Air-Fried Chicken: Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior

Making soft chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, healthy meal. It's a versatile method, as you can use a variety of cuts of chicken, from breasts to wings, drumsticks, thighs, and tenders. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.

The key to getting soft chicken in an air fryer is to avoid overcooking it. You can also brine the chicken before cooking it, which will help it stay juicy and tender. It's also important to leave space around the chicken in the air fryer, so that the hot air can circulate and cook it evenly.

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk

Marinating chicken in buttermilk is a great way to make it soft and juicy, and it's a technique that's been used for years. The slight acidity of buttermilk means it can tenderise the chicken without making it tough and chewy. It also helps the chicken go nice and flaky when you dredge it through the dry mix.

You'll want to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but no more than 24 hours. The longer you leave it, the more tender and flavourful it will be. If you're going to the trouble of making fried chicken, it's worth the wait!

To marinate the chicken, start by pouring the buttermilk into a bowl and adding your seasonings. You can use dried Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together, then add your chicken pieces and fully coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl and leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure it's fully coated.

When you're ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Then, shake off any excess buttermilk and coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Make sure you get the flour into every crevice of the chicken so that none of the flesh is showing.

Using the right temperature and timing

The temperature and timing are crucial factors in achieving soft and juicy chicken in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

Temperature Control:

• The ideal temperature for air frying chicken is 350°F to 415°F. However, it's important to note that some air fryers have lower maximum temperatures, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Preheating the air fryer is generally not necessary for this method, as it can lead to the outside of the chicken cooking faster than the inside, resulting in dryness.

Timing and Doneness:

• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. Smaller or thinly sliced chicken breasts will take around 7 to 10 minutes, while larger or thicker pieces can take up to 14 minutes or more.
• It's important to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• The best way to determine doneness is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F. However, removing it from the air fryer at around 155°F to 160°F and letting it rest will allow the chicken to reach the desired temperature without overcooking.
• For bone-in chicken pieces, dark meat such as thighs and legs might require slightly higher temperatures and longer cooking times than white meat.
• When cooking chicken strips, be cautious as they can dry out quickly. Check them frequently to ensure they are just cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F in the thickest part.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the chicken pieces to ensure proper air circulation, and cook in batches if necessary.
• Brining or marinating the chicken before cooking can significantly enhance its juiciness and flavour. Even a quick brine of 30 minutes can make a difference.
• If you're using frozen chicken, it's best to thaw it first and then coat it with spices before air frying.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil during the cooking process.

Brining the chicken

Brining is an essential step in ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender. The process involves salting the meat and letting it rest before cooking. This can be done using a wet brine (a saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling the meat with salt). You can also add other spices to your brine for extra flavour.

Even just 30 minutes of brining can make a huge difference in the texture and taste of your chicken. During brining, the meat absorbs extra liquid and salt. The salt flavours the meat throughout, so your chicken will taste seasoned, rather than bland. The liquid also helps to keep the meat moist.

If you're using frozen chicken, make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4-5 hours before brining and cooking. Then, let the chicken come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before seasoning and cooking.

If you're short on time, a dry brine is less messy and just as effective. Simply sprinkle your chicken with salt and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. You can also add other spices to your brine, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

After brining, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating it with the marinade or breading mixture. This will ensure your chicken is extra crispy and juicy.

Choosing the right size of chicken breasts

• Small Chicken Breasts: Typically, small chicken breasts weigh between 5 to 7 ounces. In an air fryer, they will take around 7 to 10 minutes to cook thoroughly.
• Medium Chicken Breasts: Medium-sized chicken breasts generally weigh between 8 to 10 ounces. Air frying them will take around 10 to 12 minutes.
• Large Chicken Breasts: Large chicken breasts usually weigh 11 ounces or more. They require a longer cooking time, ranging from 12 to 16 minutes in the air fryer.

It is important to note that these timings are approximate and can vary depending on the specific air fryer model and its settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your chicken while it's cooking and use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that thicker chicken breasts may require pounding to ensure even cooking. Slicing the chicken breasts into thinner pieces before air frying can also help reduce cooking time and promote even cooking.

Using the right oil

• Lightly coat the chicken with oil: Drizzle or spray a small amount of oil onto the chicken to ensure even coverage. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes browning for a crispy exterior.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Monitor the chicken during cooking: Keep an eye on the chicken as it fries. If you notice dry spots or areas that aren't browning evenly, lightly spritz those areas with oil to help the breading crisp up.
• Re-oil after flipping: When you flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process, lightly spritz or brush the other side with oil to maintain moisture and promote even browning.
• Experiment with different oils: While olive and avocado oils are great choices, you can also try other neutral-flavoured oils with high smoke points, such as peanut or canola oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavour and colour to your chicken.

Frequently asked questions