Fried Chicken Perfection In Your Nuwave Brio Air Fryer

If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried chicken, then an air fryer might be the answer. Air fryers use little to no oil to create a crispy, fried texture, and the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer is no exception. With its super-heated cyclonic air technology, you can cook food evenly on all sides, resulting in tender and crispy chicken without the added fats.

There are a variety of recipes available for fried chicken in the Nuwave Brio Air Fryer, with different seasonings, coatings, and cooking times to choose from. Some recipes call for a simple dredging in flour, while others suggest a batter or breadcrumb coating. The cooking time will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the chicken pieces.

So, if you're looking to make fried chicken in your Nuwave Brio Air Fryer, there are plenty of options to choose from, and you can enjoy a delicious, healthier version of this classic dish.

Chicken preparation and coating

Chicken Preparation:

Before coating your chicken, it's important to decide on the type and cut of chicken you want to use. You can choose between chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or chicken tenders, each with its own cooking time and temperature requirements. For this guide, we'll focus on using chicken thighs, as they are a popular choice for air frying.

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the coating adhere better to the chicken. You can also trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken if desired, but leaving the skin on will result in juicier meat.

Coating the Chicken:

For a crispy and flavorful coating, you'll need to prepare a breading station with three separate dishes. In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour with your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like Old Bay Seasoning, paprika, or garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.

In the second dish, crack an egg and whisk it until the yolk and white are fully mixed. You can also add a splash of milk to the egg to make it easier to coat the chicken. The egg will act as a binder, helping the flour mixture stick to the chicken.

The third dish should contain a generous amount of plain breadcrumbs. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference for crunchiness. If desired, you can also add some of the same seasonings from the first dish to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Start by dredging each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the egged chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere to the chicken.

Repeat this process for each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well coated. You can also double-coat the chicken by repeating the process a second time. This will result in an extra crispy and crunchy texture.

Once your chicken is coated, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set. This will help prevent the coating from falling off during the frying process.

Now your chicken is prepared and coated, it's ready to be placed into the NuWave Brio Air Fryer for cooking. Follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model to achieve the best results. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried chicken!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fried chicken in a NuWave Brio Air Fryer will depend on the type of chicken piece and the desired level of crispiness.

For chicken thighs, cook at 390°F for 25-28 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 180-185°F. If you prefer your chicken thighs to be more tender, cook them to a higher temperature, as this will break down the meat fibers more.

For chicken breasts, cook at 390°F for 25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If your chicken breasts are large, they will take longer to cook.

For chicken tenders, cook at 390°F for 15-16 minutes, depending on their thickness.

If you are using a NuWave Deluxe Air Fryer, you can cook your chicken at a lower temperature of 350°F for 15 minutes on each side, or 30 minutes in total. If you desire crispier chicken, increase the temperature to 375°F.

Chicken type and cut

When making fried chicken in a NuWave Brio air fryer, it's important to consider the type and cut of chicken you use.

For juicy and tender results, opt for chicken with the bone-in and skin on. The skin helps to keep the chicken moist during the cooking process, and you can always remove it before serving if you prefer. If you're using skin-on chicken, a batter can help seal in the moisture and create a crispy exterior.

If you're looking for convenience, chicken tenders are a great option as they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Chicken thighs are also a good choice, as they have a higher fat content that keeps them moist and tender. They also have a bone that adds flavour to the dish.

For a healthier option, consider using chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that they can dry out faster, so it's important to cook them properly. You can use a batter or cook them with the skin on to help retain moisture.

Ultimately, the type and cut of chicken you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you're following.

Air fryer maintenance and cleaning

Before Cooking

Before you start cooking, it is important to note that the air fryer should not be filled past the maximum fill line. Overfilling the fryer can cause damage to the appliance and increase the risk of fire. It is also important to ensure that the air fryer is placed on a flat, level surface and that the basket is securely inserted before cooking.

After Cooking

Once you are done cooking, it is important to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. This will ensure that you don't burn yourself during the cleaning process.

Cleaning Removable Parts

The first step is to remove all the removable parts from the air fryer, including the basket, tray, and pan. These parts can be washed with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. If there is any stuck-on food, you can soak the parts in hot water and dish detergent for 10-15 minutes before cleaning. For very stubborn food residue, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush.

Cleaning the Interior and Exterior

Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer using a damp microfiber cloth or sponge with a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool as these can scratch the surface. Make sure to wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and dry the air fryer thoroughly before reassembling.

Cleaning the Heating Element

Turn the air fryer upside down and use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the heating element, removing any grease or food debris. Allow the heating element to dry completely before reassembling the air fryer.

Frequency of Cleaning

Ideally, the air fryer should be cleaned after every use to prevent charred food and grease buildup. The basket, tray, and pan should be washed after each use, either by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the model. The interior and exterior of the air fryer can be wiped down after every few uses. The heating coil should be checked every couple of months for oil residue and cleaned if necessary.

What Not to Do

• Do not use metal utensils, steel wool, or abrasive sponges to remove stuck-on food as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Do not use disinfectants or other cleaning agents that are not approved for food-contact surfaces.
• Do not submerge the main unit in water as this can cause electrical shock or damage the appliance.

Tips for Odor Removal

• Soak the food basket and drawer in soapy water for 30-60 minutes, then clean as usual.
• Rub a cut lemon over the basket and drawer, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rewash.

Chicken seasoning and flavouring

Choosing the Right Chicken:

Start by selecting the right cut of chicken. You can use chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or chicken tenders. Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces are recommended for extra flavour and moisture.

Marinating the Chicken:

For a simple marinade, place the chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag and add buttermilk, along with your choice of seasoning. You can use a dry ranch dressing mix, garlic salt, or any other seasoning blend you like. Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight, or for at least a few hours.

Dipping and Coating:

Set up three dipping bowls for a crispy coating. In the first bowl, whisk an egg with an egg white. The second bowl should contain breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of seasoning—this could be more of the dry ranch dressing mix, garlic salt, or another blend. The third bowl should contain a flour mixture, such as all-purpose flour, seasoning salt, and a spice blend like Old Bay Seasoning. First, dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs, and finally, dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.

Cooking Spray (Optional):

At this point, you can choose to spray the chicken with cooking spray, but it is not necessary, especially if you are using skin-on chicken. The skin contains enough natural grease to crisp up during frying. However, if you want to ensure even crispness, a light coating of cooking spray won't hurt.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your Nuwave Brio Air Fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Set the timer for 15 minutes at first, then flip the pieces over and set the timer for another 15 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. For crispier chicken, you can increase the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preventing Sogginess:

Remember to remove the chicken from the air fryer as soon as the timer goes off. Leaving it inside with the steam can make the coating soggy. Also, ensure that you clean the air fryer basket regularly, as any leftover residue can affect the taste and texture of your chicken.

Frequently asked questions