Air Fryer Chicken Secrets: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy chicken without the mess and health implications of deep-frying. The circulating hot air of the air fryer makes the outside of the chicken crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The key to getting crispy chicken in an air fryer is to ensure the chicken isn't overcrowded, so the hot air can cook it evenly, and to use a spray oil to help create a crunchy coating.

How to make a crispy coating

Creating a crispy coating for your chicken is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, you'll need to prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the coating adhere better and promote crispiness. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken, but bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are recommended for maximum flavour and juiciness.

Preparing the Breading

The next step is to prepare your breading or coating. You can use a variety of dry ingredients for this, such as flour, breadcrumbs, cornflakes, crackers, or a combination of these. For a crispier texture, opt for finely ground breadcrumbs or flour. You can also season your breading with spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix your dry ingredients and spices in a wide, shallow bowl.

Dipping the Chicken

Once your breading is ready, it's time to dip your chicken. You can do this in a few different ways, depending on how many coatings you want. The most basic method is to dip the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip by adding an additional step: dip the chicken in flour, then in a wet mixture (such as beaten eggs or buttermilk), and finally, dip it back in the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely covered. Set the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack while you prepare the rest.

Frying and Serving

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray or drizzle it with olive oil to help the coating crisp up. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Set the temperature to between 360-400°F and air fry for 10-20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For an even crispier coating, you can spritz the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil during cooking to ensure all the flour is coated. Alternatively, you can let the chicken air dry for about 10 minutes after coating to help the mixture adhere better before air frying.

And that's it! You now have crispy, juicy air fryer chicken that's perfect for a quick snack or an easy dinner. Serve it with your favourite dipping sauces, or pair it with sides like French fries, potato wedges, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

The best oil to use

Olive oil

Olive oil is a great option for air fryer chicken as it has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning. It also imparts a subtle fruity flavour to the chicken, which can enhance the other ingredients. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, which is a healthier option compared to other oils which are high in saturated fat.

Peanut oil

Peanut oil is another good option for air frying as it has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point. This oil is popular for deep frying, so it is well suited to achieving a crispy texture on your chicken.

Avocado oil

Avocado oil is a healthy option with a high smoke point, making it a good choice for air frying. It has a mild flavour, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in your recipe. Avocado oil also has a high monounsaturated fat content, which is beneficial for heart health.

Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a versatile option that can be used for air frying chicken. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, so it is suitable for cooking at high temperatures.

Cooking spray

Cooking spray is a convenient option if you want to ensure even coverage of oil on your chicken. It is important to note that cooking spray is typically made from a blend of different oils, so the flavour and smoke point can vary depending on the brand.

Other oils

There are many other oils that can be used for air frying chicken, including grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. These oils have neutral flavours and high smoke points, making them suitable for the high temperatures of the air fryer.

When choosing an oil for air frying chicken, it is important to consider the smoke point, flavour, and health benefits of the oil. By selecting an oil with a high smoke point, you can avoid smoking and burning your food. Oils with neutral flavours will allow the spices and seasonings in your recipe to shine through, while oils with distinct flavours can add an extra layer of complexity to your dish.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make crispy air fryer chicken:

• Chicken thighs and drumsticks (or tenders/tenderloins)
• Buttermilk (or milk and vinegar)
• Oil spray (preferably olive oil)
• Eggs
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Optional Ingredients

• Cayenne pepper
• Parmesan
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• Dipping sauces (BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, etc.)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you are using chicken with skin on, pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into strips or pieces of your desired size. If you are using boneless chicken, you can lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In one bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and whisk well. You can also add cayenne pepper to this mixture for some extra spice. If you are using breadcrumbs, mix them with the spices in a third bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and roll it again in the flour, ensuring it is completely covered. If using breadcrumbs, dip the chicken in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Set the coated chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack.

Step 4: Add Oil and Seasonings

Spray all sides of the chicken generously with olive oil spray. The oil is crucial to getting that crispy texture, so be sure to coat the chicken entirely. You can also brush the chicken with olive oil if you don't have a spray. At this point, you can also add additional seasonings, such as salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Air fry the chicken for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip it over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with lemon wedges, dipping sauces, or your favorite sides, such as French fries, potato wedges, or a salad.

Tips

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk and vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• For extra crispy chicken, you can spritz it with cooking spray or additional oil halfway through the cooking process.
• To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the chicken pieces for the hot air to circulate.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• For a crispier crust, you can let the breaded chicken air dry for about 10 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
• If you are making a large batch, keep the first batch of cooked chicken warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining chicken.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer chicken will depend on the type of chicken you are cooking. For example, chicken tenders will take less time to cook than chicken thighs.

Chicken tenders should be cooked for 10 minutes on one side, flipped, and then cooked for another 3-5 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken tenders is 200ºC/390ºF.

Chicken thighs will take longer to cook than chicken tenders. You should cook chicken thighs for 8 minutes on one side, then flip them and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken thighs is 400˚F.

Chicken breasts should be cooked for 4 minutes on one side, flipped, and then cooked for another 2 to 5 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breasts is 390ºF.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and your air fryer model. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F.

How to make it crispy

To make your air fryer chicken crispy, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure your chicken has an even thickness by pounding it with a meat tenderiser. This will ensure that it cooks evenly, preventing the thinner parts from drying out.

Next, prepare your dredging station. You will need three wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix together your wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, and olive oil. In the second bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour. The third bowl will be used for the final dredge in flour or breadcrumbs again.

Now it's time to coat the chicken. Using tongs, dip each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the wet mixture, and finally, roll it in the flour or breadcrumbs once more, ensuring it's completely coated. Set the chicken aside on a baking sheet and repeat this process for the remaining pieces.

Generously spray all sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray. This step is crucial, as it will help create a crispy crust. Any areas that are not coated with oil may remain white and floury instead of crispy and golden.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Set the temperature to between 360-400°F and air fry for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For extra crispy chicken, you can air fry for an additional minute or two. You can also spritz the chicken with oil before cooking or let the coating air dry on the chicken for about 10 minutes before air frying.

Frequently asked questions