Air-Fried Chicken Perfection: Flour-Based, Crispy, And Quick!

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying chicken, offering a healthier, quicker, and less messy option. The air fryer's method of circulating hot air around food means you get a crispy, golden, and juicy chicken without the need for oil.

The process is simple: marinate the chicken in buttermilk and spices, coat it in flour, and then air fry. You can use a variety of spices and seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cajun seasoning, to add flavour to the chicken.

While air-fried chicken may not be identical to its deep-fried counterpart, it comes pretty close, and with far less oil and mess.

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step in achieving that classic fried chicken tenderness. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, prepare the buttermilk marinade by whisking together buttermilk and eggs in a large, shallow bowl. You can also add spices such as garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight for the best results. This process not only adds flavour but also helps tenderise the meat and promotes a crispier coating.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. It is now ready for the next step in the breading process, which typically involves dredging the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture.

By marinating the chicken in buttermilk, you are not only infusing flavour but also helping to create that signature crispy texture of fried chicken. This step is a key component in achieving mouthwatering air fryer fried chicken.

Use a mix of spices

Using a mix of spices is a great way to add flavour to your fried chicken. The spices you use will depend on your taste preferences and the type of fried chicken you want to create. Here are some suggestions for spices you can use:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Seasoned salt

You can also use pre-made spice mixes such as Cajun seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning. These mixes already contain a blend of spices, so you don't need to add additional spices.

When mixing your spices, be sure to combine them well. You can use a fork or whisk to stir them together. Adding the spices to the flour and stirring to combine will ensure your chicken is evenly coated in flavour.

If you want to add a bit of heat to your fried chicken, you can include spices like cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Alternatively, you can use a spicy chicken sandwich or hot honey chicken sandwich as inspiration and add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the batter.

Coat the chicken in flour

To coat the chicken in flour, you'll first want to prepare your flour mixture. In a shallow bowl or dish, add your flour, along with any spices or seasonings you desire. For example, you could add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and whisk the ingredients together.

Next, you'll want to coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Using tongs or your hands, dip each piece of chicken into the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Ensure that both sides of the chicken are well coated.

If you're using a wet batter, such as a mixture of buttermilk and eggs, you can dip the chicken in the batter before coating it in the flour. This will create a thicker coating on your chicken. Repeat the process, dipping the chicken in the batter and then the flour again, making sure to cover it completely.

Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or wire rack and let them rest before moving on to the next step of your recipe.

Air fry the chicken

Now it's time to air fry the chicken!

First, you'll want to make sure you don't overcrowd your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you'll want to cook the chicken in batches. Cooking in a single layer will help the chicken cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If you're using an air fryer basket, place 4-5 pieces of chicken inside, or as many as will fit in a single layer.

Next, you'll want to spray the chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. Be generous with the spray, as this will help the chicken get crispy and ensure that all the flour is cooked. Any missed parts will stay white when air-fried.

Now it's time to air fry! Air fry the chicken at 350-390°F for 14-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. For smaller pieces like chicken tenders, you'll only need to air fry for 15-16 minutes. For larger pieces, like chicken breasts, you may need to air fry for up to 25 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the chicken. You'll also want to spray the chicken again with cooking spray at this point, especially if you notice any floury spots.

For juicy, tender chicken, you'll want to make sure the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature will depend on the type of chicken you're cooking. Chicken breasts should be cooked to 165°F, while chicken thighs and drumsticks can be cooked to 170-175°F or even 180-185°F for more tender meat.

Once the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer fried chicken!

Reheat in the air fryer

The air fryer is a quick, easy, and efficient method for reheating fried chicken. It helps to retain a balance of crispy texture on the outside and a moist, juicy interior.

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to between 360°F and 375°F (or 182°C and 190°C). Preheat for a few minutes to get it hot enough to crisp up the fried chicken.
• Prepare the fried chicken: You can add more seasoning to the leftover chicken for extra flavor.
• Place in the basket: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and work in batches if necessary.
• Reheat: Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. For chicken tenders, reheat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through so they heat evenly.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• Serve: Fried chicken pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or salads and sandwiches.

Tips:

• Preheating the air fryer helps promote crispiness.
• Using a light coating of oil on the chicken can help restore crispiness, but it is optional.
• Monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Do not reheat the chicken more than once to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

Frequently asked questions