Air Fryer Hot Cheeto Chicken: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly chicken dish, look no further than Hot Cheeto Chicken. This recipe is perfect for game day or a party, as it's a healthier option that can be made fresh and served immediately or warmed up in batches. The secret to this dish's success is the Cheeto coating, which gives the chicken a crunchy texture and a spicy kick. The chicken is also juicy and full of flavour, making it a delicious and addictive treat.

How to get the crunchiest coating

The key to getting a super crunchy coating on your Hot Cheeto Chicken is to not over-grind the Cheetos. You want to have a mix of fine crumbs and bigger pieces to get that fried-like crunch.

If you're using a food processor, pulse it in 1-2 second increments until you have a mix of dust and bigger crunchy pieces. You can also put the Cheetos into a sealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them, or place them in a heavy-duty ziplock bag, squeeze out the air and crush them with a meat hammer or by pressing down with a platter or baking dish.

If you want to add extra flavour to your chicken, you can add some garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano or dried basil to the flour. You can also add a few tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese to the Cheetos for a saltier, cheesier flavour.

When coating the chicken, use your hands or tongs to press the coating on top of the chicken, pressing firmly so that it stays.

How to prepare the chicken

Preparing the chicken is a straightforward process. Firstly, you'll want to cut the chicken breasts into strips, ensuring they are of similar thickness and size for even cooking. This is an important step as it ensures that all the chicken cooks at the same rate.

Next, you'll want to prepare the coating. For a simple option, you can use a flour coating, followed by an egg wash. Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water, and then dip the chicken in the flour, followed by the egg wash.

For a more complex flavour, you can prepare a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, and dip the chicken in this before coating with crushed Cheetos. To get the Cheetos to a suitable consistency, you can pulse them in a food processor, or place them in a sealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You can also add some larger pieces to the mix for added crunch.

Once coated, place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces aren't overlapping. Spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking, and cook in batches if necessary.

How to make the coating stick

To make the coating stick to your Hot Cheeto Chicken, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Dip the chicken in this liquid mixture before coating it with the crushed Cheetos. This will help the crumbs stick better and ensure that you don't end up with plain chicken and a pile of crumbs.

Next, you can coat the chicken with flour before dipping it in the liquid mixture. This will create an extra layer for the Cheeto crumbs to stick to.

After coating the chicken with the liquid mixture, it's time to add the Cheeto crumbs. You can do this by placing the chicken in a sealable bag with the crushed Cheetos and shaking it until the chicken is well coated. Make sure to press the coating onto the chicken firmly so that it stays in place. You can also use a food processor to pulse the Cheetos into a mealy texture with some bigger pieces remaining for added crunch.

Finally, before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the surface.

How to cook the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chicken. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders. If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into strips of similar thickness and size to ensure even cooking.

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Next, prepare your coating. You can use either Flamin' Hot Cheetos or regular Cheetos, depending on your preference for spice. Place the Cheetos in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed like breadcrumbs. You can also add some bigger pieces for added crunch. Alternatively, place the Cheetos in a sealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a meat hammer.

Set up three bowls for dredging: In the first bowl, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or dried oregano to the flour for extra flavor. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. In the third bowl, place your Cheeto crumbs. You can also add some shredded Parmesan cheese to the Cheeto crumbs for a cheesier flavor.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Use tongs or your hands to dredge the chicken pieces in flour, then dip them in the egg wash, and finally, coat them with the Cheeto crumbs. Make sure to press the coating onto the chicken firmly so that it stays put.

Once your chicken pieces are coated, place them in the air fryer basket that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray or cooking spray. Make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping.

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and delicious Hot Cheeto Chicken!

How to store leftovers

Storing your leftover Hot Cheeto Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge is the best way to keep it fresh and crispy.

Cool the Chicken:

Let the chicken cool down to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will prevent condensation from forming when you store the chicken, which can make the coating soggy.

Choose the Right Container:

Select an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for storage. Ensure the container is clean and dry. If you don't have an airtight container, you can tightly wrap the chicken in aluminum foil.

Use Paper Towels:

Line the bottom of the container with a layer of paper towels. This will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Arrange the Chicken:

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the container, avoiding overcrowding. Leave some space between the pieces to maintain crispness. If they are stacked or touching, the chicken can become damp and lose its crunch.

Add Another Layer of Paper Towel:

Once the chicken is arranged, place an additional layer of paper towel on top. This will help absorb any moisture that may accumulate during storage.

Seal and Label the Container:

Seal the container tightly to create an airtight environment. If using a resealable bag, squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness.

Refrigerate:

Place the container in the refrigerator promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume the leftover chicken within 3-4 days for the best quality and flavor.

Reheat Properly:

Avoid using the microwave to reheat the chicken, as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, use a conventional oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C) and warm the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Alternative Storage Methods:

There are a few alternative methods you can consider for storing your Hot Cheeto Chicken leftovers:

• Paper Bag Method: Store the cooled chicken in a paper bag, which allows for some airflow to prevent moisture buildup. However, this method is best for short-term storage, as the chicken can dry out over time.
• Baking Rack Method: Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and arrange the chicken pieces on the rack. This allows excess moisture to drip onto the sheet, keeping the chicken crispy. Cover loosely and refrigerate.
• Freezing: If you want to store the chicken for an extended period, consider freezing. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen chicken can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven or toaster oven.
• Re-frying: To restore the crispiness, you can re-fry the chicken in hot oil for a few minutes on each side. However, this method should be done sparingly to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your leftover Hot Cheeto Chicken with a crispy, delicious coating!

Frequently asked questions