Air Fryer Shredded Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, thanks to their ability to cook food quickly and healthily. One dish that can be made easily in an air fryer is shredded chicken. This versatile protein can be used in various recipes, from tacos and salads to soups and sandwiches. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also produces juicy and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Choosing the right chicken

When it comes to choosing the right chicken for your air fryer shredded chicken, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs as they are easier to shred and cook more evenly. Bone-in chicken can be used, but it will take longer to cook and be more difficult to shred.

If you are particular about the texture and taste of your chicken, chicken thighs are a good option as they have more fat and are more flavorful, making them juicier and more tender. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, are leaner and have a milder taste.

Another factor to consider is the size of the chicken. If you are using a whole chicken, ensure it is small or medium so that it fits comfortably in your air fryer. For chicken breasts or thighs, opt for larger pieces as they will yield more meat for shredding.

When purchasing your chicken, look for meat with a fresh, pale pink color and avoid any with bruises or discoloration. The packaging should be undamaged, and the chicken should be cold to the touch. It is also important to check the "best before" date to ensure the chicken is fresh.

Lastly, consider the quality of the chicken and opt for free-range or organic options whenever possible. These chickens are typically raised in better conditions and fed higher-quality feed, resulting in more flavorful and nutritious meat.

Preparing the chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken:

Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for your air fryer shredded chicken. Chicken breasts are leaner, while chicken thighs are fattier, juicier, and more tender.

Seasoning and Marinating:

Coat the chicken pieces generously with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs to enhance the flavor. Additionally, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings to keep it moist and tasty.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360°F to 400°F, for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps the chicken stay tender.

Cooking the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket. For chicken breasts, cook at 390°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. For chicken thighs, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked.

Resting and Shredding:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to cool slightly before handling. Finally, use two forks, meat shredder claws, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking the chicken

The first step in making shredded chicken in an air fryer is to prepare the chicken. Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. You can use a whole chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs for this recipe.

Next, season the chicken. You can use any combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs. You can also coat the chicken with olive oil to keep it tender and moist.

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you're using, so it's best to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

After the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle.

Shredding the Chicken

There are several ways to shred the chicken, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available. You can use two forks to pull the meat apart, or you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on a low speed. Another option is to use a kitchen gadget called shredding claws, which are designed specifically for shredding meat. Simply grab the handles and move them from side to side to shred the chicken.

Shredding the chicken

There are a few different ways to shred the chicken:

• Using two forks: Hold a fork in each hand and use them to pull the meat apart. This method is a little more labour-intensive but will get the job done!
• Using shredding claws: These are an inexpensive tool that can quickly and easily shred chicken, as well as other meats like pork and beef.
• Using a stand mixer: Place the chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on a low speed with the paddle attachment. Be careful not to overwork the chicken, as this will dry it out.
• Using your hands: Once the meat has cooled, you can simply use your hands to shred it into pieces.

Once you've shredded the chicken, you can load it back into the air fryer with a little extra oil and cook for another 3 minutes to make it super crispy.

Storing the chicken

Once you've cooked your chicken, it's important to store it properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing your shredded chicken:

• Let the chicken cool: Before storing your chicken, let it cool down to room temperature. This will help prevent bacteria growth and ensure that your chicken stays fresh for longer.
• Use airtight containers: Place the chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigerate or freeze: You can store the chicken in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze it for 2-3 months. If you plan to freeze the chicken, it's best to use it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• Thaw frozen chicken safely: When you're ready to use the frozen chicken, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This is the safest way to thaw meat and ensures that your chicken remains high quality.
• Reheat properly: When reheating your chicken, use the microwave at 50% power or a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to moisten the chicken and prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before removing it from the heat. This ensures that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Avoid overcooking: Overcooking the chicken can make it rubbery. Remove the chicken from the air fryer when it reaches the desired internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions