Air-Fried Chicken Kiev: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken Kiev is a classic dish that's loved for its rich flavours and crispy texture. Traditionally, it's made by stuffing chicken breasts with garlic butter and herbs, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying until golden brown. But did you know you can make chicken Kiev in an air fryer? This method makes it healthier and quicker to prepare. Here's a recipe for you to try.

Preparing the garlic butter

Take 80 grams of softened butter and mix it with either one or four crushed or minced garlic cloves, depending on your preference. You can also use six finely grated garlic cloves if you want a stronger garlic flavour. Add in one tablespoon of chopped parsley, or 80 milligrams if you're measuring by weight. You can also add some grated nutmeg and black pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until they are fully incorporated and well blended.

Once you have a smooth mixture, it's time to shape and chill the butter. Place the garlic butter mixture in the middle of a strip of cling film and shape it into a block, log, or sausage shape. Wrap the cling film tightly around the butter and place it in the fridge or freezer to harden. It should be left for at least 20 minutes, but ideally for 30 minutes or even overnight.

Preparing the chicken breasts

To begin, you will need to butterfly the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast at its thickest part and open it up so that it lays flat. Place the butterflied chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film or baking paper. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten them until they are of uniform thickness and size. This technique ensures even cooking and allows for a neat roll-up later in the process.

The next step is to prepare the garlic butter, which will be the delicious stuffing for your Chicken Kiev. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with crushed or minced garlic and parsley. You can adjust the amount of garlic and parsley to your taste preferences. Mix these ingredients well until they form a homogeneous mixture. You can also add other herbs or spices, such as nutmeg or chilli flakes, for an extra flavour boost.

Now it's time to assemble the Chicken Kiev. Take the chicken breasts and place a portion of the garlic butter on one side of each breast. The amount of garlic butter you use will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but it should be a generous amount to ensure a flavourful dish. Once the garlic butter is in place, carefully roll up the chicken breasts, enclosing the garlic butter within. You can use toothpicks or butcher's twine to secure the edges of the chicken breasts and prevent the garlic butter from leaking out during cooking.

At this stage, you have successfully prepared the chicken breasts for your Chicken Kiev. However, there are a few optional steps you can take to enhance the flavour and texture even further. You can set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one containing plain flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This breading process adds a crispy texture to your Chicken Kiev.

Now your chicken breasts are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to perfection!

Breading the chicken

Firstly, prepare your breading station by setting out three shallow bowls or plates. Place the flour into the first bowl and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder to the flour for extra flavour. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, and the third bowl should be a mixture of breadcrumbs and paprika or plain breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for a crunchier texture.

Now you're ready to begin the breading process. Start by dredging each stuffed chicken breast in the flour mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. Next, dip the floured chicken breast into the bowl of beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the chicken. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.

For the best results, ensure that each chicken breast is thoroughly coated before moving on to the next step. A thorough breading will help create a crispy golden exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

Once all the chicken breasts are breaded, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer basket. You can lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray or olive oil spray for extra crispiness. This will also help to enhance the golden colour of the breading.

Cooking the chicken

To cook the chicken, you'll first need to prepare the garlic butter and butterfly the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken at the thickest part and open it up to lay flat. Place a portion of the garlic butter on one side of the butterflied chicken breast and roll it up. Secure the edges with toothpicks or butcher's twine if necessary.

Next, set up three shallow bowls for the breading. Place flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if desired) into the first bowl. Beat eggs and place them into the second bowl. Finally, mix breadcrumbs with paprika (if desired) and place them into the third bowl.

Now, it's time to dredge the chicken. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat evenly.

Once all the chicken breasts are breaded, spray them with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help to create a crispy coating. Place the chicken into the air fryer basket and preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C).

Cook the chicken for 15-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74-75°C (165°F). To check, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and the chicken stays moist.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Kiev is a flavourful dish that goes well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried Chicken Kiev:

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional side dish that pairs perfectly with Chicken Kiev. The soft and creamy texture of the potatoes balances the crunchy exterior of the chicken. For an extra flavour boost, you can even add a hint of garlic to your mashed potatoes.

Steamed Vegetables

If you're looking for a lighter option, steamed vegetables are a great choice. Green beans, in particular, offer a healthy and colourful accompaniment to the savoury Chicken Kievs. Their natural flavour complements the chicken beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

For a sweet and smoky flavour, try roasting in-season vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Toss them in olive oil, season with herbs, and roast until tender. The combination of roasted veggies and Chicken Kiev is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Pilaf Rice

Pilaf rice is a classic side dish that goes well with many meals, including Chicken Kiev. Its mild flavours and soft texture make it perfect for soaking up the delicious buttery goodness that oozes out of the chicken.

Salad

For a fresh and healthy option, serve your Chicken Kiev with a crisp salad. This can be a great way to balance out the richness of the dish, especially during warmer months.

Baked Sweet Potato

The natural sweetness of a baked sweet potato provides an interesting contrast to the savoury notes of the Chicken Kiev. This combination can elevate your dining experience and offer a satisfying blend of flavours.

Green Salad and Lemon Wedge

For a refreshing side, serve your Chicken Kiev with a green salad and a generous wedge of lemon. The lemon adds a tangy twist, and the salad provides a crisp and healthy counterpart to the crispy chicken.

Chips and Peas

For a heartier option, consider serving your Chicken Kiev with straight-cut chips and peas. You can cook the chips in your air fryer for added convenience. Boil the peas for a few minutes or give them a quick turn in the air fryer on a silicone tray.

These suggestions will ensure your Chicken Kiev is complemented by a variety of tasty sides, leaving your taste buds satisfied!

Frequently asked questions