Air-Fryer Skinless Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's easy to see why. They're a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to cook your favourite fried foods. One of the most popular dishes to cook in an air fryer is chicken, and it's super easy to do. Here's a simple recipe for how to make fried skinless chicken in an air fryer.

How to prepare the chicken for the air fryer

Preparing the chicken for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to decide whether to brine or marinate your chicken. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, while marinating involves coating it in a mixture of spices and other ingredients. Both methods can add flavour and moisture to the chicken, but brining is generally less messy and takes less time. If you choose to brine, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 2 cups of room-temperature water and let the chicken sit in this solution for at least 15 minutes, or up to 6 hours in the fridge. Then, rinse the chicken with fresh water and pat it dry with paper towels. If you prefer to marinate, coat the chicken with your chosen spices and other ingredients, and let it sit for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Next, you will need to prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them into thinner, smaller, flat pieces. This will ensure more even cooking, juicier meat, and a larger surface area for the flavour to coat.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. You can either bread the chicken or simply season it with spices. For breading, you have two options: using seasoned dried breadcrumbs mixed with oil, or the traditional method of coating the chicken with egg and flour. If you choose the latter option, you can also add some oil to help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispier texture. Make sure to season the coating generously, as this is where most of the flavour comes from. You can also add a little bit of oil directly to the chicken to ensure the breading sticks and to enhance the crispiness.

Once your chicken is coated, it's almost ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 360°F-415°F (depending on the model and recipe you are following). You may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the size of your chicken breasts. As a general rule, smaller breasts (around 5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and larger breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it, and cook for the recommended time, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Finally, once the chicken is cooked to the desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender final product.

The best oil to use

When it comes to the best oil to use for air fryer chicken, there are a few options to consider. The type of oil you use can depend on the desired outcome and the specific model of your air fryer. Here are some recommendations and tips to help you choose the best oil for your air fryer chicken:

• Canola oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil are commonly used oils for air frying chicken. These oils have higher smoke points, which means they can withstand higher temperatures without burning or smoking. This is ideal for frying chicken, as it requires a relatively high temperature to cook effectively.
• If you're looking for a healthier option, olive oil is a good choice. It is a monounsaturated fat that is known for its heart-healthy benefits. However, keep in mind that olive oil has a lower smoke point than other options, so it may not be suitable for all air fryer models.
• Avocado oil is another healthy option that works well in an air fryer. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.
• Peanut oil is also suitable for air frying chicken, as it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that won't overpower the taste of your chicken.
• When using oils with higher smoke points, such as canola or peanut oil, it is important to monitor the temperature of your air fryer. These oils can handle higher temperatures, but you should still avoid overheating them, as it may produce harmful compounds.
• It is recommended to use a light coating of oil when air frying chicken. This helps the breading crisp up and gives it a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Some air fryer models may have specific recommendations or restrictions on the types of oil that can be used. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for guidelines and safety instructions.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for your chicken will depend on the size of your chicken breasts and the temperature of your air fryer. For example, if you have small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces), they will take 7 to 10 minutes to cook. If you have medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces), they will take 10 to 12 minutes. Large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12 to 16 minutes.

If you are cooking your chicken at 375°F (190°C), you will need to cook it for 7 minutes on the smooth side, then flip it over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you are cooking your chicken at 415°F, you will need to cook it for 10 minutes, or 13 minutes if you have larger pieces of chicken.

If you are cooking your chicken at 360°F, you will need to cook it for 9 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to ensure the chicken is cooked

The most important thing to remember when cooking chicken is that it needs to be cooked to a safe internal temperature. The best way to ensure this is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). It's best to remove the chicken from the air fryer a few degrees early, as the temperature will continue to rise while it rests.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check the chicken is cooked by cutting into it with a knife and fork to see if the meat is cooked through.

Preventing Dry Chicken

Overcooking is the main reason chicken becomes dry. It's important to keep a close eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn't dry out.

Brining the chicken before cooking will also help to keep it moist and juicy. Brining involves either submerging the chicken in a saltwater solution or sprinkling it with salt and leaving it to rest before cooking. This process helps the chicken absorb extra liquid and salt, improving its texture and flavour.

Reheating Chicken

It's best to reheat chicken in the oven rather than the air fryer, as the exterior can burn in the air fryer. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing and reheating your fried skinless chicken is important to ensure it stays crispy and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this.

Storing Your Fried Skinless Chicken:

• Allow the chicken to cool down: It is important to let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy chicken.
• Use airtight containers: Place the chicken in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This will help keep the chicken crispy by locking in moisture and preventing air from getting to the chicken, which can make it soggy.
• Add a paper towel: Place a paper towel in the container with the chicken to absorb any excess moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming soft.
• Refrigerate: Once the chicken has cooled, refrigerate it promptly. Consume the chicken within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavour.

Reheating Your Fried Skinless Chicken:

• Avoid the microwave: Microwaving chicken can make it soggy and is not recommended. The microwave heats the moisture in food, drying out the chicken and toughening the coating.
• Use an oven or air fryer: The best way to reheat fried chicken is in an oven or air fryer. This will help maintain the crispiness of the coating and prevent the meat from drying out.
• Bring to room temperature: Before reheating, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to reduce the chance of it drying out.
• Single layer: Place the chicken in a single layer on a rack or baking sheet to ensure even heating and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
• Temperature and timing: For an oven, preheat to 400°F and reheat for 10-15 minutes. For an air fryer, heat to 375°F and reheat for 3-8 minutes.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy your fried skinless chicken crispy and delicious, even as leftovers!

Frequently asked questions