Air-Fried Blackened Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Blackened chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be served on its own or over a salad, pasta, or rice. It is typically baked, grilled, or air-fried, and gets its name from the dark, seared crust that forms on the outside of the chicken during cooking. This crust is created by coating the chicken with a spice rub and cooking it over high heat. The spice rub typically includes dried herbs and spices such as paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.

To make blackened chicken in an air fryer, start by coating the chicken with oil and the spice rub. Preheat your air fryer to between 360-390°F (175-192°C) and cook the chicken for around 18-20 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, or when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Choosing the right oil

When making blackened chicken in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right oil for the recipe. Here are some tips to help you select the best oil for your air-fried blackened chicken:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is crucial when choosing an oil for air frying. The smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. If you use an oil with a low smoke point for air frying, it will start smoking and affect the taste of your food. For air frying, it is best to choose oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, or light olive oil. These oils have smoke points above 400°F (204°C), making them suitable for the typical temperature range of an air fryer.

Flavor

When selecting an oil for air frying, consider the flavor it will impart to your dish. Some oils are neutral in flavor and will not alter the taste of your food. Examples of neutral oils include deodorized avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and refined olive oil. On the other hand, some oils have a stronger flavor that can enhance your dish. For instance, extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil can add a delicate or nutty taste to your air-fried chicken.

Health Benefits

Different oils offer varying health benefits, so choosing an oil that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences is essential. Avocado oil, for instance, is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Olive oil, whether extra virgin or light, also offers cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, sunflower oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and unsaturated fats.

Quantity

When air frying, you only need a small amount of oil compared to deep frying or sautéing. A light coating of oil on your food is usually sufficient. You can brush or spray the oil directly onto the food or the air fryer basket, depending on the recipe and the type of food you are cooking.

Other Considerations

Some oils should be avoided in an air fryer due to their low smoke point and propensity to burn. Butter, for example, has a low smoke point and is not suitable for air frying. Additionally, while cooking sprays like PAM may seem convenient, they can damage the non-stick surface of your air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer that you can fill with your chosen high smoke point oil.

Preparing the chicken

Selecting the Chicken

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results. If you are using chicken breasts, it is recommended to slice each breast lengthwise to make them thinner. This helps reduce the cooking time and provides more surface area for the seasonings to stick to, resulting in more flavourful chicken.

Drying the Chicken

Before adding any seasonings, it is important to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any moisture on the surface of the chicken, ensuring that the coating or seasonings will adhere better to the meat.

Making the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine all the spices and herbs for the blackened seasoning. This typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper or chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and sometimes sugar and dried oregano. Mix these ingredients well, and you have your blackened seasoning ready.

Coating the Chicken

The next step is to coat the chicken pieces with a cooking fat such as oil (avocado oil or olive oil are popular choices) or melted butter. You can also use mayonnaise, which might seem unusual, but it works wonders by clinging to the chicken and keeping the spices in place while infusing the meat with flavour. After coating the chicken with your chosen fat, generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring all sides are well coated.

Marinating (Optional)

At this stage, you can choose to cook the chicken immediately, or you can let it marinate in the refrigerator. Marinating the chicken in the seasoning-fat mixture will allow the flavours to penetrate the meat more deeply. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour enhancement.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 360°F to 400°F (175°C to 204°C). This step is important to ensure even cooking and to help develop a crispy exterior on the chicken.

Now that your chicken is well-prepared and seasoned, it's ready to be placed into the air fryer and cooked to perfection!

Making the spice mix

The specific spices used in the mix can vary, but several key ingredients are commonly included. One of the most important spices is paprika, which not only adds a depth of flavour but also contributes to the dark colour of the crust. Other frequently used spices are cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick), onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt. Some recipes also include sugar, which helps balance the heat from the cayenne and encourages browning, resulting in a darker crust.

To make the spice mix, simply measure out the desired amounts of each spice and combine them in a bowl, stirring or whisking until they are well blended. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste preferences or customize the mix to your desired level of spiciness. For example, if you prefer a milder flavour, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Once you have prepared the spice mix, you can store it in an airtight container or jar at room temperature until you are ready to use it. This allows you to make a large batch of the seasoning blend and have it readily available for future blackened chicken recipes or other dishes that call for a similar spice profile.

When you are ready to cook the chicken, you will combine the spice mix with a cooking fat, such as oil or melted butter. This step ensures that the spices adhere well to the chicken and helps to infuse the meat with flavour as it cooks. You can also add ingredients like lemon juice at this stage, as it tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy flavour.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for blackened chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken cut and the specific model of the air fryer.

For chicken tenders, cook at 380°F (192°C) for about 7-10 minutes, then flip them and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through and the outside is crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken tenders.

For chicken breasts, cook at 390°F for 18 minutes, flipping the chicken over halfway through. Alternatively, you can cook at 360°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or at 400°F for 20 minutes.

For chicken thighs, cook at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes without turning.

Serving suggestions

Blackened chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads

Blackened chicken goes well with salads. You can add it to a BBQ chicken salad, a lentil salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or a simple green salad with a side of grilled vegetables. For a more exotic option, try a mango corn salsa salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Blackened chicken can be used as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas. For a spicy snack, try a chicken wrap with spinach, chick fil a sauce, and a tortilla.

Rice and Pasta Dishes

Blackened chicken can be served over rice, pasta, or polenta. For a heartier meal, try chicken alfredo or chicken pizza. You can also add it to tacos.

Sides

Blackened chicken can be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, or fresh fruit like pineapple or watermelon. Air fryer baby potatoes are also a good option, especially if you're looking for something crispy.

Other Options

Blackened chicken can be served on its own as a protein-rich snack. It can also be added to soups, stews, or curries. For a more indulgent option, try serving it with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dip.

Frequently asked questions