Air-Fried Chicken Secrets: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken without the need for deep frying. The chicken is coated in a buttermilk mixture and dredged in flour or breadcrumbs, then cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes. The result is crispy, juicy chicken without the fuss of traditional frying methods.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is the first step to cooking fried chicken in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 180C/350F or 380F/190C. You can also preheat the air fryer to 360F if you prefer. It is important to ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature before adding the chicken. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next step of preparing the chicken. This involves coating the chicken in a buttermilk mixture and then dredging it in a flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess buttermilk before coating the chicken in the flour mixture. You can also add some seasoned salt and pepper to the flour mixture for extra flavour.

After the chicken has been coated, it is time to place it in the air fryer. Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place 4-5 pieces of chicken inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Once the chicken is in the air fryer, you can set the timer and let it cook. Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip it over and spray it again with cooking spray. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Repeat this process until all the chicken is cooked.

Prepare the chicken

Place the chicken in a shallow casserole dish and pour buttermilk over it. You can add salt and pepper to taste. Leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least four hours, but preferably overnight.

When you're ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 360-380°F (180-190°C).

Next, prepare a flour mixture in a large bowl. You can add seasoned salt and pepper to taste. Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Finally, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the chicken

To coat the chicken, start by placing the chicken in a mixing bowl and adding buttermilk, salt and pepper. Leave this to sit for 10 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. Next, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess liquid. Then, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can also dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Finally, spray the chicken generously with cooking spray or olive oil spray, coating each area of the chicken.

Cook the chicken

To cook the chicken, start by coating it in a mixture of buttermilk, salt and pepper. Leave this to sit for 10 minutes, or for a more intense flavour, leave it to marinate in the fridge for four hours or overnight. Next, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can also dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, making sure the pieces aren't touching. Preheat the air fryer to 360-380°F (190°C). Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip it over, spray again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The chicken is ready to be removed from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.

Clean up

After cooking your fried chicken in an air fryer, it's important to clean up properly to avoid any lingering smells or bacteria. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean up after making fried chicken in an air fryer:

First, unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely. Do not attempt to clean it while it is still hot as you may burn yourself. Once it has cooled, remove the basket or tray from the air fryer. If there is any leftover chicken or breading in the basket, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub it away. You can also use a mild detergent and warm water to help loosen and remove any stuck-on food. Be sure to rinse the basket or tray thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before putting it back in the air fryer.

Next, wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Be careful not to get any water inside the heating element or any electrical components. If there are any stubborn stains or grease splatters, you can use a mild cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to help remove them. Be sure to dry the exterior thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Now, let's move on to the accessories. If you used tongs or any other utensils to handle the chicken, be sure to wash them thoroughly with hot water and soap. You can also put them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. The same goes for any mixing bowls or measuring cups you used to prepare the chicken. It's important to sanitise these items to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Finally, don't forget to clean up any spills or messes on your countertops or surrounding areas. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to sanitise the surfaces and prevent the growth of bacteria. By following these steps, you can ensure that your kitchen is clean and safe after cooking fried chicken in your air fryer. Remember always to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and precautions.

Frequently asked questions