Buttered Chicken In An Air Fryer: To Do Or Not?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using much oil, but can you put butter on chicken in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can. In fact, using butter can help you achieve a golden, crispy finish on your chicken. However, it's important to note that butter has a low smoke point, so you should always use moderate amounts and keep the temperature under 350°F to prevent smoke and burning.

How to prepare chicken for the air fryer

Preparing chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook juicy, flavourful chicken without the need for large amounts of oil. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare chicken for the air fryer.

Choose Your Chicken

You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for air frying. Chicken thighs tend to have a more intense flavour and are more difficult to overcook, but chicken breasts work well too.

Marinate the Chicken

To add flavour to your chicken, you can marinate it before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by mixing spices like salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, ginger paste and garlic paste. You can also add a little butter to your marinade for extra richness. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight for more intense flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket, brush the basket with a small amount of oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper.

Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the chicken for around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. For crispier chicken, consider flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time.

Check the Temperature

To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Baste with Butter

For extra flavour and moisture, you can baste your chicken with butter during the cooking process. Melted butter is best, as it will coat the chicken more evenly. You can also add herbs and spices to your butter for extra flavour.

Tips for Success

• Avoid using too much butter, as it can cause smoking and burning.
• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Leave space between chicken pieces to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Experiment with different herbs, spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations.
• Try using clarified butter, which has a higher smoke point and is less likely to burn.
• Clean your air fryer regularly to prevent a buildup of grease and residue.

How to make a marinade for the chicken

Using a marinade is a great way to keep your chicken moist and tender when cooking with an air fryer. Here's a guide on how to make a marinade for chicken:

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make a marinade for chicken. Here are some options:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic (granules, powder, or freshly minced)
• Herbs (e.g. basil, oregano, sage, thyme, Italian seasoning)
• Spices (e.g. black pepper, red pepper flakes)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Instructions

• Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and cutting shallow slits on the surface to help the marinade penetrate and cook the chicken more evenly.
• Mix your chosen ingredients in a bowl to create the marinade.
• Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
• Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours, or even up to 12 hours for more intense flavour.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 390-400°F/195-204°C.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74-75°C.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for more even cooking.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your own unique marinade!

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Firstly, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. If you are using chicken breasts, you can slice them into thin pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and add your desired spices and herbs for marination. You can use a variety of spices such as salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Mix everything well and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature will depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure the air fryer is fully heated.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Brush the air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper. Make sure there is no overcrowding in the basket, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry the chicken for about 5 minutes, then flip the pieces and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure it reaches 165°F. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until it's done.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
• For extra crispiness, fully preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the chicken.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken!

How to make a sauce for the chicken

There are many ways to make a sauce for chicken in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Soy Sauce Chicken

This recipe is inspired by Taiwanese Chicken Bento boxes found at train stations. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, and garlic. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results. Then, add the chicken to the air fryer, skin side up, and cook at 380°F for 15 minutes.

Kung Pao Sauce or Orange Sauce Chicken

Coat your chicken in cornstarch or potato starch, then place it in a bowl and mix in your sauce of choice. You can use store-bought sauces such as Panda Express Kung Pao Sauce or Orange Sauce, or make your own. Pour about 1/4 cup of sauce over the chicken and mix well. You can then serve the chicken over rice with broccoli and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Garlic Butter Chicken

For this recipe, you will need to blend butter with garlic, rosemary, and Old Bay seasoning. Place the chicken in the air fryer and spread the butter mixture on top, reserving about 1 tablespoon to baste the chicken halfway through cooking. Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Gochujang Dipping Sauce

This sauce is mentioned as a great pairing with air fryer chicken. To make it, mix 1/2 cup of mayo with about 2 tablespoons of gochujang sauce, 1 clove of grated garlic, a dash of soy sauce, and some rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to clean the air fryer after cooking

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer. However, be aware that cooking food with a lot of butter or other fats can cause your air fryer to smoke. To avoid this, you can add a small amount of water to the drawer underneath the air fryer basket.

Now, here's how to clean your air fryer after cooking:

How to Clean an Air Fryer

• Unplug your air fryer: Ensure your appliance is unplugged before you begin cleaning.
• Remove the basket or pan: Take out the air fryer basket or tray/pan and soak it in very warm, soapy water. Scrub with a sponge. For stainless steel trays, you can use an abrasive sponge, but for other finishes, use a non-abrasive sponge.
• Wipe down the interior: Use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe out the inside of your air fryer, including the heating element.
• Clean the exterior: Use a clean cloth with warm soapy water to wipe down the outside of your air fryer. If you have a stainless-steel oven-style fryer, you can use a stainless-steel polishing wipe. For glass elements, a spray of white vinegar and lemon juice will help clean any streaks.
• Dry the air fryer: Before using your air fryer again, ensure that it is thoroughly dry.

Tips for Cleaning Your Air Fryer

• Clean your air fryer immediately after use. Allow it to cool completely, then wash all the parts before food residue dries and sticks on.
• Use a high-quality soap that cuts grease effectively.
• For extra stubborn residue and stuck-on food, allow the basket to soak before scrubbing.
• Use baking soda, vinegar, or a combination of the two to handle extra stuck-on food.
• Check your air fryer's instruction manual for cleaning tips specific to your model.

It is recommended to clean your air fryer after each use and to deep clean about once a month or more frequently if you use it often or cook greasy foods.

Frequently asked questions