
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to prepare healthy food. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including fried chicken. Pinoy fried chicken, a well-loved Filipino dish, can be made in an air fryer with less fuss and no dried-out parts. To make Pinoy fried chicken in an air fryer, you can cut the chicken in half through the backbone and breast, rub it with salt and pepper, and then place it in the air fryer for about 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You can also brine the chicken before cooking and stuff it with green onion and lemongrass for added flavor.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Lechon Manok in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 200°C |
| Chicken preparation | Cut chicken in half through the backbone and breast |
| Chicken preparation | Place chicken in a container with a lid |
| Chicken preparation | Rub salt all over the chicken |
| Chicken preparation | Season with ground black pepper |
| Chicken preparation | Pour enough water to cover the chicken |
| Chicken preparation | Place a plate on top to weigh down the chicken and ensure it is completely submerged in the brine |
| Chicken preparation | Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels |
| Chicken preparation | Season chicken with salt, pepper, and vegetable oil |
| Chicken preparation | Stuff chicken with green onion and lemongrass |
| Air fryer setting | Air fryer's rotisserie setting |
| Air fryer cooking time | 1 hour |
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What You'll Learn

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 200°C, you create the ideal temperature for cooking chicken tenders, chicken leg quarters, or even pork belly. This step ensures that your meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavourful dish.
When preheating your air fryer, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Each air fryer may have unique features and functions, so understanding how to operate your device is crucial. Consult the user manual for detailed instructions on how to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature of 200°C.
During the preheating process, it is important to prepare your chicken tenders or other chosen meat. Pat the chicken tenders with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture, as this helps to avoid soggy batter. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with other seasonings or marinades to enhance the flavour of your meat.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can also assemble any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your meal. This efficient use of time ensures that all components of your dish are ready simultaneously, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.
Preheating your air fryer to 200°C is a crucial step in achieving the desired cooking temperature for various dishes, especially meat-based recipes. By following the manufacturer's instructions, preparing your ingredients, and utilising this preheating step, you can ensure that your meal is cooked to perfection.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper
Seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper is a crucial step in the cooking process. It adds flavour and enhances the taste of the dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your chicken with salt and pepper when cooking Lechon Manok in an air fryer:
Firstly, ensure you have prepared your chicken by cutting it through the backbone and breast. This will help the seasonings reach all parts of the chicken. Next, you will want to rub salt all over the chicken. Use your hands to ensure an even coating, and don't be shy with the salt—a generous amount will help the chicken taste delicious.
After the salt, it's time to season with ground black pepper. You can use a pepper grinder to freshly grind the peppercorns, or use pre-ground pepper. Sprinkle the pepper over the chicken, ensuring an even coverage. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs, to further enhance the flavour.
Once the chicken is seasoned, you can follow the next steps in your air fryer recipe, such as submerging the chicken in water or brine, or coating it with flour before placing it in the air fryer. The salt and pepper will ensure your Lechon Manok is flavourful and tasty.
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$17.5

Pat chicken dry with a towel
When preparing chicken to cook in an air fryer, it's important to ensure that the chicken is dry before cooking. This is because moisture on the surface of the chicken can cause the batter to become soggy, which can affect the texture and taste of the final dish.
To do this, simply use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to pat the surface of the chicken until it is completely dry. Make sure to blot gently but firmly, covering all areas of the chicken. This will help to remove any excess moisture.
It is especially important to pat the chicken dry if you are using a wet brine or marinade. In this case, remove the chicken from the brine or marinade and blot it with a towel before seasoning and cooking. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and has a crispy exterior.
By taking the time to properly dry the chicken before cooking, you can help ensure that your lechon manok has a delicious, crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.
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Drizzle oil over chicken
When cooking lechon manok in an air fryer, it is important to consider the amount of oil used. While the air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying, using a small amount of oil can enhance the flavour and texture of the chicken.
One method is to lightly spray the chicken with oil before and during the air frying process. This helps to ensure even cooking and browning, and prevents the chicken from drying out. It is important to note that the chicken should not be submerged in oil, as this defeats the purpose of using an air fryer. A light coating of cooking spray, such as PAM, can be used to achieve the desired results without adding excessive oil.
Additionally, when making breaded fried chicken, it is crucial to add a small amount of oil to the dry flour spots on the chicken before air frying. This step ensures that the breading mixture hydrates and crisps up properly during cooking. Without this, the breading may burn.
For those who prefer a more traditional pan-frying method, it is recommended to use a cast iron skillet and add enough oil to reach a depth of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The oil should be heated to 350°F before adding the chicken pieces and frying for 8 minutes per side.
It is worth noting that some air fryer models may have specific instructions regarding oil usage. It is always advisable to refer to the manual for guidance on the amount of oil that can be safely used in your particular air fryer model.
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Cook for 15-20 minutes
Once you've prepared your chicken, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for a few minutes while you're preparing the chicken tenders. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a kitchen towel to avoid a soggy batter. Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Now, transfer the chicken into the air fryer basket and drizzle oil. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking and flipping the chicken halfway through. If you're using chicken leg quarters, you can marinate them overnight with a sachet of MAGGI® Magic Sarap® and MAGGI® Savor Chilimansi.
After the chicken is cooked, set it aside to rest for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a plate and serve. Enjoy your juicy, air-fried lechon manok!
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 200°C.
Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, checking and flipping it halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator one hour before cooking. Coat it with flour and season with salt and pepper.
Pat the chicken dry with a kitchen towel before seasoning.
Lechon manok goes well with banana ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and home-baked fries.























