The Perfect Egg Wash For Air-Fried Chicken

How to Make Egg Wash for Chicken in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken with less oil, but the chicken can still be moist and juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior. To achieve this, you can use an egg wash. An egg wash is a simple mixture of egg and water or milk, which is used in baking and cooking to give a golden and shiny finish to baked goods. It can also help seasonings, seeds, or sugar stick to the surface.

To make an egg wash for chicken in an air fryer, you will need one large egg and two tablespoons of water or milk (or a combination of both). You can also add a pinch of salt or seasoning of your choice, but this is optional. First, crack the egg into a bowl, being careful not to include any shell fragments. Then, add the water or milk and, if desired, the salt or seasoning. Use a fork or a small whisk to beat the mixture until it is smooth and uniform in colour.

Once your egg wash is ready, you can dip your chicken pieces into it before coating them in breadcrumbs, flour, or another desired coating. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken and create a crispy, golden exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

How to Make Egg Wash for Chicken Air Fryer

The basic ingredients for an egg wash

You can also add a pinch of salt to the egg wash, which will add a touch of flavour. This is especially useful if you are not planning to season the chicken in other ways.

If you are using an air fryer, you can spray the chicken with cooking spray to ensure the flour mixture absorbs into the egg layer.

How to prepare the chicken before the egg wash

Preparing your chicken before the egg wash is a crucial step in the process of making fried chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Cut the Chicken into Pieces

Start by cutting a whole chicken into its meatiest parts, such as drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. You can also purchase these cuts separately. If you prefer, you can remove the skin from the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Brine or Marinade

For a simple brine, combine buttermilk, coarse salt, and sugar in a resealable plastic bag placed inside a bowl. You can also use regular milk or eggs if you don't have buttermilk. Add the chicken pieces to the brine, seal the bag, and chill for 2 to 4 hours. This step helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip this step and move on to the next one.

Step 3: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your choice of seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like. Mix the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Flour

After brining or marinating, remove the chicken from the liquid and pat it dry with paper towels. Now, coat the chicken pieces with the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 5: Dip in Egg Wash

This is where the egg wash comes in. In a separate bowl, prepare your egg wash by whisking together an egg, a small amount of water or milk, and a pinch of salt (optional). Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg wash, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 6: Second Flour Coating

After the egg wash, it's time for a second coating of the flour mixture. This step ensures a crispy, golden exterior on your chicken. Make sure to shake off any excess flour after dipping.

Step 7: Precook the Chicken (Optional)

At this point, some cooks like to precook the chicken to reduce frying time and ensure even cooking. Place the coated chicken in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Let the chicken cool down before proceeding to the frying step.

Now your chicken is ready for the final step of frying! Remember to fry your chicken until it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried chicken!

How to make the egg wash coating

The first step in making an egg wash is to crack a large egg into a bowl. Be careful not to get any shell fragments into the bowl.

Next, add liquid to the egg. You can use either water or milk, or a combination of both. The choice between water and milk can slightly alter the texture and colour of the chicken coating. Water typically results in a crisper crust, while milk can make it richer and slightly softer. You can adjust the ratio based on your preference. For example, you can use 1 tablespoon of water or milk for pastries, and 2 tablespoons for chicken.

At this point, you can also add a pinch of salt or seasoning to the mixture. This step is optional, especially if you plan to season the chicken in other ways.

Use a fork or a small whisk to thoroughly beat the egg and liquid together until they are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in colour.

Your egg wash is now ready to use! Before coating your chicken pieces in breadcrumbs, flour, or any other desired coating, dip them into the egg wash. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken and create a crispy, golden exterior when baked or fried.

How to apply the egg wash to the chicken

To apply the egg wash to your chicken, you can either dip the chicken pieces into the egg wash or brush it onto the surface of the chicken.

If you are making air fryer fried chicken, you can follow these steps:

• Dredge the chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture.
• Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash.
• Lift the chicken out of the egg wash and let any excess egg drip off.
• Dredge the chicken back into the flour mixture, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
• Shake off any excess flour.
• Place the coated chicken on the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not touching each other.

You can also spray the chicken with cooking spray after coating with the egg wash and flour mixture. This will help create a crispier skin and prevent floury patches.

If you are baking the chicken, you can brush the egg wash onto the surface of the chicken with a pastry brush. Be gentle to avoid deflating delicate dough.

How to cook the chicken after the egg wash

Once you've given your chicken pieces a thorough coating of egg wash, it's time to cook. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Some recipes suggest preheating for 5 minutes, while others don't specify a time. Check your air fryer's manual for the best results.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take your egged chicken and dredge it in a flour mixture. You can make this yourself by whisking together flour with salt and seasonings like Old Bay, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or baking powder. Make sure you coat the chicken well and shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Add Butter or Oil

For a crispier finish, dot the chicken with butter or spray it with cooking oil. This step is optional but will help create a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Cook at 350°F-400°F (180°C-200°C) for 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Thinner pieces will cook faster, while thicker pieces may take longer.

Step 5: Flip and Cook Again

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip your chicken pieces and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). For even crispier chicken, finish with 1-2 minutes at the highest temperature your air fryer can manage.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Air-fried chicken is best served immediately. If left to sit, the breading may become soggy as the chicken releases its juices. Enjoy your chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or green vegetables.

Frequently asked questions