Cody Casey
Chicken spiedies are a popular dish from Binghamton, New York, with the term spiedie derived from the Italian word spiedo, meaning spit, and referring to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer. The dish is typically served in a soft roll, similar to a sub or hoagie, with the skewer removed. While chicken is a common choice, spiedies can also be made with other meats. The chicken is marinated for a long time, giving it a distinct flavour, and then cooked and served in homemade bread with mayonnaise. If you're looking to cook chicken spiedies in an air fryer, you'll want to know the best way to do it, and how long it will take.
Chicken Spiedies in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade | Italian marinade with vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, garlic, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper |
| Chicken | Chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs |
| Marination Time | 2 hours to overnight |
| Breadcrumbs | Optional, but recommended for crispy texture |
| Cooking Time | 8 minutes for skewered, 10 minutes for un-skewered |
| Serving Suggestions | Hot dog rolls, Italian bread, or homemade bread |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken spiedies marinade
Chicken spiedies are a regional treat from Binghamton, New York, where an Italian immigrant named Camillo Iacovelli invented the dish. Spiedies are skewered, marinated, grilled chicken cubes served in a soft roll. The marinade is the key to this dish, and it typically includes oil, vinegar, and lemon, with various herbs and spices.
Combine equal parts oil and vinegar with the juice of one lemon. Add in your choice of herbs and spices—for example, parsley, basil, mint, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture.
For a more complex marinade, you can add other ingredients such as wine, vegetable oil, wine vinegar, lemon juice, warm water, ground fennel, parsley flakes, sugar, thyme, tarragon, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic powder. You can also experiment with different types of oil and vinegar to create unique flavour profiles.
To prepare the chicken spiedies, cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Massage the bag to ensure the chicken is well-coated, then seal the bag, place it in the refrigerator, and let the chicken marinate for at least overnight, and up to three days. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavourful the chicken will become.
When you're ready to cook, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. You can then grill the skewers or cook them in an air fryer.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
To cook chicken spiedies in an air fryer, preheat the appliance and place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Drizzle some marinade over the chicken and discard the rest. Set the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for 8 minutes if it's skewered, and 10 minutes if it's unskewered.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your food while it's cooking. You may need to adjust the timing or temperature slightly based on your specific air fryer and the size of your chicken pieces.
For juicy and flavourful chicken spiedies, it is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, before cooking it in the air fryer. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavour.
Additionally, make sure your air fryer is preheated before placing the chicken inside. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
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Chicken spiedies breading
Chicken spiedies are a type of sandwich that originated in central New York and are made by grilling meat on a skewer. The term 'spiedie' comes from the Italian word 'spiedo', which means 'spit'.
Chicken spiedies are usually marinated before cooking. A common marinade includes a mixture of oil, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. The chicken is then placed on skewers and grilled.
When making chicken spiedies in an air fryer, the chicken can be breaded before cooking. One recipe suggests covering the chicken breast in breadcrumbs and microwaving them for 30 seconds to dry out the breadcrumbs and make them crunchier after air frying. The chicken is then coated in parmesan cheese before being placed in the air fryer.
Another recipe suggests marinating chicken breast pieces in a solution of vegetable oil, wine vinegar, lemon juice, warm water, ground fennel, parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, minced onion, spices, and sugar. The chicken is then placed in the air fryer without skewers.
It is important to note that some people advise against cooking breaded foods in an air fryer as the breadcrumbs may fly away or not get crunchy. However, with the right techniques and recipes, it is possible to achieve good results with breaded chicken spiedies in an air fryer.
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Chicken spiedies serving suggestions
Chicken spiedies are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Traditional Sandwich Style
The traditional way to serve chicken spiedies is as a sandwich. The grilled chicken skewers are placed directly onto a soft roll or hoagie roll, and the skewer is carefully removed, leaving the chicken inside. You can also spread some of the reserved marinade on the roll for extra flavour.
Tortilla Style
For a fun twist, serve chicken spiedies tortilla-style. Simply place the grilled chicken inside a tortilla wrap and add your favourite toppings and sauces. This is a great option for a casual meal or picnic.
Over Pasta
Chicken spiedies can also be served over pasta for a heartier meal. Try it with linguine or your favourite type of pasta and top it with a creamy lemon garlic sauce or a classic marinara sauce.
As Finger Food
Chicken spiedies make excellent finger food for parties or appetizers. Simply thread the grilled chicken onto small skewers and provide a variety of dipping sauces, such as amogio sauce or a tangy marinade.
On a Salad
For a lighter option, serve chicken spiedies on top of a fresh, green salad. You can also try it with a pasta salad or a cauliflower tabbouleh for a more substantial meal.
As Part of a Platter
Chicken spiedies can be a delicious addition to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter. Serve them alongside bruschetta, olives, cheeses, and cured meats for a sophisticated and tasty appetizer spread.
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Chicken spiedies storage
Chicken spiedies are a popular dish from Binghamton in the Southern Tier of New York State. The term "spiedie" comes from the Italian word "spiedo", meaning spit, and refers to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer. This dish is typically served in a soft roll, similar to a sub or hoagie, with the skewer removed. While chicken is a common choice, spiedies can also be made with other meats like pork, lamb, or beef or even vegetables.
Now, let's talk about storing chicken spiedies to ensure food safety and maintain their delicious taste:
Storing Marinated Chicken Spiedies:
Before cooking, chicken spiedies are usually marinated for several hours or even a full day. The marination process not only adds flavour but also tenderizes the meat. If you're preparing chicken spiedies ahead of time, here's how to store the marinated chicken safely:
- Refrigerator Storage: Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container or a large resealable plastic bag. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in the marinade. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can be safely kept for up to 2 days.
- Freezer Storage: If you're marinating a large batch of chicken spiedies, you can also freeze the marinated chicken. Place the chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen marinated chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
Storing Cooked Chicken Spiedies:
After cooking, chicken spiedies are typically served fresh and warm. However, if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance, here's how to store cooked chicken spiedies:
- Refrigerator Storage: Allow the cooked chicken spiedies to cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them securely in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage: If you want to store cooked chicken spiedies for longer, freezing is an option. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags. Label and date the packages. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating and Food Safety:
When reheating chicken spiedies, it's important to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips:
- Reheat thoroughly: Make sure the chicken spiedies are heated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
- Recommended Reheating Methods: The best methods for reheating chicken spiedies are in an air fryer, oven, or on a stovetop grill. This helps retain the crispy texture and flavour. If using a microwave, wrap the spiedies in a paper towel and microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover Safety: When storing and reheating leftovers, it's crucial to handle the food safely. Do not leave cooked chicken spiedies at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the food has been outdoors on a hot day, reduce this time to 1 hour.
By following these storage and reheating guidelines, you can safely enjoy your chicken spiedies while preserving their delicious flavour and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, you should leave it overnight.
For skewered chicken spiedies, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. For un-skewered chicken spiedies, cook at the same temperature for 10 minutes.
You should cook chicken spiedies at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can use breadcrumbs in your chicken spiedies recipe for the air fryer. However, some breadcrumbs may fly away, and they may not get as crunchy as they would in an oven or deep fryer. To get crunchier breadcrumbs, you can put them in the microwave on the highest setting for 30-90 seconds before coating the chicken.
