Crispy Air-Fried Chicken With A Cornflour Twist

Making crispy chicken in an air fryer with cornflour is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. The key to success is in the preparation and cooking method. Firstly, it is important to marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step ensures that the chicken is full of flavour and tenderizes the meat. After marinating, the chicken pieces are coated in a dry mixture, typically consisting of flour, cornstarch, and additional spices. The coating gives the chicken its crispy texture when cooked.

When cooking in an air fryer, it is crucial to spray the chicken with cooking oil to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. The chicken is then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation. Depending on the size of the air fryer and the chicken pieces, cooking times may vary, but generally, the chicken is cooked for around 15-20 minutes on each side. It is important to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The ideal internal temperature for the chicken is 165°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.

By following these simple steps, you can create delicious, crispy chicken in your air fryer using cornflour. Enjoy the juicy and tender meat with a crunchy coating, all made with less oil and mess than traditional frying methods!

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step in achieving juicy, tender fried chicken. The buttermilk's acidity tenderises the meat, and its thickness helps the flour coating adhere to the chicken.

To begin, clean the chicken by removing any excess fat. Then, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary to the marinade. Once the chicken is seasoned, place it in a bowl or a zipper sealable plastic bag and pour in enough buttermilk to cover the chicken pieces. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken sits in the buttermilk, the more tender and flavourful it will be.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes before using it as a marinade.

After the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. You are now ready to proceed with coating and air-frying the chicken!

Use cornflour and other spices for the coating

Cornflour is a great way to get that crispy fried chicken texture in an air fryer. The secret is to use a combination of cornflour and starch to get that perfect crunch.

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. You can then add your chosen spices to the chicken. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also add garlic powder for extra flavour. Massage the spices into the chicken, ensuring an even coating.

Next, prepare a bowl of cornflour and starch. You can use a simple starch like potato or corn starch, or something more flavourful like paprika. Dip the chicken into the cornflour mixture, ensuring an even coating. You can also sprinkle cornflour over the chicken to ensure every inch is covered.

Finally, place the chicken in the air fryer. For wings, there is no need to add oil, as the fat in the wings will be enough. For chicken breast, brush or spray the chicken with a small amount of oil to help the cornflour crisp up. Cook at 350-390°F for 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.

Your chicken should now be perfectly crispy and golden brown. Enjoy!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crispy chicken. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 350-390°F (about 180°C) for about 5 minutes before you put your chicken in. This extra heat will help the crust to crisp up quickly and give it a nice golden colour. It will also ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly, no matter what type of air fryer you are using.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to make sure that you are using the correct type of cooking spray or oil. You should avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays, as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket over time. Instead, use a mister or a pastry brush to apply your oil of choice. This will help to ensure that your chicken doesn't stick to the basket and that it cooks evenly.

You should also be generous with the amount of oil you use when preheating. It is important to coat the entire surface of the chicken with oil, as any areas that are not coated will stay white and floury after cooking. This is a key step in getting that crispy, golden texture that you want for your chicken.

In addition to preheating your air fryer, you should also make sure that your chicken is prepared properly before cooking. This includes patting the chicken dry before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture, as this will ensure that it is extra crispy and juicy. You should also let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after coating it, so that the mixture can adhere properly.

Oil the air fryer basket

Oiling the air fryer basket is an important step in achieving the perfect crispy chicken. The oil helps to "'fry' any leftover coating on the chicken and ensures that the chicken doesn't stick to the basket. You can use an oil spray or a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of oil to the basket. Make sure to coat the basket generously, as this will help to create a crispy, golden texture on the chicken.

When preparing the chicken for the air fryer, it is also essential to oil the chicken pieces themselves. Spray or brush the oil onto the chicken, ensuring that all areas are coated. This step will help the flour coating to crisp up and turn golden during cooking. Without oil, the flour may stay white and powdery.

When placing the chicken into the air fryer basket, ensure that the pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and helps to achieve the desired crispiness. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

During the cooking process, keep an eye on the chicken and check for any dry spots. If you notice any areas that look floury or dry, open the air fryer and spray or brush those spots with a little more oil. This will help to ensure that all parts of the chicken develop a delicious, crispy texture.

Finally, when it comes to choosing an oil for your air fryer, it is recommended to avoid aerosol non-stick cooking sprays. These sprays often contain additives that can damage the coating of your air fryer basket over time. Instead, opt for a mister or a pastry brush to apply your preferred oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Air fry the chicken

Now it's time to air fry your chicken!

First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 360°F or 390°F, depending on your recipe of choice). While that's heating up, you can prepare your chicken.

Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Then, place your chicken in a single layer in the basket, making sure the pieces don't touch. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.

If you notice any dry flour spots on the chicken while it's air frying, be sure to spray those spots with cooking spray. This will ensure that the breading becomes crispy rather than burning.

Frequently asked questions