Air-Fried Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, yielding tender and juicy results in a fraction of the time it would take to cook in an oven. The convection heat of an air fryer means that you don't need to set it as high as you would an oven, and the lack of preheating means that you can get cooking straight away. The high-powered, countertop convection oven blows hot air down and around the food to cook it, resulting in a crispy texture without the mess of pan-frying.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken in an Air Fryer

How to get crispy chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken, giving it a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Here is a guide on how to get crispy chicken in an air fryer.

Preparation

Firstly, you will want to decide on the cut of chicken you want to use. Chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings can all be cooked in an air fryer. If you are using chicken breasts, it is recommended to slice them into thinner, smaller, flat pieces to ensure more even cooking and a juicier texture. You can also use a mix of different cuts to cater to different preferences.

Next, you will need to decide on a marinade or seasoning for your chicken. A simple option is to use salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with different spice blends, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also try brining the chicken by salting it and letting it rest prior to cooking to enhance juiciness and flavor. If you want a crispy breading, you can coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, or use breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. For an extra crispy crust, you can use skin-on chicken.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F and 375°F. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not big enough, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray the chicken and the air fryer basket generously with cooking oil to promote crisping and browning.

Cook the chicken for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and type of chicken. For thinner chicken breast pieces, the cooking time will be shorter, while bone-in pieces may take longer. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken and spray the other side with oil to ensure even cooking and browning.

Serving

When the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Serve the chicken fresh and crispy straight from the air fryer, or pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, or air fryer vegetables.

How to avoid overcooking chicken in an air fryer

To avoid overcooking chicken in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to brine the chicken. Brining is the process of salting meat and letting it rest before cooking. The meat absorbs extra liquid and salt, keeping it moist and ensuring it is seasoned throughout. You can use a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). It is recommended to brine boneless chicken pieces for 30 minutes, bone-in pieces for one to two hours, and a whole chicken for four to 12 hours.

Another tip to avoid overcooking is to slice the chicken breasts into thinner, smaller, flat pieces. This promotes more even cooking and helps the chicken stay juicy. It also increases the surface area for the flavour coating. You can then toss the chicken with your chosen spices and a little oil. Preheat the air fryer to ensure the chicken begins cooking as soon as it is placed inside, and do not overcrowd the basket.

Finally, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked at 165°F, but it is recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer at around 155°F-160°F, as the internal temperature will continue to rise during the resting period. This will ensure the chicken is cooked safely while remaining juicy.

How to prepare chicken breasts for an air fryer

Preparing chicken breasts for an air fryer is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to brine your chicken or not. Brining can be done using a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). If you choose to brine your chicken, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavourful.

Next, slice your chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. This will ensure more even cooking, juicier chicken, and more surface area for the flavour coating. If your chicken breasts are large or thick, you can use the heel of your hand or a mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness.

Now, it's time to season your chicken. You can use a variety of spices, such as ground cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or brown sugar and cornstarch for a sweet and crispy texture. Mix your chosen spices with olive oil or avocado oil in a small bowl, then generously coat each piece of chicken. Make sure to get your hands in there and rub the seasoning into the chicken.

Finally, preheat your air fryer. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure good airflow. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Now, you're ready to start cooking!

How to season chicken for an air fryer

To season chicken for an air fryer, you can use a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:

Brining:

Brining is a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and well-seasoned. It involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (simply sprinkling salt on the meat). Brining helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, keeping it moist and flavourful.

Spices and Herbs:

A variety of spices can be used to season chicken for an air fryer. Common options include garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ground cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also use Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning, or create your own blend by mixing different spices. Additionally, a small amount of brown sugar can be added for a unique flavour profile.

Oils:

Coating the chicken with oil helps the seasonings stick to the meat and ensures even cooking. Avocado oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice can be used.

Marinades:

Marinades are a great way to add flavour to your chicken. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own. Italian dressing is a popular choice, or you can try a blend of olive oil and spices. For a more intense flavour, you can pound the chicken lightly before marinating.

Breading:

If you prefer a crispy texture, you can bread the chicken before air frying. Soak the chicken in buttermilk, then dip it in well-seasoned flour. This creates a classic fried chicken coating. However, be cautious with thick breading, as it may not cook evenly in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to successful air frying is ensuring your chicken is cooked thoroughly but not overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (74°C).

How to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer

Chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. They are a darker meat, so they are naturally more flavourful and juicy, and they cook in less than half the time it would take in an oven.

Ingredients:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Lemon (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375F/190C.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
• Brush the skins with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Combine your chosen spices in a bowl. You can add lemon juice to the mix, or sprinkle it over the thighs separately.
• Sprinkle the spice blend all over the chicken thighs.
• Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs and cook for a further 10-15 minutes. If you want your chicken super crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165F when it is ready to serve.

Your chicken thighs are now ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions