Air-Fried Chicken Alfredo: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort food, and it can be made in an air fryer for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for busy people who want a tasty, hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook chicken to perfection, and it can be served with a variety of sides or added to other dishes for a more substantial meal. Making a creamy Alfredo sauce from scratch is simple and can be done while the chicken cooks. This recipe is a great way to get a delicious, healthy dinner on the table in no time.

Chicken preparation

Selecting the Chicken:

Start by choosing the right type of chicken for your dish. You can use chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. If you opt for chicken breasts, look for thin ones or consider pounding them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

Seasoning the Chicken:

Prepare a seasoning mixture to add flavour to your chicken. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or onion salt. Mix these spices together in a large bowl. You can also use store-bought Italian dressing mix or your favourite seasoning salt. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your preferred flavour profile.

Coating the Chicken:

In a separate bowl, whisk a couple of eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked eggs, ensuring they are evenly coated. After that, coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture. You can also use breadcrumbs along with the seasoning for an extra crispy texture.

Air Frying the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F depending on your recipe. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the temperature of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

Resting the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Cover the chicken with foil or a lid to retain heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

Cutting the Chicken:

After resting, cut the chicken into strips or your desired size. You can add these chicken strips to your pasta and sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavours and textures.

Preparing the chicken for Chicken Alfredo in an air fryer is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the best results. By following these steps, you'll have delicious, juicy, and well-seasoned chicken that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta perfectly.

Air fryer settings

To make chicken Alfredo in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken breasts, but most recipes suggest preheating to between 350°F and 400°F.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you will need to place your chicken in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the chicken is in a single layer and that the pieces are not touching, to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer, but most recipes suggest cooking for around 10-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it is no longer pink.

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier meat.

Making the Alfredo sauce

While the chicken and pasta are cooking, it's time to make the Alfredo sauce. Melt butter in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. You can use either unsalted butter or salted butter—if you use the latter, just remember to omit the salt in the recipe. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and sauté for around a minute.

Next, reduce the heat and add the half-and-half, heavy cream, or a mixture of both. You can also add in cream cheese at this stage for a richer sauce. Give the mixture a good whisk until it's smooth and creamy. Now, add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and continue to whisk.

Finally, add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep the sauce warm on a gentle simmer until the chicken is ready, giving it an occasional stir. If you want to add some extra flavour to the sauce, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, or nutmeg.

Cooking the pasta

To make chicken Alfredo in an air fryer, you'll need to cook the pasta separately on the stove. First, boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. If you want to add vegetables like broccoli, you can toss them into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside until you're ready to toss it with the sauce and chicken. You can toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking if you like.

Tips for Cooking the Pasta

• Be sure to salt the water generously before adding the pasta. This will help season the pasta as it cooks.
• Don't overcook the pasta. You want it to be al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite.
• If you're adding vegetables like broccoli, add them to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking so they don't get overcooked.
• After draining the pasta, give it a quick rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
• If you're not going to serve the pasta right away, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Alfredo is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo:

Pasta Perfection

The classic way to serve Chicken Alfredo is with pasta. Fettuccine is a popular choice, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain it, and then toss it with the warm Alfredo sauce. You can also add some of the pasta cooking water to the sauce to make it extra creamy. If you're watching your carb intake, try using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb option.

Veggie Delight

Add some colour and nutrients to your plate by serving your Chicken Alfredo with steamed or roasted vegetables. Broccoli is a popular choice and can be cooked right in the pasta cooking water during the last few minutes of boiling. Other vegetables that pair well with Alfredo sauce include spinach, mushrooms, peas, corn, snap peas, peppers, diced carrots, zucchini, and asparagus.

Bread on the Side

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or biscuits can be the perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you're serving a larger group, a basket of warm, crusty bread with some herbal butter or dipping oil is always a hit.

Protein Boost

For a heartier meal, consider adding more protein to your Chicken Alfredo. Shrimp is an excellent choice, and you can cook it right in the air fryer along with the chicken. Other options include air-fried salmon or tofu cubes.

Salad Days

If you're looking for a lighter option, serve your Chicken Alfredo over a bed of fresh greens. Try a spinach Caesar salad, or any other salad of your choice. You can even use the leftover chicken and sauce as salad toppings.

Customizable Comfort

Chicken Alfredo is all about comfort, so feel free to customise it to your taste. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, air-fried broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to your dish. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Asiago, to change up the flavour profile.

Remember, Chicken Alfredo is a versatile dish, so don't be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions!

Frequently asked questions