Air Fryer Shake And Bake: Is It Possible?

Shake and bake chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer. The dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it only requires a few simple ingredients and takes minimal prep time. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, packed with flavour and with a crunchy texture. The air fryer also makes cleaning up easier.

How to make shake and bake chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet of Shake 'n Bake (or similar) seasoning and coating mix
• Olive oil
• Optional: non-stick cooking spray, or aluminium foil

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Plastic bag (ideally the one that comes with the seasoning)
• EVO Oil Mister (or similar)
• Meat thermometer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F / 200°C.
• Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil. This will help the seasoning stick.
• Pour the shake and bake seasoning into the plastic bag.
• Place the chicken breasts into the bag, one at a time, and shake until they are evenly coated.
• Place the coated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer.
• Spray the tops of the chicken with oil.
• Air fry at 380°F / 200°C for 14-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• For large chicken breasts, slice them into cutlets or pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
• You can use aluminium foil in the air fryer to make clean-up easier. Just be sure to coat the foil with non-stick cooking spray so the chicken doesn't stick.
• You can reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 370°F / 190°C for 4-5 minutes.

How to make your own shake and bake seasoning

Making your own shake and bake seasoning is easy and allows you to control exactly what's in it. All you need are some breadcrumbs, seasonings, and a little oil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own shake and bake seasoning:

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients:

• Plain dried breadcrumbs (store-bought or homemade)
• Various seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried basil, salt, paprika, black pepper, and celery salt
• Oil (canola, vegetable, or olive oil)

Instructions:

• Combine the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a mixing bowl or a large freezer bag. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
• Slowly drizzle and whisk in the oil until the mixture is thoroughly combined and has a sandy consistency. The oil helps the crumbs clump together and bake up crunchy.
• Your shake and bake seasoning is now ready to use! You can use it immediately or store it for later.

Storage:

If you want to store your shake and bake seasoning for later use, spoon the mixture into an airtight, sealable container or divide it into separate gallon-sized ziplock bags. You can store it in the pantry for up to 3 months, in the refrigerator for 6-8 months, or in the freezer for up to a year.

Usage:

To use your homemade shake and bake seasoning, simply moisten your chicken or pork chops with water or oil, place them in a bag with the seasoning, and shake until they are thoroughly coated. Then, bake in the oven or air fryer until cooked through.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique shake and bake seasoning blend!

How to reheat shake and bake chicken

Yes, you can use shake and bake in an air fryer. Here is how you can reheat shake and bake chicken:

• Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.

You can also reheat shake and bake chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Tips for Reheating Shake and Bake Chicken:

• Letting the chicken come to room temperature before reheating ensures that all parts of the chicken reheat evenly.
• Reheating at a lower temperature, such as 370°F instead of the higher temperature used for cooking, helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
• If you're reheating a large amount of chicken, you may need to increase the reheating time.

How to store shake and bake chicken

Shake and Bake chicken is a tasty and versatile dish that can be stored and enjoyed as leftovers. Here are some tips on how to store your Shake and Bake chicken:

Storing in the Fridge

To store your Shake and Bake chicken in the fridge, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Shake and Bake chicken, wrap the chicken pieces individually in foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Pop them into the freezer, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your Shake and Bake chicken again, there are a few ways to reheat it:

• In the oven: Place the frozen or refrigerated chicken in a baking dish covered with foil. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• In the air fryer: Reheat at 375°F for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until warmed through.
• In the microwave: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Storing

• It is best to eat Shake and Bake chicken immediately after cooking, as the coating may absorb some of the chicken's juices and become soggy over time.
• If you want to freeze the chicken, it is recommended to wrap each piece individually in foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• To ensure your chicken is crispy when reheated, it is best to use the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

By following these simple storage instructions, you can enjoy delicious Shake and Bake chicken leftovers for several days!

What to serve with shake and bake chicken

Shake and bake chicken is a quick and easy meal that can be made even more delicious with the right sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your shake and bake chicken:

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and for good reason. They're filling, tasty, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some potato side dishes that would pair well with shake and bake chicken:

• Potatoes Dauphinoise: A luxurious and decadent gratin dish from the Dauphiné region of southeast France, made with sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream.
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A simple side dish taken to a gourmet level, with a rich and creamy texture.
• Cajun Fries: A tasty and crispy option that can be made at home with just Cajun seasonings and russet potatoes.
• Cheese Potato Pancakes: A delicious and indulgent option to satisfy your cheese cravings.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a must-have to round out your meal, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some vegetable side dishes that would go well with shake and bake chicken:

• Air Fryer Green Beans: A healthy and crispy option that can be cooked in your air fryer.
• Roasted Asparagus: A classic side dish that goes well with almost everything, especially when paired with tangy-yet-sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Sauteed Broccolini: A nutritious and tasty option that is also very easy to prepare.
• Steamed Carrots: A quick and tasty option that can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes.
• Boiled Corn on the Cob: Especially delicious when boiled with milk and butter, resulting in rich and buttery corn.
• Crock Pot Cabbage: A comforting and tasty vegetable side dish with bacon and onions added for extra flavor.

Pasta

Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some pasta side dishes that would go well with shake and bake chicken:

• Garlic Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta: A flavorful and easy-to-make option with just a few simple ingredients.
• Buttered Noodles: A Southern favorite, made with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Vermicelli Rice: A popular Middle Eastern side dish, made by cooking vermicelli in olive oil and adding long-grain rice to form a simple rice pilaf.

Other Options

In addition to the classic sides, there are plenty of other creative options to explore. Here are some unique side dishes that would pair well with shake and bake chicken:

• Baked Sweet Potatoes: A nutrient-dense and versatile side dish that can be served sweet or savory, with a simple finish of butter, salt, and pepper.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Scones: A spicy and cheesy option that will add a kick to your meal.
• Zucchini & Yellow Squash Casserole: A beautiful and flavorful combination of zucchini, squash, and a simple cream sauce, topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Chef Salad: A refreshing and filling option that can be prepared ahead of time, with the option to swap in chicken as the main protein.

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