Deep Frying Shake And Bake: Safe Or Not?

Shake and Bake is a convenient way to prepare chicken, where chicken pieces are shaken in a bag of flavoured breadcrumbs and then baked or fried. While Shake and Bake is typically baked in the oven, it can also be cooked in an air fryer or deep fryer. This article will explore the different ways to cook Shake and Bake chicken, including the steps involved, ingredients needed, and tips for achieving the perfect crispy texture.

Shake and Bake is a type of flavoured breadcrumb mix

Shake 'n Bake is a type of flavoured breadcrumb mix from Kraft Foods. It is used to prepare chicken by shaking chicken pieces in a bag filled with the breadcrumbs and then baking them, rather than frying them. The breadcrumbs come in a variety of flavours and seasonings, and you can also add your own. The breadcrumbs can be used to coat chicken before air frying, deep frying, or pan frying.

Shake 'n Bake is a convenient and affordable option for a quick, tasty, and juicy chicken dinner. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious fried chicken meal without the hassle or excess oil of deep frying. The breadcrumbs add a burst of flavour and a crispy texture to the chicken.

To use Shake 'n Bake, start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a kitchen paper towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer the chicken to a freezer bag and drizzle with oil, rubbing it in to coat the chicken. Then, pour a packet of Shake 'n Bake into the bag, seal, and shake until the chicken is fully coated. Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil spray, and place the chicken inside. Air fry the chicken for 16-18 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Before coating your chicken with Shake 'n Bake, you can moisten it with water or a marinade to help the breadcrumbs stick. You can also add a glaze such as low-fat mayonnaise or tangy barbecue sauce. After coating the chicken, cook it immediately to prevent the crumbs from becoming soggy.

It's typically used to coat chicken

Shake 'n Bake is a type of flavoured breadcrumb mix from Kraft Foods. It is typically used to coat chicken, and the preparation method is where the product gets its name. Chicken pieces are shaken in a bag filled with the breadcrumbs and then baked, rather than fried.

The breadcrumbs come in a variety of flavours and can be further customised by adding seasonings such as cayenne pepper, dill, thyme, sage, cumin or curry powder. The breadcrumbs can also be mixed with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Before coating the chicken, it is recommended to moisten it so that the breadcrumbs stick. This can be done with water, or a marinade can be used to add flavour. The chicken can then be baked in the oven or grilled on a barbecue for a smoky flavour.

Shake 'n Bake can also be used to coat chicken before pan-frying or deep-frying, which will give the chicken a crispy exterior and crunchy texture. When deep-frying, it is recommended to dip the chicken in egg before coating it in the breadcrumbs to help them stick.

You can use Shake and Bake in an air fryer

Yes, you can use Shake and Bake in an air fryer. It's a quick, easy, and convenient way to cook chicken, and it only requires a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook Shake and Bake chicken in an air fryer:

Ingredients

To make Shake and Bake chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, thighs, or a whole chicken cut into quarters.
• Shake 'n Bake coating mix: Look for Kraft's Bake 'N Shake original chicken coating mix, or a similar product.
• Oil: Olive oil is recommended, but you can also use avocado oil or any other flavourless oil.
• Optional seasonings: You can add extra seasonings to the coating mix for more flavour. This could include cayenne pepper, fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or sage, or spices like cumin or curry powder.

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F / 200°C and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
• Prepare the chicken: For large chicken breasts, slice them into cutlets or pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Coat the chicken: Drizzle a small amount of oil on the chicken and rub it all over. Transfer the chicken to a freezer bag, and pour in the Shake 'n Bake coating mix. Seal the bag tightly and shake until the chicken is fully coated. Discard any leftover coating mix.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry for 16-18 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil spray when you flip it. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.
• Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender chicken.

Tips and Variations

• Dry the chicken thoroughly before coating to ensure the breading sticks properly and to prevent sogginess.
• For extra crispiness, use a light coating of mayonnaise or oil before shaking the chicken in the breading mix.
• Shake the chicken in small batches to ensure an even coating.
• You can reheat leftovers in the air fryer to restore crispness. Reheat at 380°F / 190°C for 5-7 minutes.
• For a spicier option, add cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the breading mix.
• For an herb-crusted variation, add dried thyme, oregano, and basil to the breading.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko.
• For a cheesy option, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breading.

It's a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken

Shake 'n Bake is a type of seasoned, flavoured breadcrumb mix from Kraft Foods. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. When comparing the nutrition facts, Shake ‘N Bake appears to be a healthier choice over fried chicken. A 3-ounce portion of Shake ‘N Bake chicken has significantly fewer calories, less fat, and lower cholesterol compared to deep-fried chicken.

Frying chicken adds a lot of extra calories and fat. When chicken is deep-fried, the batter absorbs the oil, packing in extra calories and fat. In contrast, when chicken is oven-baked with Shake ‘N Bake, very little oil is used. The primary source of fat in fried chicken is the frying oil, which is high in saturated fat. Only a small amount comes from the chicken itself. Saturated fats are linked to high cholesterol levels and heart disease risk when eaten in excess.

Shake ‘N Bake chicken has less cholesterol for the same serving size as fried chicken. Because it is baked rather than deep-fried, less cholesterol is released. Additionally, no cholesterol is added from the oil. The source of fat for Shake 'N Bake chicken comes from the chicken itself, which is a lean protein and relatively low in saturated fat.

While Shake ‘N Bake is generally healthier than deep-fried chicken, it does contain more sodium. This is because Shake ‘N Bake relies heavily on salt and seasoning to add flavor. The high sodium content is one reason why Shake ‘N Bake should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.

In terms of convenience, deep-frying chicken is faster but makes more dishes to wash. Baking with Shake ‘N Bake takes longer but avoids any oil splatter cleanup.

You can add extra seasoning to the mix

Shake 'n Bake is a type of flavoured breadcrumb mix from Kraft Foods. It's a convenient and affordable option for a quick, easy, and tasty chicken dinner. While the mix already contains several seasonings and comes in a variety of flavours, you can add extra seasoning to the mix for an extra kick.

For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper, ancho chilli powder, or chipotle powder to the breadcrumbs before coating your chicken. You can also add some fresh ground herbs like dill, thyme, sage, cumin, or curry powder. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, consider adding some crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs to the mix for that extra crunch.

If you're looking for a cheesy flavour, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breading. You can also add some caramelized onion powder for a richer flavour or even stir in some garlic salt or finely chopped fresh onions.

Additionally, you can drizzle some honey mustard dressing over the cooked chicken or pour some spaghetti sauce over it for an Italian-themed meal.

Frequently asked questions