Make Crispy Chicken In Your Air Fryer, No Flour Needed!

Making chicken crispy in an air fryer without flour is all about the prep. You can use a mix of chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, but it's important to brine the chicken first. Dissolve two tablespoons of salt in two cups of lukewarm water and let the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to six hours in the fridge. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry before coating.

For the coating, you can use breadcrumbs, spices, and a little oil. Mix the breadcrumbs with spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Drizzle or spray the chicken with oil, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated and there are no excess breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-390°F and place the chicken inside in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

And there you have it—crispy, juicy chicken made in an air fryer without flour!

Use buttermilk to help the flour stick and add flavour

Buttermilk is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your chicken and help the flour stick. It's easy to make at home by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice. The basic ratio is 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. You can use any type of milk, such as cow's milk, nut milk, coconut milk, soy milk or oat milk. Simply measure the vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup, then fill the cup with milk and stir. Let the mixture rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before using. You should see some light curdling, and the final texture should appear somewhat separated at the top.

If you don't have buttermilk or the ingredients to make it, there are a few other options you can use as a substitute. One option is to use plain yoghurt in place of buttermilk. You can also make a substitute by combining 1 and 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk.

Once you have your buttermilk, you can soak your chicken in it to give it that classic fried chicken tenderness. You can let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for as little as an hour or even leave it overnight for maximum flavour and moisture. The buttermilk will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken and give it a nice, crispy coating.

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and spices is a crucial step in achieving that classic fried chicken flavour and ensuring the flour mixture sticks to the chicken. The buttermilk also helps the chicken retain its juiciness, resulting in a tender and flavourful dish.

To prepare the marinade, combine buttermilk with salt and pepper in a bowl. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce. Ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated in the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to an hour, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. This marination process will ensure your chicken is packed with flavour and has a crispy exterior.

After marinating, you can proceed to coat the chicken with the flour mixture. For an even crispier exterior, double-dip the chicken by dredging it in flour, then buttermilk, and finally flour again before placing it in the air fryer.

Use an oil spray to help the chicken cook evenly

Using an oil spray is an important step in the process of making crispy chicken in an air fryer without flour. The oil spray helps to "fry" any leftover coating on the chicken that hasn't been cooked yet. It is recommended to use an oil sprayer to ensure that all parts of the chicken are covered in oil. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from tasting like flour. The oil also helps to create a crispy texture on the outside of the chicken.

When using an air fryer, it is important to remember not to overcrowd the basket. This is because the air needs to be able to circulate around the chicken for it to cook evenly. If there is not enough space between the pieces of chicken, they may end up undercooked or with uneven cooking spots. It is better to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is recommended to use an oil mister or pastry brush to apply the oil, rather than an aerosol non-stick cooking spray. This is because aerosol sprays can contain additives that may damage the coating of the air fryer basket over time.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

Air fryers are all the rage, and it's easy to see why. They're small, efficient, and can produce crispy fried foods without the need for a pot of hot oil. However, one of the most common mistakes people make when using an air fryer is overcrowding the basket. While it may be tempting to stack food or squish it together to cook more at once, this will likely lead to disappointing results.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and if there is no space between the food items, the air cannot move freely. This will result in uneven cooking and prevent your food from crisping up. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how much food to put in the air fryer and to avoid stacking food on top of each other. Cooking in batches may be less convenient, but it will ensure your food comes out golden and crispy.

When cooking with an air fryer, it's essential to give the food enough room to breathe. This means avoiding the temptation to overcrowd the air fryer basket. By cooking in smaller batches, you allow for better airflow, which is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness. It's better to make multiple batches of perfectly crispy food than a single batch of soggy, unevenly cooked food.

Another reason to avoid overcrowding is to prevent steam buildup. Steam is the enemy of crispiness, and when food is piled on top of each other, it traps steam, resulting in soggy food. By giving your food some breathing room, you allow the steam to escape, ensuring your food gets crispy.

While it may be tempting to overcrowd the air fryer to cook more food at once, it's important to resist this urge. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your food from crisping up properly. It's better to cook in batches, ensuring that each piece of food has enough space to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.

In conclusion, when using an air fryer, it's important to remember not to overcrowd the basket. By giving your food room to breathe and allowing for proper airflow, you'll achieve the crispy, golden results you desire. So, take your time, cook in batches, and enjoy the delicious, crispy food that your air fryer can deliver!

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken is cooked

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. It's important to make sure your chicken is cooked properly to avoid food poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.

To use an instant-read thermometer, first, calibrate it by placing it in a pitcher of ice water for 30 seconds. It should read 32°F (0°C). If it doesn't, adjust the dial with pliers if it's an analog thermometer, or make a mental note of the difference if it's digital.

When your chicken is cooked, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and wait for around 30 seconds. For chicken, the internal temperature should read at least 165°F (74°C). Dark meat can be cooked up to 190°F (88°C) for a better texture.

If you don't have an instant-read thermometer, there are other ways to check if your chicken is cooked. Firstly, you can poke the chicken with your finger to see if it feels firm. Raw chicken will feel rubbery, whereas cooked chicken will be firmer and spring back from your touch. You can also check the juices that have run out of the chicken—they should be clear or white, not pink. Finally, the chicken will shrink during cooking, so you can also check that it's reduced in size by about 25%.

Frequently asked questions