Air-Fryer Magic: Crispy, Juicy, Banquette Fried Chicken

If you're craving fried chicken but want to avoid the mess and excess oil, then air-frying is the way to go. This method of cooking is healthier and more time-efficient than deep-frying, and it still yields juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken with a crispy coating. You can use a variety of chicken cuts, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, wings, and even frozen fried chicken. The key to success is in the preparation: marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices, coating it with a flour mixture, and generously spraying it with oil before placing it in the air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the cut of chicken and the size of the pieces, but on average, it takes around 15-20 minutes at a temperature of 350-375°F. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy some delicious, crispy, and healthier fried chicken!

Choosing the right chicken

Bone-in vs. Boneless

Start by deciding whether you want to use bone-in or boneless chicken. Both options can work well in the air fryer, but they have slightly different characteristics. Bone-in chicken, such as thighs and drumsticks, tends to have more flavour and moisture due to the presence of the bone. It also creates a crispier crust when cooked with the skin on. Boneless chicken, on the other hand, is more convenient if you prefer chicken strips or want to avoid bones. It cooks faster but carries a higher risk of drying out, so be sure to monitor it closely.

Skin-on vs. Skinless

The decision between skin-on and skinless chicken also depends on your preference and the desired outcome. Skin-on chicken will result in a crispier, more decadent crust that many people associate with traditional fried chicken. The skin also helps keep the meat moist and flavourful. However, skinless chicken is a healthier option and can still be quite tasty, especially when properly brined and seasoned.

Fresh vs. Frozen

While fresh chicken is typically recommended for optimal taste and texture, you can also cook frozen fried chicken in the air fryer. This is a convenient option if you're short on time or forgot to thaw your chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer for frozen chicken, and it's crucial to ensure even cooking without overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Chicken Breeds and Quality

Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, ethically raised chicken. Look for labels that indicate the chicken is organic, free-range, or pasture-raised. These chickens tend to have better flavour and texture due to their diet and living conditions. Avoid chicken with added hormones or antibiotics, as these can impact the taste and your health.

Chicken Cuts and Sizes

For air fryer fried chicken, you can use a variety of chicken cuts, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings. You can even use a combination of cuts for a diverse dining experience. Just remember that different cuts have different cooking times, so you may need to adjust your timing accordingly. Try to choose pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking, and always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Preparation and Brining

Before air-frying your chicken, consider brining it to enhance both flavour and moisture retention. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution or dry-brining it with salt for at least 30 minutes. This process helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, resulting in juicier and more flavourful meat. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before brining to ensure more consistent cooking.

In summary, choosing the right chicken for air fryer fried chicken involves considering your preferences, convenience, and desired outcome. Opt for high-quality chicken, experiment with different cuts, and don't forget the importance of proper preparation and brining. With the right choices, your air fryer fried chicken will be mouthwateringly delicious!

Marinating the chicken

Preparing the Chicken for Marinating:

Start by selecting your preferred cut of chicken. Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, tend to result in juicier and more flavorful fried chicken. You can also use boneless and skinless chicken breasts if that's your preference.

Before marinating, it is recommended to lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your palm. This helps ensure even cooking and improves the overall texture of the meat.

Creating the Marinade:

The marinade plays a crucial role in adding flavor and moisture to the chicken. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with various spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can adjust the spice measurements based on your preferred level of heat and flavor. Additionally, you can add a twist to the marinade by including a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Fully submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or even overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Tips for Optimal Marinating:

• If you're short on time, you can opt for a dry brine by simply sprinkling salt over the chicken and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes. This method is less messy and still adds flavor to the meat.
• If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in your marinade.
• For best results, bring the chicken to room temperature for about 15 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator before cooking.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and juicy banquette fried chicken using your air fryer.

Coating the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Before coating the chicken, it's important to pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing any excess moisture will ensure that the coating adheres better to the surface. You can also lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness, which promotes even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three separate dishes or bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients well. You can also add in other spices like cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. In the second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined. The third bowl will be used later for the final coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Using tongs, take a piece of chicken and shake off any excess buttermilk. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour and dip the chicken back into the buttermilk mixture. Finally, roll the chicken in the flour mixture once again, covering it completely. Set the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack while you coat the rest.

Step 4: Spray with Oil

Generously spray the coated chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. Make sure to coat all sides and areas of the chicken. This step is crucial, as it helps the flour coating to cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture. Any spots missed by the oil may remain white and floury.

Tips for Coating:

• You can use a mix of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts for variety.
• If you prefer a thicker coating, double dip the chicken in the flour mixture before coating it in buttermilk.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs instead of all-purpose flour.
• You can make your own buttermilk by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice.

Air-frying the chicken

Now that your chicken is marinated and coated, it's time to air-fry!

First, spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket. Place the chicken pieces inside the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked or overlapped. This is important to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Next, spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. Place the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350-375°F.

Cook the chicken for 14-20 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and spray them again with cooking spray or olive oil. Continue cooking for another 5-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for white meat and 175°F for dark meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, as the colour of the chicken may be deceptive.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the chicken and spray any dry flour spots with oil. This will ensure that all the breading crisps up nicely.

Once the chicken is cooked to the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken!

Reheating the chicken

Oven Reheating Method:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F. This temperature ensures that your chicken is warmed through without burning the exterior.
• Place the leftover chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Arranging them in a single layer helps distribute heat evenly.
• Reheat the chicken in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking, as this can dry out the meat and make the exterior too crispy.

Air Fryer Reheating Method:

• If you prefer to use your air fryer for reheating, set the temperature to 350°F or 370°F. This temperature range will help crisp up the exterior without drying out the meat.
• Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapped. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate evenly and crisp up the chicken.
• Reheat for about 7 minutes or until warmed through. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Successful Reheating:

• Avoid overcrowding the chicken pieces in the oven or air fryer. Proper spacing ensures even heating and helps maintain the crispy texture.
• Do not reheat in the microwave, as it can make the chicken skin soggy.
• For best results, consume leftover fried chicken within 4 days and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions