Breaded Chicken: Oil-Less Fryer, Does It Work?

Breaded chicken is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer's ability to cook food evenly and quickly, without using excess oil, makes it a convenient option for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. When preparing breaded chicken in an air fryer, it is essential to use seasoned breadcrumbs and thinly sliced chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture. The cooking process is straightforward, involving dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in whisked eggs, and coating it with breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer. The air fryer's preheating feature and efficient air circulation further contribute to the ease and speed of cooking.

Air fryer breaded chicken cooking time and temperature

Yes, you can cook breaded chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of the chicken pieces, and whether the chicken is breaded or not. Here is a guide to help you get the best results when cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking breaded chicken in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. If you are using an air fryer that is also an oven, it is recommended to use the "air fryer" setting rather than the "bake" setting.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. For example, a 4-ounce chicken breast will take around 10-12 minutes to cook, while an 8-ounce breast will take 14-16 minutes or longer. It is recommended to cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flip it, and then check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Cooking Breaded Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the chicken pieces for air to circulate.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use an oil spray or a light drizzle of oil on the chicken and in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote crispness.
• Check the chicken frequently to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.

Using oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried food with a tiny fraction of the oil used in traditional methods. While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil to fresh ingredients can create a crispy layer and improve the overall taste of your dish.

You can use any kind of grilling, baking, roasting, or frying oil in your air fryer. You can also use animal fat. However, do not use cold-pressed oil as it will burn at high temperatures.

How to Use Oil in an Air Fryer

It is important to note that you should never pour oil directly into the pan of the air fryer. Instead, add oil to the ingredients themselves. Pre-fried foods such as frozen French fries, chicken nuggets, and spring rolls do not need extra oil.

When using oil with fresh ingredients, such as chicken or potatoes, you can either brush or spray the oil onto the outside of the food. Only coat with a single layer as excess oil will drip into the pan. Alternatively, you can mix some oil with your breadcrumbs when breading food or spray/brush oil onto the coat of breadcrumbs afterward. You can also marinate meat or poultry instead of brushing oil onto the outside.

Breaded chicken in an oven

Breaded chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an oven, air fryer, or deep fryer. Here is a guide specifically for cooking breaded chicken in an oven.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or boneless thighs
• Skinless chicken of roughly the same size
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or seasoned)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano)

Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to around 350-400°F. Prepare two separate mixtures in shallow dishes: one with breadcrumbs and seasonings, and another with flour and seasonings. Beat an egg in a separate bowl.

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Next, coat the chicken with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the chicken is fully coated by gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the meat.

Cooking

Place the breaded chicken onto a greased baking dish or tray. Spray the chicken generously with cooking spray or olive oil. Bake for around 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Breaded chicken can be served in sandwiches, salads, or with a side of vegetables. It is also great for dipping into sauces like honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Tips

• Avoid overbaking, as the chicken will continue to cook after being removed from the oven.
• If desired, add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.
• For juicy chicken, brine the chicken in salted lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• For crispier chicken, cook at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

Chicken breading ingredients

The ingredients used to bread chicken can vary depending on the recipe and desired outcome, but there are some common components used to create a crispy and crunchy coating. Here are the typical ingredients used in the breading process for chicken:

Flour

The first step in the breading process is to coat the raw chicken lightly in flour. This helps to absorb any excess moisture on the surface of the chicken, creating a dry surface for the next layer to adhere to. It also gives the subsequent layers something to cling to, ensuring that the breading doesn't slide off during cooking. All-purpose flour is typically used for this step.

Eggs

After the flour coating, the chicken is usually dipped in beaten eggs. The eggs act as a binding agent, helping the outer layer of breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. The eggs also provide a moist surface for the breadcrumbs to cling to, ensuring an even and complete coating.

Breadcrumbs

The final step in the breading process is to coat the chicken in breadcrumbs. There are different types of breadcrumbs that can be used, each giving a slightly different result:

• Fresh breadcrumbs: These can be made by pulsing slices of white bread in a food processor until fine crumbs form. They create a classic, evenly coated breading.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is light and flaky. It adds extra crunch and crispness to the breading.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs come with added flavours, such as herbs and spices, which can enhance the taste of the chicken.

Seasonings

In addition to the three main ingredients, various seasonings can be added to the flour or breadcrumbs to enhance the flavour of the chicken. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs such as basil and parsley.

Alternatives

While the traditional breading process uses flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, there are alternative ingredients that can be used to achieve a similar result:

• Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before coating it in flour helps to tenderize the meat and provides a sticky surface for the flour to adhere to.
• Milk: Milk can be used as a substitute for eggs if you're looking for a vegan-friendly option. However, it's important to coat the chicken in flour first when using milk to create a sticky coating.
• Yogurt or mayonnaise: Coating the chicken in yogurt or mayonnaise before breading can also help the breadcrumbs stick and add moisture to the meat.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon

Method

• Brining: Brining the chicken beforehand is not necessary, but it is recommended as it makes the meat juicier and more flavoursome. To brine the chicken, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of lukewarm water. Let the chicken sit in this saltwater for at least 15 minutes, or for up to 6 hours in the fridge. Then, rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Marinating: Marinating the chicken is also optional, but it will add more flavour. For best results, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for up to 24 hours.
• Breading: There are two ways to bread the chicken. For the first method, dip the chicken in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs. For the second method, coat the chicken with flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure they stick.
• Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Spray the chicken with oil and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Resting and Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. For extra flavour, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently asked questions