Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried chicken with less oil and mess. The cooking time depends on the type of chicken, the size of the chicken pieces, and how full the air fryer basket is. Chicken tenders take 15-16 minutes, chicken thighs take 25-28 minutes, and chicken breasts take 25 minutes. Bone-in chicken pieces take longer to cook than chicken strips, so be careful not to overcook them. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to be considered cooked.

How to get the perfect crispy coating

To get the perfect crispy coating on your air-fried chicken, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to use a coating that will stick to the chicken and create a crispy texture. A flour coating is a popular choice, and you can add spices to the flour to add extra flavour. You can also use breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.

Another important step is to make sure that the chicken is coated evenly. This will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and that the chicken cooks through properly. You can do this by dipping the chicken in the coating and then shaking off any excess.

If you want to add extra crispiness to your chicken, you can spray it with cooking spray or olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help to create a crispy, golden brown coating.

Finally, it is important to cook the chicken at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time. Most air fryers will need to be preheated to around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chicken should be cooked for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick to the chicken and create a crispier texture. You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken, but skin-on chicken is recommended as it helps the coating stick and adds moisture and flavour.

Step 2: Create the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, spices, and any other dry ingredients. You can also use breadcrumbs or a batter, but a flour coating is the most traditional and will give a crispier texture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the coating, making sure that all sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess coating, as too much can make the chicken soggy.

Step 4: Spray the Chicken

If desired, you can spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help to create a crispier, golden brown coating.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer, making sure that the pieces are not touching and that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate. Cook at the recommended temperature and time for your air fryer, usually around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Cook Again

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. The chicken should be crispy and golden brown on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside.

How to make juicy fried chicken

Ingredients

• Chicken (bone-in and skin-on, including a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts)
• Buttermilk
• Olive oil spray
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or wheat)
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Cajun seasoning

Method

• Marinate the chicken: Add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken. You can also add a little hot sauce to the buttermilk for some heat. For best results, let the chicken marinate for up to 24 hours or even overnight.
• Coat the chicken: Using tongs, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Prep the air fryer: Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will affect the cooking process.
• Air fry the chicken: Air fry at 350-360°F for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for another 5-12 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check.
• Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• For juicy and tender chicken, it's important not to overcook it. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches 155-160°F, as the internal temperature will continue to rise while resting.
• To ensure even cooking, use a single layer of chicken in the air fryer and cook in batches if necessary.
• Be generous with the cooking spray to ensure the chicken is crispy and golden all over.
• You can use skin-on or skinless chicken, but skin-on chicken will result in a crispier crust.
• For extra juicy chicken, brine the chicken before cooking. Brining involves salting the meat and letting it rest prior to cooking. This helps the meat absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer without breading

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, wings, or a whole chicken
• Olive oil spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, thyme)

Method

Preparation

If you are using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Use chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, or wings.

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. You can also cut the breasts in half lengthwise to make narrower pieces.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and any other seasonings you like. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme all work well.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 5-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Tips

• You can use skin-on or skinless chicken, but the skin will help the coating stick and add moisture to the meat.
• If you are using a thicker coating, such as batter or breading, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.
• You can use an oil spray to help the chicken brown and crisp, but this is not necessary if the chicken has skin.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will affect the cooking time and prevent the chicken from crisping.
• If you are cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you cook the rest of the chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Variations

• You can use boneless or bone-in chicken, but bone-in will add flavour and moisture.
• You can use skin-on or skinless chicken, but the skin will add crispness and help the coating stick.
• You can use a variety of seasonings to suit your taste, such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, or thyme.
• You can also add an egg to the buttermilk mixture to help the coating stick.

How to make fried chicken in an air fryer with breading

Making fried chicken in an air fryer with breading is a straightforward process that yields juicy and tender meat with a delightfully crispy coating. Here is a detailed guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Preferably bone-in chicken thighs and legs for maximum flavour. You can also use a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, or go for boneless skinless chicken if that's your preference.
• Buttermilk: This helps tenderise the chicken and gives the flour coating something to stick to.
• Eggs: These help bind the coating together.
• Flour: For a crunchy coating, don't skip the dredging! You can use all-purpose or wheat flour.
• Spices: This is where you can get creative. The most commonly used spices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also use Cajun seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning for a more distinct flavour.
• Oil: Use an oil spray or olive oil/ vegetable oil to coat the chicken and the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Marinate the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in a bowl with buttermilk. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if you're planning ahead.
• Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and your chosen spices. You can also add cornstarch to thicken the batter.
• Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess. Then, use tongs to dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
• Prep the Air Fryer: Generously spray the air fryer basket with oil. You can also line it with parchment paper to reduce mess and prevent sticking.
• Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Air fry at 350°F to 390°F for 15-20 minutes. Then, flip the chicken, spray again with oil, and cook for another 5-12 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Reheating and Storage: To reheat, use the air fryer or a preheated oven, but avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, keeping the cooked chicken warm in a low-temperature oven.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and make sure it reads 165°F.
• Be generous with the oil spray. Any areas of flour that aren't coated with oil may stay white and floury.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk with lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes.

How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure your chicken is crispy and delicious. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation:

First, it's important to note that reheating fried chicken can be tricky. The goal is to maintain the moisture of the meat while keeping the outer layer crispy. To balance this, it's best to use room-temperature chicken, as it will help ensure even heating. Therefore, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. This temperature will help prevent any extra moisture from getting into the chicken.

Oil (Optional):

If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, you can spray or brush the outside with a bit of oil. This step is optional but can enhance the texture.

Placing the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to pile the pieces on top of each other, as this can prevent the skin from becoming crispy and may dry out the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper spacing.

Reheating Time and Temperature:

The reheating time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces. For larger pieces, such as chicken breasts or thighs, reheat for 8-10 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides. For smaller pieces, such as chicken tenders or wings, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Checking Doneness:

To ensure the chicken is thoroughly reheated, check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when perfectly cooked.

Cooling and Serving:

Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer tray. You can place it on a wire rack or paper towel to cool for a minute before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Consume leftover chicken within 4 days, but it's best to eat it as soon as possible after reheating.
• Place the leftover chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.
• Do not reheat the chicken more than once to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy and delicious fried chicken without having to start from scratch.

Frequently asked questions