Air-Fryer Boneless Fried Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to cook food, including fried chicken.

This paragraph will discuss how to make boneless fried chicken in an air fryer, a method that will result in chicken that is tender and juicy on the inside, with a golden and crispy exterior.

How to brine chicken

Brining is a process where you submerge chicken in a solution of salt and water, sometimes flavoured with other ingredients, to add moisture and flavour to the meat. This technique can be used to prepare chicken for frying, roasting, grilling, or air frying.

Firstly, make the brine by dissolving salt in lukewarm water. You can add sugar and other seasonings to the brine, such as paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Bring the brine to a boil and then remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool completely, and then add ice cubes and cold water to chill the brine.

Next, add the chicken pieces to a large container and pour the brine over them. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.

After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it to get rid of any excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before proceeding with your chosen cooking method.

Tips for Brining Chicken:

• Use a non-reactive container, such as a resealable plastic bag, plastic container, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel, to avoid a metallic taste in your food.
• Brining for at least 4 hours will ensure the chicken is juicy and flavourful. However, brining for too long can result in a mushy texture, especially for smaller pieces of chicken.
• Brining is a great way to infuse chicken with flavour and moisture, but it should be complemented with other seasoning techniques for the best results.

How to bread chicken

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Optional Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Buttermilk
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Pepper
• Cornstarch
• Thyme
• Cornmeal
• Milk
• Potato starch
• Parmesan
• Lemon juice
• Parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan
• Potato chips
• Rice flour
• Multigrain bread
• Saltines
• Ritz crackers
• Cheez-Its

Method

• Prepare your ingredients. Place the flour, seasoned with salt, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg in separate bowls.
• Pound out the chicken with a meat mallet until it is of even thickness.
• Season the chicken with salt and dredge it in the flour until well coated. Always shake off excess flour.
• Place the chicken in the eggs. Lift the chicken out and let the excess egg drip off.
• Put the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Cover all the chicken's surface in the breadcrumbs and press firmly to help them adhere.
• Lay the chicken out for 15-30 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture. This will allow for more even cooking.
• Cook the chicken using your preferred method of baking, frying, or air frying.

Tips

• Arrange your ingredients in an assembly line in the order of use, ending with the cooking pan.
• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before dipping it in the flour to remove excess moisture.
• Use homemade breadcrumbs.
• You can bread chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Don't poke and prod the chicken while it's cooking. Let it sit in the oil and then flip it.

How to cook chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Buttermilk (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Flour (optional)
• Cajun seasoning (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Brussels sprouts (optional)
• Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Method

• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
• Rub olive oil on the chicken.
• In a small bowl, combine the spices and rub generously on the chicken.
• Air fry at 360-390°F for 9-15 minutes, then flip the chicken.
• Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Create space between the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the chicken and cook in batches if needed.
• Check the temperature earlier than you think to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it, to allow the juices to reabsorb.
• Try marinating or brining the chicken for extra juiciness and flavour.

How to avoid overcooking chicken

To avoid overcooking chicken, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, brining the chicken beforehand is a great way to ensure the meat stays juicy. This can be done by dissolving 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and letting the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to 6 hours in the fridge.

Secondly, do not overcook the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F, but it is recommended to remove the chicken from the air fryer at around 155°F as the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests.

Thirdly, flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Finally, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will prevent proper airflow and lead to unevenly cooked chicken.

How to store leftover chicken

Storing fried chicken in a way that preserves its crispiness can be challenging, but it's definitely possible! Here are some detailed tips to ensure your leftover chicken stays delicious:

Before Storing:

Allow the chicken to cool down completely. Placing hot chicken directly in the refrigerator can cause condensation, leading to soggy chicken. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, you can use a drying rack to prevent the chicken from sitting in its own juices, and a fan to speed up the cooling process.

Choosing the Right Container:

Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. These containers help lock in moisture and prevent air from getting to the chicken, which can cause it to become soggy. Make sure the container is the right size to avoid excess empty space. If you don't have an airtight container, you can use aluminum foil to wrap the chicken tightly.

Paper Towels:

Place a paper towel in the container with the chicken. It will absorb excess moisture and act as a barrier between the chicken and the container, preventing it from becoming soft. Add an extra layer of paper towel on top of the chicken for good measure.

Storage:

Refrigerate the chicken promptly. Consume leftover fried chicken within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags.

Reheating:

Avoid reheating leftover chicken in the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, use a conventional oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C) and warm the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don't store the chicken while it's still hot.
• Don't use containers that aren't airtight.
• Always separate the pieces to avoid them sticking together.
• Don't skip the paper towel step!
• Don't leave the chicken at room temperature for too long.
• Don't store the chicken with any sauce or gravy.
• Always label and date the container.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover fried chicken with crispy, crunchy delight!

Frequently asked questions