Air-Fried Chicken Secrets: Crispy, Quick, And Easy

If you're a fan of crispy, juicy chicken, then cooking it in an Emeril Air Fryer is a must-try. This innovative appliance allows you to enjoy fried food with much less oil, resulting in healthier meals. To make fried chicken in an Emeril Air Fryer, you'll need to gather your ingredients, prepare and season the chicken, preheat the air fryer, and then cook the chicken to the appropriate temperature. You can use a variety of chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breast fillets, and season them with spices like paprika, garlic powder, Italian herbs, or cayenne pepper. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, but it's important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it's safe to eat. So, get your Emeril Air Fryer ready and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with that perfect crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior!

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is an essential step in achieving the classic fried chicken tenderness. It is recommended to let the chicken sit in the buttermilk mixture for at least an hour, or even up to 24 hours if you have the time. This process not only tenderises the meat but also ensures that the breading will stick to the chicken.

To prepare the buttermilk marinade, start by pouring the buttermilk into a large bowl. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as salt, sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Then, simply immerse the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring that they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to let the chicken marinate.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a homemade version by combining milk or half-and-half with vinegar. For each cup of buttermilk required, simply mix two tablespoons of vinegar with enough milk or half-and-half to make one cup of liquid. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes, and you'll have a perfect substitute for buttermilk.

The buttermilk marinade plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture of your fried chicken. It not only keeps the chicken moist and juicy during the air frying process but also helps the breading adhere to the meat, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior. So, don't skip this step and give your chicken the time it needs to soak up all that delicious buttermilk flavour!

Prepare the breading mixture

To prepare the breading mixture for fried chicken in an Emeril Air Fryer, you'll need to combine dry ingredients and spices. This mixture will vary depending on your preferences, but here are some general instructions:

Start by adding about 2 cups of all-purpose flour to a shallow dish. You can adjust the amount of flour depending on how much chicken you're preparing. The flour will serve as the base for your breading.

Next, you can enhance the flavour by adding some seasonings to the flour. This is where you can get creative and experiment with different spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. You can add about 1 tablespoon of each spice for every 2 cups of flour. Mix the flour and seasonings thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavour.

If you want an extra crispy coating, you can also include breadcrumbs in your breading mixture. Plain breadcrumbs are a good option as they easily absorb the flavours of the other ingredients. Add about 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs for every 2 cups of flour.

For an extra indulgent touch, you can even add some grated Parmesan cheese to your breading mixture. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, crunchy coating on your fried chicken. Add about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for every 2 cups of flour.

Once you've combined all the dry ingredients and spices, mix them well so that the breading is evenly distributed and seasoned. You can now use this breading mixture to coat your chicken pieces before placing them in the Emeril Air Fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your Emeril Air Fryer is a crucial step in achieving evenly cooked, juicy, and perfectly crispy fried chicken. Here's a comprehensive guide on preheating your air fryer:

Firstly, understand that preheating ensures your chicken starts cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer, resulting in a well-cooked and juicy dish. Set your desired temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C), on the air fryer. This temperature is recommended for a tender and juicy interior with a crispy exterior. However, you can adjust the temperature according to your preference and the texture you desire.

Allow the air fryer a few minutes to preheat and reach the desired temperature. You'll know it's ready when the air fryer's internal temperature matches your desired setting. This process should only take a few minutes, and you can confirm it has reached the desired temperature by referring to the air fryer's temperature display.

Once preheated, you can proceed to the next step of placing your prepared chicken in the air fryer. Remember to lightly brush each piece with olive oil or use a cooking spray before arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and that coveted crispy texture.

By preheating your Emeril Air Fryer, you're setting yourself up for success in creating delicious and healthy fried chicken with that perfect combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Coat the chicken in the breading

To coat the chicken in the breading, start by removing the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. It's important to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the buttermilk mixture before moving on to the next step. Next, transfer the chicken pieces to the flour mixture. You can use a large doubled brown paper bag or a plastic freezer bag for this step. Shake the bag to blend the ingredients and evenly coat the chicken.

Remove the chicken from the flour mixture and gently shake off any excess flour. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken, placing the coated pieces on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Allow the chicken to rest until you are ready to fry it, for at least 20 minutes. This step helps to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked.

You can also add additional ingredients to the breading mixture to enhance the flavour and texture. For example, crushed flaked corn cereal, Parmesan cheese, or Emeril's Essence Seasoning can be used to create a unique and tasty coating. Be creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and ingredients to find your perfect flavour profile.

Cook the chicken

Now that your chicken is seasoned, and the Emeril Air Fryer is preheated to the required temperature, it’s time to cook the chicken. Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, the cooking time may vary. As a general guideline, cook chicken thighs and drumsticks for approximately 20-25 minutes. Boneless chicken breasts may take around 15-18 minutes. It is always recommended to check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating it is safe to eat.

Before putting the chicken in the air fryer, lightly brush each piece with olive oil or use a cooking spray. This step helps to achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and hinder that desired crispy texture.

As mentioned earlier, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. To maintain a tender and juicy interior with a crispy exterior, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is generally recommended. However, you can adjust the temperature and cooking time according to your preference and the texture you desire.

To achieve an evenly cooked chicken, it is advisable to flip and shake the basket halfway through the cooking process. This guarantees that all sides receive equal heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly cooked and delicious chicken. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken pieces, making sure not to damage the crispy coating.

Once your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a golden-brown and crispy exterior, it’s time to remove it from the air fryer. Place the cooked chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period contributes to a more tender and succulent chicken.

Frequently asked questions