Air-Frying Chicken: The Nuwave Way

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways, and air frying is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook it. You can cook chicken in an air fryer in less than an hour, and it will be crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The NuWave Air Fryer is a great option for cooking chicken, as it can cook a whole chicken and give you delicious results.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken in a Nu Wave Air Fryer

Chicken wings in the Nuwave Brio Basket

Chicken wings are a great dish to cook in the Nuwave Brio Basket air fryer. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to a deep fat fryer, as it uses little to no oil, and it's also easier to clean.

To cook chicken wings in the Nuwave Brio Basket, start by spraying the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can then add the chicken wings and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. If you're using frozen wings, make sure they're properly thawed before cooking. Pre-marinated wings are also an option, which saves on preparation time.

Next, set the air fryer to 180C (356F) and cook the wings for 25-30 minutes. Remember to shake the basket every 5 minutes or so to ensure the wings cook evenly. Then, increase the temperature to 200C (392F) and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If you want to make Buffalo wings, you can either use a pre-made sauce and pour it over the wings when they're cooked, or make your own sauce and use it as a marinade. You can also coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and dry ranch dressing mix for a crispy texture.

Preheat to 360°F

Preheating your Nuwave Air Fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it ensure optimal results, but it also helps to prevent food from sticking to the basket. To preheat your Nuwave Air Fryer to 360°F, simply follow these steps:

Firstly, turn on your Nuwave Air Fryer by pressing the On/Off button. Once your fryer is turned on, press the "Preheat" button. This will activate the preheating function, allowing you to set your desired temperature. The default setting for the Nuwave Air Fryer is 360°F (182°C) for 10 minutes. If you wish to cook your chicken at this temperature, you can stop after pressing the "Preheat" button.

However, if you are cooking a specific cut of chicken, you may need to adjust the temperature accordingly. For example, for bone-in chicken thighs, it is recommended to set the temperature to 360°F and cook for 22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. On the other hand, boneless chicken breasts should be cooked at 370°F for 12-15 minutes. By selecting the appropriate temperature and time, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly.

Once you have set the desired temperature, press the "Start/Pause" button to initiate the preheating process. The air fryer will begin preheating, and you can monitor the progress on the digital touch screen. You may notice that the screen displays a different temperature than your set preheating temperature, but this is normal, and the fryer will adjust accordingly.

While the fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken. Brush the chicken with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, to enhance the taste and crispiness. You can also season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or marinades to add flavour.

Once the fryer has reached the set temperature of 360°F, you can carefully place the prepared chicken into the fryer basket. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking results. Now, you can start the cooking process by setting the timer according to your chosen recipe.

By following these steps, you can effectively preheat your Nuwave Air Fryer to 360°F and cook your chicken to perfection. Remember to refer to recipes and guidelines for specific cooking times and temperatures, as they may vary depending on the cut and thickness of the chicken. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Air fry for 25 minutes

When air frying chicken in your NuWave air fryer, set the timer for 25 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Air frying is a healthy alternative to deep frying, and your NuWave air fryer will produce delicious, crispy chicken with minimal oil required.

During the air frying process, hot air is rapidly circulated around the food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-fried foods. This method of cooking is faster and more efficient than traditional oven baking and produces juicy, tender chicken.

For best results, ensure your chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Space them out in a single layer, leaving a little room around each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively and cook the chicken evenly.

After placing the basket in the air fryer, set the timer for 25 minutes. Depending on the size and model of your NuWave air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Most air fryers will automatically shut off when the timer goes off, but keep an eye on your chicken to avoid overcooking.

While the chicken is air frying, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. The 25-minute cook time provides a convenient window to get the rest of your dinner ready, ensuring a complete meal is served promptly once the chicken is done.

Marinate and dip the chicken

To cook chicken in a NuWave air fryer, you'll first need to marinate the chicken. There are many blends of spices and herbs you can use, such as Mrs. Dash Chicken Grilling Blend. You can also experiment with other blends or make your own. For a 4-5 pound chicken, you'll need about 2-2.5 tablespoons of the spice blend.

Once the chicken is coated, you can set up your dipping bowls. The first bowl should be for your wet ingredients, such as buttermilk or egg. The second bowl should be for dry ingredients like breadcrumbs, seasoning, and garlic salt. For the breadcrumbs, you'll want about half a cup, and for the seasoning and garlic salt, about two tablespoons and half a teaspoon, respectively.

After your bowls are ready, dip the marinated chicken into the wet ingredient bowl first, making sure it's well-coated. Then, dip it into the dry ingredient bowl, again ensuring it's well-coated. You can also try double-dipping the chicken to get a thicker crust.

Finally, once your chicken is battered, place it in the air fryer. If you're using a NuWave Brio, preheat it to 360°F. Then, place the chicken on the 4" rack with the skin side down and spray generously with butter cooking spray. If you're cooking wings, you'll air fry for about 25 minutes. For a whole chicken, cook at high power/350°F for about 45 minutes. Remember to remove the dome as soon as the timer beeps to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

Place chicken skin side down

When cooking chicken in a NuWave Air Fryer, it is important to place the chicken skin side down. This ensures that the skin gets crispy and the chicken cooks evenly.

Firstly, preheat your NuWave Brio to 360°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chicken by seasoning it generously with your chosen spices and herbs. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand to enhance the flavour. Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to place the chicken in the fryer basket, skin side down.

If you are using a 4" rack (3" if using the Elite model), place the chicken on the rack, skin side down, and spray generously with butter cooking spray. This will help to crisp up the skin and add flavour. If you are cooking chicken wings, place them in the NuWave Brio Basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly.

For whole chickens, place the seasoning-coated chicken on the 1-inch rack of the NuWave Oven, breast side down. Cook for approximately 45 minutes at high power/350° F. For battered or breaded chicken pieces, place them in the Brio Basket and air fry for 25 minutes. Remember to remove the dome as soon as the timer beeps to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy due to steam buildup.

Frequently asked questions