Air-Fryer Chicken Kiev: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken Kiev is a popular dish that consists of chicken breasts stuffed with garlic butter and herbs, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown. Traditionally, it is deep-fried or baked in an oven, but cooking it in an air fryer is a healthier and quicker alternative. The air fryer chicken Kiev recipe typically involves preparing garlic butter, stuffing it into chicken breasts, breading the chicken, and then air-frying it for around 20 minutes. The dish can be served with sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to prepare the chicken breasts

Preparing the chicken breasts is a crucial step in making Chicken Kiev in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Butterflying the Chicken Breasts

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast at its thickest part and open it up so that it lays flat. This technique is called butterflying and it helps create a pocket for the garlic butter filling. Place each butterflied breast between cling film or baking paper, and then use a rolling pin to flatten and even out the meat. This process ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and allows for a consistent shape and size.

Making the Garlic Butter Filling

The garlic butter filling is a key component of Chicken Kiev. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with crushed or minced garlic cloves and parsley. Mix these ingredients well until fully incorporated. You can adjust the amount of garlic and parsley to your taste preferences. Shape the garlic butter mixture into a log or block using cling film and then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to harden.

Assembling the Chicken Kiev

Once the garlic butter has hardened, it's time to assemble the Chicken Kiev. Place one portion of the garlic butter on one side of the butterflied chicken breast and then roll it up. Seal the edges of the chicken together using flour and beaten egg as a natural glue if needed. You can also use toothpicks to secure the filling and prevent leakage during cooking.

Breading the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one containing flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch). Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then carefully dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure they adhere. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 180-200°C. Optionally, you can lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil or cooking spray for extra crispiness. Place the prepared chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, being mindful of any garlic butter that may leak during cooking. Air fry for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 74-75°C.

How to make the garlic butter

To make the garlic butter, you will need butter, garlic, parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper. The quantities will depend on how much garlic butter you want to make, but as a guide, a ratio of 80g of butter to one clove of garlic, 10g of parsley, and a pinch of nutmeg works well. You will also need salt and pepper to season.

First, crush or mince the garlic clove(s). Softened butter and then mix it with the garlic, chopped parsley, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and well combined.

Next, transfer the garlic butter mixture to a piece of cling film. Shape it into a log or block by wrapping the cling film tightly around the mixture and twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate the garlic butter for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until it has hardened.

Once the garlic butter is firm, remove it from the fridge and cut it into portions. You will need one portion per chicken breast. If you are not using the garlic butter right away, you can store it in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

How to bread the chicken

Breading the chicken is an important step in the chicken Kiev recipe, ensuring a crispy texture and golden brown colour. Here is a detailed guide on how to bread the chicken:

Firstly, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place plain flour on a large plate in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Some recipes suggest adding paprika or salt and pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra crunchy texture.

Next, carefully dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping the chicken into the egg mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely coated in egg before moving on to the final step.

Finally, roll the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure they stick. Repeat this process for each chicken breast. For an even crispier coating, spray the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil or cooking spray.

Once the chicken breasts are breaded, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to your preferred recipe.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for chicken kievs in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes around 18 to 25 minutes to cook chicken kievs in an air fryer.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius and cooking the chicken kievs for 20 minutes. Another recipe recommends cooking the chicken kievs at 180 degrees Celsius for 18 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75 degrees Celsius.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken kievs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 74 to 75 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the chicken kievs with cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer to ensure a crispy exterior. This can also be done halfway through the cooking time to achieve a more golden brown colour.

What to serve with chicken kiev

Chicken Kiev is a flavourful and indulgent dish, perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner. There are plenty of side dishes that can complement its rich flavour. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A fresh salad can provide a crisp, tangy contrast to Chicken Kiev. A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the indulgent, deep-fried nature of the dish. Alternatively, a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta can add a pop of colour to your plate. Other salad options include a Mediterranean couscous salad, a three-bean salad, or a chopped kale salad with cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cherries, toasted pine nuts, and sharp white cheddar.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and colourful option to serve with Chicken Kiev. You can toss Mediterranean-seasoned Greek vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until tender. This brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and balances the savoury chicken. Alternatively, you could try roasted green beans and mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with the rich flavours of Chicken Kiev. You can make them even more indulgent by adding cheese or mustard. For a lighter option, you could try oven-roasted baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes.

Other Sides

Some other side dishes that go well with Chicken Kiev include buttered noodles, rice pilaf, garlic bread, grilled asparagus, mushroom risotto, or tomato salad. If you're serving a garlic butter Kiev, grilled corn is a perfect match.

Remember, when deciding what to serve with Chicken Kiev, you can have fun and be adventurous, or stick to classic sides—the possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions