered chicken in an air fryer?

Using breadcrumbs vs. batter

It is not recommended to use batter in an air fryer as it will create a mess. An air fryer works more like a tiny oven or a super-powered countertop convection oven, so it is better suited for cooking crumb-coated items.

Breaded chicken in an air fryer

If you're looking for that crispy, juicy, and tender fried chicken taste and texture, an air fryer can deliver excellent results without the mess and health concerns of deep frying or pan frying. The hot air in the air fryer crisps the outside of the chicken while keeping the inside moist.

Using breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a great option for coating chicken in an air fryer as they provide a crunchy texture and golden brown colour. You can use regular breadcrumbs or fine breadcrumbs, which are easier to coat the chicken with and don't require dipping the chicken in egg first. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Using batter

If you want to use batter, a dry batter can work, but a wet batter is not recommended as it will create a mess. A traditional batter mix of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs can be used, but it may not crisp up as nicely as breadcrumbs alone.

Tips for breading chicken in an air fryer:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly lengthwise.
• Spray the chicken with cooking spray before dredging in the breadcrumbs to help them stick and make the chicken crispy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for more even results.
• Adjust the temperature and time as needed for your specific air fryer.

Cooking spray

When preparing the chicken, it is important to spray it with cooking spray before dredging it in the flour mixture. This helps the flour coating stick to the chicken and ensures that it will be crispy. It is also recommended to spray the chicken again after flipping it halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

Additionally, the air fryer basket should be sprayed with cooking spray before placing the chicken inside. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

It is worth noting that different types of cooking spray can be used, such as olive oil spray or any other type of cooking spray that you prefer. The key is to use a spray that will help the chicken achieve a crispy, golden texture while also preventing it from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Using cooking spray is an important step when making battered chicken in an air fryer, as it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, achieves the desired texture, and doesn't stick to the cooking surface.

Chicken preparation

The next step is to prepare the breading. In a medium bowl, mix together seasoned breadcrumbs with your choice of spices. You can also add grated cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino romano, to the breading mixture for extra flavour. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Once the breading is ready, spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray and then dredge them in the breading mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken completely and shake off any excess.

It is important to note that air fryers work best with dry batter or breading. Wet batter, such as a traditional flour and water mixture, will not work well in an air fryer and can create a mess.

After the chicken is coated, spray the air fryer pan with cooking spray. Then, spray the outside of the breaded chicken with cooking spray again. This helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature and time, typically around 390°F for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.

For best results, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray the other side with cooking spray. This helps to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying or pan frying, as they require less oil and result in less mess. However, they may not be suitable for all types of fried foods.

When it comes to the air fryer temperature for cooking battered chicken, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers circulate hot air around the food, so it is crucial to not overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Cooking in batches may be necessary.

Secondly, different types of chicken and batters will require different temperatures and cooking times. For example, chicken strips or thin slices of chicken breast will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so the temperature and cooking time should be adjusted accordingly to prevent overcooking or drying out the meat.

In general, for breaded or battered chicken, a temperature between 350°F to 390°F is recommended. For instance, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking thinly sliced chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking chicken thighs and drumsticks at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for chicken breasts and 175°F for dark meat such as thighs and legs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some air fryer manufacturers recommend against air frying battered foods, as it may result in a mess. Dry batter or breading methods may be more suitable for air frying.

Chicken type

When it comes to the type of chicken to use in an air fryer, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for air fryer recipes. This is because they cook more evenly and quickly, reducing the risk of overcooking or drying out the meat. Cutting the chicken breasts into thin slices or strips before cooking will also help ensure even cooking.

However, if you prefer dark meat or want a mix of white and dark meat, you can also use a whole chicken and cut it into pieces yourself. This option may take longer to cook and requires separating the bone-in pieces from the white meat to ensure they are cooked properly.

Another important consideration is the breading or coating for the chicken. For a simple option, you can coat the chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs. Fine breadcrumbs are easier to coat the chicken with and will give a crispier result. You can also add spices like oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Alternatively, for a classic fried chicken flavour, you can use a flour and buttermilk coating. Soak the chicken in buttermilk first, then coat it with flour and panko breadcrumbs. This method helps to tenderize the meat and create a crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions