Air-Fryer Chicken: Can You Use Dredged Meat?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. This means that food can be cooked with little to no oil, reducing the fat and calories in your meal. You can cook chicken in an air fryer, and it is recommended that you use bone-in chicken thighs and legs for the most flavour. You can dredge chicken in the air fryer, but it is important to ensure that the chicken is dry before dredging to ensure that the coating sticks.

How to prepare dredged chicken for the air fryer

Preparing dredged chicken for the air fryer is a simple process that yields delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy, juicy, and tender air-fried chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by selecting your chicken pieces. You can use bone-in chicken thighs and legs, or opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you're using bone-in chicken, it's recommended to keep the skin on as it helps the coating stick and adds moisture and flavour. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken (Optional)

For extra juicy and flavourful chicken, you can brine the chicken before dredging. Combine buttermilk, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large resealable bag or container. Add the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight. This step is optional but will enhance the flavour and tenderness of your chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Dredge

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour, your choice of seasonings, and spices. You can use Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Take your chicken pieces and dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip the chicken into a bowl of beaten egg, and finally, dredge them again in the flour mixture. This double-dredging technique will give your chicken a crispy coating.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-390°F (180-193°C). Make sure to refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines.

Step 6: Place Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the dredged chicken pieces into the bottom of the air fryer cooking compartment, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space between the pieces to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 7: Spray with Oil

Lightly coat the dredged chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step ensures an even browning and a crispy exterior without using excessive oil.

Step 8: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces. For example, chicken thighs may take 25-28 minutes, while chicken breasts should be cooked for about 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process and spray with oil again if needed.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-180°F (77-82°C).

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite.

And there you have it! You've successfully prepared and cooked dredged chicken in your air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and healthier version of fried chicken right at home.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can put dredged chicken in an air fryer! In fact, air fryers are a great way to achieve crispy, fried chicken without the need for deep frying in oil. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Healthy Alternative:

Air fryers use minimal oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food. This makes it a healthier option compared to traditional deep frying, which can add unnecessary fat and calories. Air frying also lowers the risk of consuming harmful substances produced by oil frying, such as acrylamide, which is linked to an increased chance of getting cancer.

Taste and Texture:

Despite using less oil, air fryers still deliver on taste and texture. They create a crispy, crunchy exterior similar to deep-fried food. The circulating hot air cooks the outside of the food first, resulting in a golden-brown coating, while keeping the inside soft and juicy.

Easy and Convenient:

Air fryers are easy to use and require minimal hands-on time. Once you put the food in the fryer, you can walk away and let it do the work for you. They also heat up and cook food much faster than a conventional oven, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Versatility:

Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including chicken, vegetables, fish, and even desserts. They can be used for frying, baking, roasting, and heating up leftovers. Many air fryers also come with additional accessories, such as baking pans or grill grates, allowing you to cook different types of dishes.

Easy Cleanup:

Air fryers are easy to clean. You can simply wash the air fryer basket with soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge, or even put it in the dishwasher. Additionally, the small size of an air fryer means it won't create a big mess in your kitchen.

Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers are energy-efficient, using less energy than traditional ovens and stovetops. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money on your electricity bill.

How to ensure your chicken is cooked through

There are a few ways to ensure your chicken is cooked through when using an air fryer. Firstly, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165°F, but some people prefer to remove the chicken from the air fryer at around 155°F and let it rest for a few minutes, as the temperature will continue to rise and the meat will remain juicy.

You can also check that the juices run clear and not red when a skewer or the tip of a knife is inserted into the thickest part of the meat. This method is not as precise as using a thermometer, but it can give you an indication of whether the chicken is cooked through.

Another way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to follow the recommended cooking times for your particular air fryer model and the type of chicken you are cooking. Different air fryers may have slightly different cooking times, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. In general, chicken breasts will take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while chicken thighs and drumsticks may take a little longer, around 20-25 minutes.

Finally, some air fryer models have a built-in temperature probe that can be inserted into the chicken to monitor its internal temperature. This can be a helpful feature to ensure your chicken is cooked through without having to open the air fryer basket and interrupt the cooking process.

The best cuts of chicken to use

When it comes to making air fryer fried chicken from scratch, first, consider the chicken. While white and dark meat are individual preferences, as are bone-in chicken versus boneless tenders, different cuts require different approaches.

Boneless chicken will cook faster and will get a more evenly crispy texture from the air fryer because of its uniform thickness. However, bone-in chicken retains more flavour and juiciness during the cooking process. Dark meat has a higher fat content than white, so it's less likely to dry out, while the bone adds moisture and flavour. The skin also helps moisten the meat and bones pull in heat to promote even cooking.

If you use boneless chicken, you might need to adjust the cooking time, but look for chicken with skin for the best results. The skin helps the coating stick to the chicken, creating a crispy outside.

Chicken breasts can dry out faster, so it's better to use a batter to seal in the moisture. If you use skin-off, you can expect drier chicken. If you don't want to eat the skin, simply cook the chicken breast with the skin on and then remove it before eating.

Chicken thighs are done in 25-28 minutes, or until they reach a temperature of 180-185°F (165 °F for safety). Chicken breasts take around 25 minutes, depending on their thickness. Chicken tenders will take only 15-16 minutes to cook, depending on their thickness.

How to store and reheat your chicken

If you have dredged more chicken than you need, there is no good way to keep it in a "ready-to-fry" state. The flour will slowly absorb moisture and become a paste-like texture. One option is to wash off the flour and dry the chicken with a paper towel before storing it in the fridge and then re-doing the dredging procedure when you are ready to cook.

If you have already cooked your dredged chicken and are looking to store and reheat it, make sure you cool the chicken completely, preferably on a rack so that steam can escape without making the coating soggy. As soon as it's cool, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap each piece in foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating in the microwave can leave the outside of fried chicken soggy and the meat dry, so it is best to reheat in the oven or air fryer. Place the chicken pieces directly in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them once, until they are hot and crispy, which should take about five minutes. Alternatively, place the chicken on a sheet pan, cover it with foil, and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake until the crust is crispy and the chicken is heated through.

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