Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Easy, Quick, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make fried chicken that is crispy, tender, and juicy without the mess and extra fat of deep-frying. The air fryer's convection heat creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender, and it's easier to clean up than a pot of hot oil. You can use an air fryer to make a variety of fried chicken recipes, including classic fried chicken, chicken tenders, chicken wings, and more.

How to prepare the chicken before frying

Preparing your chicken before frying is a crucial step in the process of making air fryer fried chicken. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Choose the Right Chicken

Select chicken pieces with bone-in and skin-on. This includes a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts. The bone-in and skin-on options add moisture and flavour to the chicken, resulting in juicier and more delicious meat.

Brine the Chicken

Brining the chicken is an optional step but is highly recommended for deeper flavour and a juicier texture. Create a brine solution by mixing buttermilk with spices such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. You can also add an egg to the brine to help the flour mixture stick better to the chicken. For best results, let the chicken sit in the brine for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if you're preparing it ahead of time.

Coat the Chicken

After brining, remove the chicken pieces from the brine and shake off any excess liquid. Then, coat the chicken with a flour mixture. You can use a simple combination of all-purpose flour with seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, or get creative with spices like cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly and evenly.

Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is coated, let it rest on a baking sheet or wire rack while you preheat your air fryer. This step helps the coating adhere better to the chicken and ensures a crispier final product.

Oil the Chicken

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, lightly coat both sides of the chicken pieces and the air fryer basket with oil. You can use an oil mister or a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of oil. This step is crucial, as it helps the chicken cook evenly and creates a crispy texture.

How to make the chicken crispy

To make the chicken crispy, follow these steps:

Marinate the Chicken

Firstly, add spices and buttermilk to a large bowl, along with the chicken. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken. You can also add eggs to the mixture to help the flour coating stick to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken

Next, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in a flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. You can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture to help thicken the batter.

Prep the Air Fryer

Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Make sure the chicken pieces do not overlap, but it is okay if they are touching.

Air Fry the Chicken

Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 5-12 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Crispy Chicken

• Use an oil mister to control the amount of oil used and ensure an even coating.
• Marinate the chicken in advance for up to 24 hours to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and enhance the flavour.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, keeping cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven.
• Check for dry spots halfway through the cooking time and mist with oil if needed.
• Be generous with the oil spray to ensure all parts of the chicken are coated.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature.

How to make the chicken juicy

To make juicy fried chicken in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to use bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. The bone adds moisture and flavour to the meat, while the skin helps the coating stick and creates a crispy texture.

Secondly, create a brine or marinade for the chicken to soak in before cooking. A simple brine can be made by mixing buttermilk with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add an egg to the mixture, which helps the flour coating adhere better to the chicken. For best results, let the chicken sit in the brine for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours if you're preparing it in advance. This will ensure the chicken is juicy and full of flavour.

Finally, when cooking the chicken in the air fryer, be sure to use a lower temperature setting initially (around 300°F) and then increase the heat to 390-400°F to finish cooking and create a crispy coating. This two-step process ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out, resulting in juicy, tender meat.

How to make the chicken tender

Making the chicken tender involves a few key steps. Firstly, the choice of chicken is important; bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, and breasts are ideal. Skin-on chicken is preferable as it adds flavour and moisture, but skinless chicken can also be used.

The next step is to brine or marinate the chicken. This is a crucial step in tenderising the meat and can be done using buttermilk, or a mixture of buttermilk and spices/hot sauce. The chicken should be left to soak in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, leave it for up to 24 hours. This will ensure the chicken is juicy and tender.

After brining, the chicken should be coated or dredged in a flour mixture. This will give the chicken a crispy texture. The flour mixture can include spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for added flavour. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly, and shake off any excess flour.

Finally, the chicken should be cooked in the air fryer at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time. A lower temperature of around 300°F is ideal initially, followed by a higher temperature of 390-400°F to finish cooking and create a crispy outer layer. The total cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces, but it usually takes around 25-30 minutes.

By following these steps, you can ensure your air-fried chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy, golden coating.

How to reheat the chicken

To reheat your air fryer chicken, it's best to avoid using a microwave, as this will make the breading soggy. Instead, use your air fryer or a preheated oven to preserve the crispy texture. Here are some detailed instructions:

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• Bring your leftover chicken to room temperature.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 375°F.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for about 4 to 7 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

Reheating in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F.
• Lay out the chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
• Bake the chicken in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions